Hegid Watches

At Watch Brothers, we’re lucky to have brands occasionally reach out to us, a gesture that’s both exciting and humbling. Recently, we were contacted by Hegid Watches, a brand that was new to us, offering to send some samples for review. After a bit of a mix-up with FedEx, the much-anticipated package finally arrived, albeit several weeks late. Unfortunately, Mark had just left for a six-week family holiday, leaving me to manage things solo.

There’s something undeniably thrilling about receiving a new watch delivery, and I felt that familiar excitement when the package arrived. I had already browsed Hegid’s website, so I had a general idea of what to expect. But when I finally found some time to sit down and unwrap the parcel, I was more pleasantly surprised than I anticipated. The watches exceeded my expectations, both in design and quality, making the wait well worth it.

Paris-based Hegid Watches embarked on its journey in 2016 with a clear and innovative concept. To build a watch brand centred on a modular system that allows users to effortlessly switch the movement between different case designs and strap options. The co-founders, brothers Grégory and Henrick Gauché, alongside Emeric Delalandre, dedicated several years to perfecting their vision. By 2018, their hard work culminated in the release of their first creations.

Today, Henrick leads Hegid with a close-knit team of five, all committed to driving the brand’s development and growth. This French “Watchmaking Maison” is known for its artisanal craftsmanship, always striving for excellence in each timepiece they create.

Henrick Gauché – CEO, Emeric Delalandre – CMO, Grégory Gauché – CTO

Their mission goes beyond just making watches; they aim to elevate French watchmaking and add a new dimension to the experience of collecting timepieces. Central to this mission is their patented EVOL locking capsules, a concept that allows collectors to customise and evolve their watches, making each piece uniquely personal.

The majority of their sale 80%-85% are all within France, but they aim to start growing the brand in the USA and Canada, a huge untapped market. That is the job of Scott Montemurro, their Chief Commercial Officer, eager to help develop the brand globally. Once you buy a Hegid, you are committed to sticking with the brand and choosing something within its growing range for your next purchase. Although the concept is simple, it has been done before by other brands, but not to this success and level.

The heart of the watch is the capsule, a movement sealed within a Stainless steel case. Powering them is a high-grade Sellita SW200, offering both 40 hours of power reserve and 100m of water resistance. Protection from above is from a sapphire crystal, AR-coated allowing optimal visibility. Hegid told us that the movements are all regulated to a much higher level than the standard Sw200, to within +/- 1-2  seconds a day.

There are currently 12 dial options available, although currently, not all are in stock. The lume on the dials is very low and almost non-existent and I feel at this level should be more legible.

There are currently 8 different cases (Or carrures, en Français) available to choose from, in a range of styles and finishes, so something for everyone.  The attention to detail as far as finishing and craftsmanship is impressive and something Hegid are proud of. As new cases are developed, it is a simple and relatively inexpensive (£220 -£380) way to add another look to your watch.

Swapping them over is such a simple operation, it’s as easy as as a quarter-turn of the capslock ring on the underside of the case and the capsule drops out. It’s really that easy and with the 12 x dials,  8 carrures and 20+ strap options, all quick release there are over 5700 combinations available. Perhaps too much choice, however, you should easily be able to create a unique look within seconds.

With around 20 different strap options in a manner of colours and materials, these too have been well considered.  The calf leathers and rubber straps are of impressive quality. They match the Hegid DNA perfectly, all with quick-release pins, making it a dream to swap them out.

For More Articles and Reviews, Click HERE