In this episode of The Analog Explorer, I meet up with Benjamin and Omer from Jacques Bianchi Marseille, live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show. If you’ve never heard of this French microbrand, then you’re exactly who this episode is for—because Jacques Bianchi is the definition of an if you know, you know brand.
Originally founded in the 1980s to supply watches to the French Navy, Jacques Bianchi was resurrected in 2021 with the launch of the JB200. Since then, the brand has stayed true to its roots while finding new ways to tell stories through design.
Case in point: the Pulpro Octopus edition, a dive watch with a near full dial-sized cephalopod front and center—a tribute to Marseille’s cultural symbol and a nod to a real octopus monument sunk in an underwater museum just off the city’s coast.
We talked about what makes these watches different. From the Monnin-style cases and signature left-hand crown (a practical French Navy spec to avoid interference with dive gear), to collaborations that celebrate local art and heritage, every piece carries a deeper meaning. Omer shared how one of their limited editions, created in partnership with the Marégraphe—France’s official sea-level reference point—helps support restoration efforts for the historic monument.
As a diver, Marseille sounds like a dream: warm Mediterranean waters, rich maritime history, and now, an octopus sculpture at 10–15 meters depth waiting to be discovered.
We also talked production. Jacques Bianchi watches are assembled in Marseille, using Swiss movements and parts sourced from both France and Switzerland. With prices ranging from €1,000 to €1,500, many of their pieces are released via pre-order—giving fans early access at lower prices while keeping the model runs limited and intentional.
When I asked my signature closer—why watches?—the answers were rooted in story and connection. For Omer, it was about appreciating beautiful objects with rich heritage. For Benjamin, it began with seeing Rolexes on Instagram, but quickly grew into a passion for vintage-inspired design and the kind of storytelling Jacques Bianchi makes possible.
These aren’t just dive watches. They’re wearable tributes to place, memory, and Marseille itself. Whether you’re drawn by the lume, the legacy, or that perfectly weird octopus brain, Jacques Bianchi is one of those brands that sticks with you—if you know, you know.
To learn more about Jacques Bianchi, visit jacquesbianchi.com or follow them on Instagram at @montresbianchi.
Special thanks to the Vancouver Timepiece Show for bringing us all together—head to timepieceshow.com to see where the next stop will be.
