On Thursday, May 29th, the Windup Watch Shop Showroom in Brooklyn played host to a lively evening that brought the sun-soaked spirit of Marseille straight to New York City. The occasion? A special event with Jacques Bianchi Marseille, celebrating the brand’s official entry into the U.S. market and offering local enthusiasts an exclusive first look at their newest release.
Since opening its doors earlier in December of last year within Worn & Wound’s Brooklyn headquarters, the Windup Watch Shop Showroom has become a go-to gathering place for collectors and brands alike. The Jacques Bianchi event was a shining example of what the space is all about: passionate people, hands-on hard-to-find horology, and a strong sense of community.
Founded by veteran French watchmaker Jacques Bianchi in the early 1980s, the brand first gained attention with its JB200, a no-nonsense dive watch built for professionals—including members of the French Navy. With its signature silhouette and dial featuring a swimmer motif, the JB200 quickly earned a cult following among those who value both function and flair. Though the brand remained relatively under the radar for decades, its recent revival has reignited global interest, especially among fans of vintage-inspired tool watches with true military provenance.
That history was front and center at the event with a full timeline installation, as members of the Jacques Bianchi team shared insight into the brand’s origins, its connection to Mediterranean diving culture, and the meticulous work behind its modern reissues. Watches were passed around, straps were swapped, and stories flowed freely—along with chilled glasses of rosé and South of France-inspired snacks.
The event also underscored just how vibrant and engaged the New York City-area watch community truly is. The showroom was packed from start to finish, with attendees ranging from seasoned collectors to first-time fans, all eager to connect over a shared love of mechanical watches. It was clear by evening’s end that nearly everyone walked away with a deeper appreciation for Jacques Bianchi’s legacy—and more than a few left with a new watch in their collection, or at least plotting their next addition.
One lucky guest even scored big, winning a Jacques Bianchi Marseille watch and an ECD starter kit from the Windup Watch Shop, showcasing a Topo Designs bag and more in our event raffle.
A heartfelt thank you to the Jacques Bianchi team for allowing us to help bring their story to life, and to all the enthusiasts who turned out to make the night unforgettable. As the Windup Watch Shop Showroom continues to grow as a hub for horological happenings, events like this one show just how strong and welcoming our community really is. Click here to learn more about Jacques Bianchi.
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