Swiss watch brand
Charriol: history, models and value
Charriol is a Geneva watch and jewellery brand founded in 1983, recognisable by its twisted steel cable bracelets and bezels. Here is its story and what matters if you want to sell or value a Charriol watch.
- Founded
- 1983
- Founder(s)
- Philippe Charriol
- Headquarters
- Geneva
- Owner / group
- Independent (Charriol family)
Charriol: origins and founding
Philippe Charriol, a French entrepreneur, left his job at Cartier in 1983 and started his own brand in Geneva. His first collection, Celtic, appeared the same year. It used knotwork and interlaced patterns inspired by Celtic art, and a twisted cable motif that soon became the brand's signature on bracelets, bangles and watch cases.
Founders and family
Philippe Charriol ran the company until his death in February 2019, in a racing accident at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France. His daughter Coralie Charriol then took over as CEO and creative director. A foundation in his name supports artists in Hong Kong.
Charriol history and milestones
- 1983: founding in Geneva and launch of the Celtic collection.
- 1988: the Christopher Colvmbvs quartz watch collection.
- 1989: launch of St-Tropez, which became the brand's best-selling line.
- 1990: first boutique in Hong Kong. Asia, and later the Middle East and China, became key markets.
- 2019: Coralie Charriol takes over after her father's death.
- 2023: 40th anniversary and launch of the St-Tropez Navigator at Watches and Wonders.
Famous Charriol models
- St-Tropez: the best-known line, mostly ladies' watches with cable bezels or cable bracelets.
- Colvmbvs: the Christopher Colvmbvs line from 1988, often with cable details on the case.
- Celtic: the founding collection, in watches and jewellery.
- Forever, Navigator and Mariner: more recent watch lines.
Movements and technique
Charriol develops its designs in Geneva and has its watches made by specialised partners. All are Swiss Made, and the steel cable bracelets are made in the Swiss Jura. Many models, including much of the St-Tropez line, use quartz movements.
Charriol today
Charriol is still led by the founding family and is based in Geneva. It sells watches, jewellery and accessories in the mid-price fashion and jewellery segment, with a strong presence in Asia and the Middle East.
Charriol prices on the pre-owned market
Charriol watches are bought for design rather than as watchmaking investments. Pre-owned prices are usually well below the original retail price, especially for steel quartz models. Pieces in gold, with diamonds, or with an intact cable bracelet in good condition sell better. Worn-out cable bracelets, scratched bezels and missing boxes lower the value. Gold and gemstones can matter more than the brand name for the value.
How to recognise a genuine Charriol
Check that the cable is evenly twisted and tightly finished, that the logo and the word "Swiss" on the dial are cleanly printed, and that the caseback has neat engravings with a serial number. Gold parts should carry hallmarks. Weak printing or a loose, light cable are warning signs. More tips: how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Charriol worth?
Upload a few photos for a free watch value estimate. If you need a written value for an estate or insurance claim, a watch appraisal is also available.
Frequently asked questions
Is Charriol a luxury brand?
Charriol is a Swiss Made watch and jewellery brand founded in Geneva in 1983. It sits in the mid-price fashion and jewellery segment rather than haute horlogerie, and many models are quartz.
Do Charriol watches hold their value?
Usually not very well: most steel quartz models resell well below retail. Gold, diamond-set pieces and watches in very good condition fetch more.
Who owns Charriol?
Charriol is still led by the founding family. Since 2019 Coralie Charriol, the founder's daughter, has been CEO and creative director.
Find out what your watch is worth
Upload a photo and get a free estimate in about a minute. No sign-up needed.