Semper & Adhuc - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Semper & Adhuc is a watch brand founded in 2016 in Bordeaux, France, by watchmaker Colin de Tonnac, a Métiers d’Art graduate from Morteau who also worked at Patek Philippe; the company revives vintage movements inside watches designed and assembled in France.

Restored vintage calibres and French manufacture

The core idea is to restore “orphan” vintage movements (often manufactured between the 1930s and 1960s) and case them with French-made cases, dials and hands: the mechanical heart comes from yesterday, while the exterior and fitting are resolutely modern.

Immédiate, Inopinée, Instantanée: three cases, one design language

The line is structured around three clear, understated families: three case signatures (cushion, oval, round) for three personalities, all built around refurbished, hand-wound calibres.

• Semper & Adhuc Immédiate — Cushion case, neo-classical vibe, pared-back dial.
• Semper & Adhuc Inopinée — Oval case, distinctive identity, very legible layout.
• Semper & Adhuc Instantanée — Round case, timeless and versatile style.

Winding ritual and relationship with time

All watches are hand-wound mechanical: the daily winding creates a mindful gesture and a lasting bond with the object, consistent with the brand’s “back-to-basics” ethos.

Positioning, indicative pricing and distribution

Current “Classique/Originale” references are listed at about €3,000 incl. VAT, with a mainly direct distribution and present-day volumes undisclosed; historically, roughly 150 watches/year were mentioned at launch (2018).

Conclusion

Semper & Adhuc appeals to enthusiasts of durable, understated objects who enjoy the charm of refurbished movements and locally made cases and dials. The brand is identifiable by its well-proportioned cases, clean dials and compact hand-wound calibres from the past. Between the cushion Immédiate, the singular oval Inopinée and the timeless round Instantanée, your choice will hinge on on-wrist presence and preferred silhouette. To compare the promise with real-world wear (legibility, comfort, timekeeping), rely on Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)