Rémy Cools, 27, is flying high after being awarded the “Horological Revelation” Prize for his Tourbillon Atelier, the follow-up to his first watch, the celebrated Souscription Tourbillon, at GPHG 2024.
The talented French watchmaker first drew attention after winning the FP Journe Young Talent Competition in 2018 with the Mechanica Tempus Pendulette Tourbillon desk clock–created while in watchmaking school. His fascination with the tourbillon continued into his professional life, with his first two series placing the complication front and centre. “All my school projects had revolved around the tourbillon. I appreciate this complication a lot because I think it shows off my ability and know-how as a watchmaker,” he said when we met at IAMWATCH in Singapore.
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Remy Cools interacting with watch collectors at IAMWATCH in Singapore
Cools discovered his passion for watchmaking at 11 after visiting the Frédéric Piguet workshop in the Vallée de Joux. “It was a revelation. There were all these different types of watchmaking tasks. I got to sit at a watchmaker’s workbench and work on something. After the visit, I told my parents I wanted to be a watchmaker,” he revealed.
Cools is inspired by the traditions of French watchmaking, and is committed to preserving its craft through his brand. He makes most of the movement components, and hand-finished every one of them. The Tourbillon Atelier, a refined version of the Souscription Tourbillon, is a reflection of this dedication. The watch is a 39mm platinum with rose gold or yellow gold dial plate with finely grained finish. The centrepiece—a tourbillon—boasts a Breguet hairspring that has been meticulously formed by hand.
Cools operates a true boutique watchmaking workshop, where the only team members are himself and his girlfriend, who is also a watchmaker.
Remy Cools Tourbillon Atelier
Why watches?
It’s the perfect meeting of mechanical and aesthetical beauty.
What unique perspective do you think you bring to watchmaking as a Frenchman?
France has a long heritage and tradition in artisanal watchmaking. I’m deeply influenced by French watchmaking between the 17th and 19th century. For me, this was the golden era, marked by a freedom to create, resulting in truly inventive works, such as some marine chronometers.
Our approach has always been more artisanal than industrial. It’s important for me to continue this legacy—handmade, hand-finished, limited production.
How do you balance the past and the present?
By making watches that I like. My approach is traditional but I'm very clear about my vision. I’m very focused on the details. I changed my drawings numerous times. I’ll go away, and a few days later, revisit the drawing and change my mind about something. It takes me as long as one or two years to develop a new movement.
What is your approach to design?
Keep it simple. I prefer to concentrate on essential timekeeping. Sometimes, simplicity is more complicated because you have to be very accurate and precise.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Be patient and take the time to do things the right way.
What is your dream watch to make?
My next watch.
What is your next watch?
I have seven or eight projects at the moment but for certain, the next watch will not have a tourbillon.
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