There’s just something about French design (a je ne sais quoi, if you will) that isn’t afraid to be a bit offbeat. French cars, for example, are famously quirky, and some of modern France’s most famous architectural landmarks – from the Eiffel Tower to the Centre Pompidou – were, at the time of their construction, incredibly bold statements. That’s exactly what the Beaubleu Seconde Française is, too: a bold, very French horological statement that offers Parisian panache and refinement at a surprisingly reasonable price point.
The case
In terms of watch cases, 2025 has been defined by two major design trends: shaped cases and hidden lugs. The Seconde Française features the former rather than the latter: while it has a relatively conventional circular form, it’s got a real ‘disco volante’ vibe which feels very of the zeitgeist and gives it a shapely, demure aesthetic. And it might not have hidden lugs, but it does have a hidden crown, with the curvaceous lug shoulders flowing over the top of the crown, almost blanketing the case middle, showing off alternate brushed and polished surfaces.
Dimensions-wise, it wears quite nicely, measuring up at 39mm in diameter, 10.2mm thick and 45mm lug-to-lug. Proportionally, the lugs feel a little on the long side, but that’s a nitpick.
The dial
Seconde Française means “French seconds”, and Beaubleu has come up with an artful description of what that’s supposed to be: “[A] unit of time specific to the French way of life. Light, mysterious and approximate, it illustrates a certain taste of the Moment, a bit casual.” Oh là là. Well, I’ll indulge it if this is what a French seconds indicator is supposed to be. Rather than hands, the Beaubleu Seconde Française utilises three rings, which feature small tips that point to the hours, minutes and seconds.
At first glance, it’s a slightly bewildering way to read the time – it reminds me of a circus artist spinning hula hoops – but it’s entirely functional. These circular hands are a signature of Beaubleu’s, with all of its model ranges utilising them, but the Seconde Française stands out from the pack by using a “flying seconds”. This hand/circle is mounted on a transparent disc, meaning the Seconde Française is technically a mystery dial (a format of timepiece that the most famous French name in watchmaking, Cartier, is well-known for… So it feels quite appropriate).
There are two dial variants for the Seconde Française: pictured here is the ref. 19.24, which features an enamelled dial with printed details, while the ref. 20.24 replaces the printed lines with embossing. The former is available in Midnight Blue, Imperial Green and Anthracite Grey, and the latter in Pearl Grey or Salmon. I do think the Midnight Blue is the pick of the bunch, though: if you’re committing to the French bit, blue feels most on-brand.
The strap
The Beaubleu Seconde Française can be had with either a grained or caiman leather-patterned leather strap, or a Milanese bracelet with integrated ends (a premium and welcome touch).
The movement
Powering the Seconde Française is the France Ébauche Calibre FE. Being able to offer a French-made movement for the first time is a point of pride for Beaubleu, which has previously used Japanese Miyota movements for its other models. France Ébauche was a major French mechanical watch movement manufacturer that went bankrupt in 1997 and was revived by the Festina Group in 2023. It currently offers two calibres, both based on historical France Ébauche designs, and clearly positioned to compete with ETA and Sellita offerings from Switzerland. However, as of publishing, few brands outside of the Festina Group utilise these movements.
It’s not a bad movement, though: Festina also owns Soprod, another major (Swiss) movement manufacturer, and Beaubleu relates that “the close relationship between France Ébauche and Soprod allows us to offer a 5-year warranty”, which should put consumers’ minds at ease. Reading between the lines here, the Calibre FE’s timekeeping and gear train components are sourced from Switzerland. Spec-wise, it has a 46-hour power reserve and 4Hz beat rate, and while it’s not finished spectacularly, it’s not an unpleasant-looking movement. I’d describe it as being overall a bit nicer than an ETA 2824.
The verdict
I feel as if I’ve spent a lot of time writing about French watches this year, but I’m not complaining. France might border Switzerland, and is one of the world’s biggest names in luxury goods in its own right, but it’s exciting to see a real revival of French watchmaking and how it’s carving out a distinct identity for itself compared to its Swiss brethren. The Beaubleu Seconde Française is emblematic of this: it offers a stylish and playful way to tell time without being too obtusely hard to read or outrageously expensive. Beaubleu’s own description of a “French second” feels absolutely apt.
Beaubleu Seconde Française pricing and availability
The Beaubleu Seconde Française will be available for a limited time via our ‘Hot Drops’ program in the Time+Tide Shop. Price: €1,490 (leather), €1,590 (steel mesh)
Brand
Beaubleu
Model
Seconde Française
Reference Number
19.24 (printed dial)
20.24 (embossed dial)
Case Dimensions
39mm (D) x 10.2mm (T) x 45mm (LTL)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
50 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front and back
Dial
Midnight Blue, Imperial Green or Anthracite Grey with printed details
Pearl Grey or Salmon with embossed details
Lug Width
20mm
Strap
Leather strap, curved spring bars, steel deployant clasp
Steel mesh bracelet, folding adjustable clasp
Movement
France Ebauche Calibre FE, automatic
Power Reserve
46 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, mysterious seconds
Availability
Limited to 888 pieces
Price
€1,490 (leather)
€1,590 (steel mesh)