Yvon Desbiolles, watchmaker....

Yvon Desbiolles’s reputation is definitely international because Yvon Desbiolles keep the link with the famous tradition of the wonderful craftsmen of the past: watchmakers, jewelers …all those skilled workers who gave him the know-how as watchmaker. A profession which requires qualification, as a specialist that is able to bring the magnificient back to these watches, clocks, automatons and other precious objects. Only a real specialist is able to restore old masterpieces without changing any of the original pieces of that time.

On this point, Yvon Desbiolles point out that “ It’s important to follow the tradition as our ancestors did in the past, with the identical pieces as they used. Fors instance, respecting metals, size, shapes, carving etc… The secrets of the past are being discovered by the restoring and the maintenance of these watches, clocks and antique watches. It’s a profession which requires a lot of experience and practice. “

This is a real passion which Takes Yvon Desbiolles to his vocation, whose family members are watchmakers generation after generation. Being a whatchmaker requires a complete vocational training, associated to a long and patient research ; Yvon Desbiolles first studied in the Ecole d’Horlogerie of Geneva created in 1824 ; then, he was in several training periods for famous watchmakers abroad – as in London – and in Switzerland. The knowledge and know-how that he learned from these watchmakers is still taken as a base nowadays, print of perfection and ingenuity. In Great Britain, Yvon Desbiolles had the opportunity to restore unique pieces as chiming clocks, “ tourbillon “ watches and the famous Westminsters clock.

Perserving a Heritage

The highly specialized profession gives to Yvon Desbiolles the chances of preserving our heritage. The fact of fixing and bringing all those beautiful watches back to life and gave him a great satisfaction.

The reason why the museum’s piece, private and royal collections are under Yvon Desbiolles’s hands is because he uses, after such specialized training, some particular and personal gifts, which are associated with perseverance and tenacity. Some exceptional skills are required in order to revive these particular pieces, respecting each detail of each watch.

In this way, Yvon Desbiolles’s repair shop respects this marvelous tradition, the same that built and kept the notoriety of the famous craftsmen of Geneva.

No reason to think that Yvon Desbiolles keeps his know-how secretly. He enjoys transmitting his passion to young generations, likes animals and takes time to talk about the unique pieces presenting in his store. Both of his sons studied watch making and were interested in professional schools. Their father knows how to encourage them in that direction. For sure, the succession is on the way !
Yvon Desbiolles, very generous man, swears that his workshop is large enough for his son’s ambition.

François-Achille Roch