In the world of high-end horology, where tradition and heritage often dictate the rules, a new player is making waves with an avant-garde approach to mechanical luxury. Vanguart, an independent Swiss watch brand, is rewriting the narrative of watchmaking, blending intricate craftsmanship with bold, futuristic aesthetics.
“We never set out to fill a gap in the market; our vision was always to create something uniquely our own,” explains Axel Leuenberger, CEO of Vanguart. Alongside co-founders Mehmet Koruturk, Thierry Fisher, and Jeremy Frelechox, Leuenberger has propelled the brand to prominence in a landscape dominated by legacy watchmakers. Their formula? A focus on small-scale, meticulously crafted timepieces that challenge convention while staying true to the core principles of luxury watchmaking.
The roots of Vanguart stretch back to 2016, when a shared passion for horology brought its founders together. Officially established in 2021 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brand benefits from the extensive experience of Leuenberger and Frelechox, both of whom honed their skills at Audemars Piguet Renaud Papi (APRP). Working under the legendary watchmaker Giulio Papi, they mastered the delicate balance between technical excellence and artistic expression. “For us, both the mechanics and aesthetics of a watch must be equally refined,” says Leuenberger. “A striking design without masterful finishing simply won’t stand the test of time.”
Vanguart’s latest creation, the Orb, is a testament to this philosophy. This striking timepiece reinterprets the classic round watch, pushing the boundaries of both engineering and design. Available in titanium or rose gold, it introduces a hand-finished flying tourbillon movement and a radical new take on the traditional crown. Enter the ‘orbital mass’—a mesmerizing mechanism that replaces the standard winding system with a floating, diamond-adorned component that moves seamlessly around the watch’s dial. Switching between manual and automatic modes sets the diamond into motion, creating an almost hypnotic effect. “The illusion is part of the magic,” says Leuenberger. “It keeps people guessing, which is exactly what we wanted.”
With a sleek 41mm case, the Orb is designed to be unisex, marking a shift away from rigid gender distinctions in luxury watchmaking. “Watches today are meant to be worn and experienced, not just locked away in safes,” notes Koruturk. “Wearability and comfort are now paramount, and we’ve embraced this philosophy in every aspect of the Orb’s design.”
This blend of technical ingenuity and visual artistry is what sets Vanguart apart in the thriving independent watchmaking scene. As collectors increasingly seek alternatives to mainstream luxury brands, Vanguart’s rise signals a broader shift in the industry.
“The appetite for independent watchmaking is stronger than ever,” Leuenberger observes. “More collectors are discovering the world beyond traditional powerhouses, and younger generations are more informed and curious than ever before. It’s an exciting time for indie brands, and we believe the future of high horology is being shaped right now.”
With only three years under its belt, Vanguart has already carved a niche among collectors who appreciate both innovation and craftsmanship. If the Orb is any indication of what’s to come, this young brand is well on its way to becoming a major force in the world of haute horology.
