By Kien Lee
In the ever-evolving world of haute horologerie, there exists a rare breed of watchmakers who aren’t afraid to break the mold. Trilobe, a French independent brand founded in 2017, is precisely one of those mavericks.
With a clear vision to craft watches that challenge traditional design conventions, co-founders Guillaume Tetu and Mickael Borgeat created a brand that strays far from the usual, yet never compromises on precision and artistry. Inspired by the idea of “poetic complications,” Trilobe’s creations are a testament to innovation, with a heavy emphasis on bringing emotional and visual elements into timekeeping.
The Une Folle Journée is an embodiment of the brand's fearless creativity, fusing avant-garde design with technical sophistication. The name, which translates to “A Crazy Day,” alludes to the timepiece's audacious approach to horology.
With this watch, Trilobe challenges the very essence of how we experience time, with a unique display that blends bold aesthetics with intricate mechanics. The result is a watch that feels more like an art piece, inviting its wearer to experience time through an entirely new lens.
One of the most striking features of the Une Folle Journée is its unconventional display. Eschewing the classic hands, this timepiece employs three rotating discs to tell the time. These discs are arranged in a triangular formation, adding an element of dynamism as they move across the dial. The hours, minutes, and seconds are marked by these disks, which glide smoothly, creating a mesmerizing dance.
Each disk is treated with a unique design and color palette, ensuring the watch catches the light in surprising ways. The seamless rotation and interplay of these discs create a sense of rhythm—an experience where time feels more like an emotion than a number.
Underneath this striking display lies an exceptional movement: the Trilobe Caliber T100, which was entirely developed in-house. Powered by a 72-hour power reserve, the movement is a feat of engineering, offering both precision and durability. This caliber marries modern mechanical prowess with the brand's distinct visual language.
The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the brushed and polished finishes of the movement, a true testament to Trilobe's craftsmanship.
In 2025, Trilobe adds three new editions to the collection. Each of the three feature rhodium-plated birdges, in a case made of titanium. The three colours of black, green and blue ringed editions add to the previous offerings of blue and black editions, featuring a movement with Anthradec finishes, as well as the dune edition.
With the Une Folle Journée, Trilobe has not only introduced a new form of timekeeping but also captured the essence of what independent watchmaking is all about—boldness, creativity, and technical excellence. As it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in watch design, Trilobe firmly places itself at the intersection of artistry and precision, offering collectors a chance to own not just a watch, but a conversation starter.