Renaud Tixier is an independent haute horlogerie brand founded by Dominique Renaud, one of the most influential movement constructors of modern watchmaking. With a career spanning more than four decades, Dominique Renaud is best known as the co-founder of Renaud & Papi, a manufacture that played a defining role in the evolution of contemporary mechanical watchmaking.
The Renaud Tixier project was conceived as a platform for fundamental horological research, free from commercial constraints and existing movement architectures. To realize this vision, Dominique Renaud partnered with Julien Tixier, whose expertise in precision machining, hand-finishing, and assembly complements Renaud’s inventive approach. Together, they operate at the intersection of experimental development and traditional craftsmanship, designing movements entirely from first principles.
At the heart of the brand lies a series of patented mechanical innovations. Central among these is a proprietary micro-rotor system that integrates a central inertia wheel and a tempered steel “Danseur” spring. This architecture improves winding efficiency while incorporating an automatic disengagement mechanism that protects the movement in the event of shocks. Each caliber is conceived specifically around this system, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of building a movement around an idea rather than adapting an idea to an existing base.
The debut collection, Monday, represents the first chapter of a cycle of seven creations, each associated with a day of the week and a distinct mechanical concept. Monday introduces the RVI2023 caliber, characterized by its low operating frequency, extensive hand-finishing, and a visibly animated micromechanical layout. Traditional métiers d’art play an integral role, with hand engraving, grand feu enamel, and finely executed decorative components incorporated directly into the movement and case.
Produced in extremely limited numbers and finished entirely by hand, Renaud Tixier timepieces offer a contemporary interpretation of classical watchmaking, defined by technical rigor, artisanal depth, and deliberate restraint.
