Sylvain Pinaud

Sylvain Pinaud is an eponymous independent watch brand and artisan workshop in Sainte-Croix, not merely a biographical label.

FH’s 2020 profile dates Pinaud’s own-workshop establishment to the end of 2017.

Europa Star’s 2023 interview instead describes his departure from employment and independent workshop at the end of 2016.

His preparation included Morteau training, work at Franck Muller, restoration with Dominique Mouret and prototyping in the former THA workshop.

The atelier’s documented activities include design, movement construction, component work, finishing, assembly and clock/watch restoration.

For the early artisanal monopusher chronograph, FH reports approximately 80% atelier manufacture while retaining the ETA 6497 gear train and escapement.

The chronograph was exhibited at Baselworld in 2019 and was connected with Pinaud’s Meilleur Ouvrier de France recognition.

Origine received the GPHG Horological Revelation Prize in 2022.

The 2023 Origine account excludes jewels, screws and the Straumann hairspring from atelier-made movement components; it identifies an externally made dial and case.

Hodinkee reported a new Sylvain Pinaud Tourbillon in April 2026, providing recent evidence of new-watch activity.

The maker’s website publishes a workshop address at Rue des Rasses 16A, Sainte-Croix, and presents the Chronograph Monopusher and Origine.

FH distinguishes François Junod’s automata practice from Pinaud’s watchmaking while describing their collaboration.

Pinaud’s significance lies in connecting restoration-informed construction with small-scale, visibly finished contemporary watches; supplier participation remains part of that practice.