In the world of luxury watches, few brands dare to challenge the status quo like Trilobe. Founded in 2018 by Gautier Massonneau, this French watchmaker has carved a niche with its unconventional approach to timekeeping. Now, celebrating its seventh anniversary, Trilobe has unveiled the Trente-Deux, a striking new collection that blends sporty elegance with the brand’s signature poetic flair. This luxury sports watch, named after the address of Trilobe’s Parisian workshop at 32 Avenue de l’Opéra, marks a significant milestone for the brand with its first in-house movement and a design that commands attention.
A Fresh Take on Timekeeping
Trilobe’s watches have always stood out for their innovative time display. Instead of traditional hands, the Trente-Deux uses three rotating discs to show hours, minutes, and seconds, each marked by a fixed pointer shaped like the brand’s trefoil logo. This concept, first introduced with the 2018 Les Matinaux collection and refined in the 2020 Nuit Fantastique, gives the watch a dynamic, almost hypnotic quality as time seems to flow across the dial. The hours spin counterclockwise on the outer ring, while minutes and seconds intertwine in a figure-eight pattern on the left side of the dial. It’s a design that invites you to linger, appreciating the artistry as much as the function.
Image credit: Trilobe
The Trente-Deux’s dial is available in two colors: a deep, sunray-brushed blue or a subtle grey. Both options feature a matte finish that catches the light beautifully, creating a sense of depth. The hour ring is grained for texture, while the minutes disc inside the figure-eight has a similar grainy finish. The seconds disc adds a touch of sophistication with a snailed ring and a Clous de Paris guilloché pattern at its center. Silver frames separate the dial elements, adding a polished contrast that elevates the overall look. It’s a dial that feels both modern and timeless, perfect for a guy who appreciates craftsmanship but doesn’t want to blend into the crowd.
A Case Built for Style and Substance
The Trente-Deux’s case is where its sporty character shines. Measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 10.15mm thick, with a lug-to-lug width of 46.18mm, it’s compact enough to wear comfortably but substantial enough to make a statement. Crafted from stainless steel, the case is a seven-part masterpiece, blending satin-brushed surfaces with mirror-polished bevels for a refined yet rugged look. The barrel-shaped design is topped with a fluted bezel, featuring polished ridges and matte grooves that add texture and catch the eye.
Image credit: Trilobe
On the right side, a microblasted, fluted push-button crown, engraved with the Trilobe logo, sits snugly between crown guards, giving the watch a tough, practical edge. The left side features lateral fins, balancing the design and adding a unique touch. With a sapphire crystal coated in anti-reflective layers and a sapphire caseback, the Trente-Deux offers a clear view of its inner workings while maintaining 50 meters of water resistance—enough for a swim or a rainy day.
The integrated stainless steel bracelet is a standout feature, designed to feel like an extension of the case. Its tapering links are satin-brushed with polished bevels and mirror-polished central links, creating a sleek, cohesive look. The double-folding clasp, operated by a spring blade, keeps the profile clean and secure, with the Trilobe logo engraved for that extra touch of class. Whether you’re wearing it with a suit or a casual jacket, this bracelet feels as good as it looks.
The Heart of the Trente-Deux: X-Nihilo Movement
What sets the Trente-Deux apart from Trilobe’s earlier watches is its movement. Previously described as a “French brand with Swiss mechanics,” Trilobe has now gone fully in-house with the X-Nihilo calibre, designed and crafted in their new Parisian manufacture in Ivry-sur-Seine, just outside the city. This automatic movement is a bold step forward, showcasing Trilobe’s growing confidence and technical prowess.
Image credit: Trilobe
The X-Nihilo calibre, with 218 components and 34 jewels, measures 35.2mm by 7mm and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its 42-hour power reserve keeps it ticking reliably, and safety devices protect it from shocks, making it as durable as it is beautiful. The movement’s openworked tungsten rotor and magnified balance wheel, supported by a traditional bridge, are visible through the sapphire caseback. A 5N gold treatment adds a warm, luxurious glow to the modern architecture, tying it visually to the case and dial finishes. It’s the kind of movement you’d want to show off, a testament to Trilobe’s commitment to doing things their way.
A Legacy of Innovation
Trilobe’s journey began when Gautier Massonneau, a former banker with a passion for design, couldn’t find a watch that matched his vision. Inspired by his parents’ work in architecture and the poetry of René Char, he set out to create something different. The result was Les Matinaux, a watch that ditched hands for rotating discs, earning praise for its bold design and intuitive readability. The Nuit Fantastique followed, refining the concept with a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. The Trente-Deux builds on this legacy, combining the brand’s poetic time display with the rugged elegance of a luxury sports watch.
Image credit: Trilobe
Unlike many luxury sports watches that draw inspiration from 1970s icons like the Royal Oak or Nautilus, the Trente-Deux feels distinctly original. Its asymmetrical case, fluted bezel, and lateral fins give it a personality that’s hard to mistake. The watch’s design is both a nod to Trilobe’s roots and a step into new territory, appealing to those who want a timepiece that tells a story as much as it tells the time.
Why the Trente-Deux Stands Out
For watch enthusiasts, the Trente-Deux offers something rare: a fresh perspective in a crowded market. Its compact size makes it versatile for different wrist sizes, while the intricate finishes and in-house movement justify its place in the luxury segment. Priced at €16,500 (excluding tax), it’s not cheap, but it’s competitive for a watch with this level of craftsmanship and innovation. Available in two references—3201BS for the blue dial and 3201GS for the grey—it’s a timepiece that feels personal, like a piece of art you can wear.
The Trente-Deux isn’t just about telling time; it’s about experiencing it. The rotating discs create a sense of movement, a reminder that time is always in motion. For someone who values individuality and appreciates the blend of engineering and aesthetics, this watch is a conversation starter. Whether you’re at a business meeting or a weekend getaway, it’s a piece that draws attention without shouting for it.
Trilobe’s Parisian Pride
The Trente-Deux also marks a turning point for French watchmaking. By establishing a manufacture near Paris, Trilobe is bringing production closer to home, a move that echoes the city’s history of craftsmanship. From their workshop, the team can see landmarks like the Opéra Garnier, a daily reminder of the artistry that inspires their work. This connection to Paris gives the Trente-Deux a sense of place, making it more than just a watch—it’s a piece of French culture.
Final Thoughts
The Trilobe Trente-Deux is a bold addition to the luxury sports watch world, blending innovative timekeeping with a design that’s both rugged and refined. Its in-house X-Nihilo movement, striking case, and integrated bracelet make it a standout for those who want something different. For the guy who’s built a life on his own terms and appreciates the finer things, the Trente-Deux is a watch that reflects that spirit. It’s not just about keeping time—it’s about making every moment count.
For more details, check out trilobe.com.
