Jean François Mojon: The Visionary Developer Behind the Industry’s Boldest Concepts

Key Points:

Jean François Mojon is a leading movement developer whose innovative mechanisms have shaped modern independent watchmaking.

His collaborations include groundbreaking creations for Harry Winston, MB and F, HYT, Hermès, Cyrus and other avant garde maisons.

Mojon’s signature blends engineering discipline with imaginative display concepts such as planetary systems and fluidic indications.

Chronode continues to serve as a hub of forward thinking horology, with Mojon guiding the development of future mechanical concepts.

Jean François Mojon is one of the most influential yet understated figures in contemporary haute horlogerie. Over the past two decades he has shaped the direction of modern independent watchmaking through a rare combination of technical imagination, mechanical discipline and an ability to translate bold ideas into reliable calibres. While many celebrated names in the industry present their creations from the spotlight, Mojon’s impact has been felt from behind the scenes. His work has powered some of the most original watches of the twenty first century, earning multiple Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève awards for the brands he collaborates with and securing his own recognition as Best Watch Designer in 2010.

What sets Mojon apart is not merely the complexity of the mechanisms he develops but the way he rethinks how time can be displayed. From planetary gear systems to liquid based indications and vertical tourbillons, his concepts have continually challenged traditional expectations of mechanical watchmaking. He has become a trusted partner for independent maisons that seek fresh ideas and uncompromising engineering, allowing his technical voice to resonate through creations by Harry Winston, Hermès, MB and F, HYT, Cyrus and many others.

Quiet in manner but relentless in pursuit of innovation, Mojon stands as a driving force behind a generation of watches that push mechanical expression far beyond the conventional dial. His vision continues to influence collectors, designers and developers around the world, and his role in modern horology is now widely acknowledged as both foundational and forward thinking.

Early Life and an Unusual Path into Haute Horlogerie

Jean François Mojon was born in 1966 in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel, a region where precision engineering and traditional watchmaking form part of the local landscape. Yet his path into horology was far from straightforward. Long before he became one of the most sought after movement developers of his generation, Mojon built a foundation rooted in technical versatility rather than classical watchmaking alone. He studied micromechanics during his early academic years, gaining a deep understanding of miniature components and the behaviour of mechanical systems on a microscopic scale. To complement this technical training he later pursued a degree in business economics, an unusual combination that would ultimately give him a broader view of industrial processes, team management and the commercial realities behind product development.

These early experiences prepared him for a career that began away from traditional horology. In 1989 he joined SMH, the group that would later evolve into the Swatch Group, where he was entrusted not with escapements or complications but with emerging display technology. At SMH Mojon oversaw the technical and commercial development of LCD screens, a cutting edge field at the time. Working with digital display systems may seem distant from the world of mechanical calibres, yet this period helped shape his future approach. It exposed him to advanced materials, interdisciplinary teams and the challenge of making high tech concepts suitable for mass production.

Several key influences from this early phase would later define Mojon’s approach to mechanical watchmaking:

An ability to bridge pure engineering with practical industrial constraints
A comfort with experimental technologies and unconventional display logic
A habit of looking beyond watchmaking traditions to find new functional possibilities

By the time he eventually entered the world of mechanical horology he did so not as a conventional apprentice but as an engineer with a rare blend of technical precision, conceptual freedom and commercial insight. This unconventional start would soon become one of his greatest strengths.

The IWC Years: A Shift Towards Mechanical Innovation

When Jean François Mojon joined IWC Schaffhausen in 1995 he stepped decisively into the world of mechanical horology. What began as a move prompted partly by a desire to improve his German quickly evolved into one of the most formative chapters of his career. IWC was entering a pivotal period, focusing on the development of in house movements that would raise the technical profile of the brand. Mojon arrived at exactly the right moment to contribute to this transformation.

During his ten years at IWC he held a series of managerial and technical positions that exposed him to almost every layer of the watchmaking process. His responsibilities spanned quality control, product development and the creation of new calibres and complications. This breadth of experience helped him understand not only the engineering demands of a movement but the realities of production, reliability testing and long term serviceability. It was here that his analytical mindset and earlier work in micromechanics found their natural expression.

A useful way to understand Mojon’s progression at IWC is through the core areas in which he contributed:

Field of Contribution	Description
Quality Management	Oversaw precision standards and durability requirements for new mechanical components.
Movement Development	Participated in the engineering of IWC’s early in house calibres during a period of renewed innovation.
Technical Leadership	Coordinated teams of constructors and engineers, refining processes that balanced creativity with industrial robustness.
Complication Design	Worked on mechanisms that expanded IWC’s technical vocabulary and strengthened its position as a maker of advanced calibres.

These years provided more than experience. They shaped the methodology Mojon would later apply at Chronode. He became a firm believer in mechanisms that are not only inventive but also mechanically honest. He developed a preference for clear functional logic, rigorous testing and architectures that reward both watchmakers and wearers with reliability. His outlook on innovation matured into a philosophy centred on purpose rather than ornamentation.

At IWC Mojon discovered a passion for mechanical problem solving that would define the rest of his career. Surrounded by engineers and watchmakers pushing towards a new era of in house excellence, he recognised the potential for independent development studios and the freedom they could offer. The seeds of Chronode were planted in these Schaffhausen workshops, where he learned to channel creativity into precision and complexity into coherent design.

Founding Chronode: A Workshop Dedicated to Pure Horological Development

In 2005 Jean François Mojon took a decisive step that would redefine his role in the watch industry. After a decade at IWC he founded Chronode in Le Locle, creating a specialist workshop focused entirely on the conception and construction of mechanical movements. Rather than positioning Chronode as a traditional manufacture, Mojon built it as a development laboratory where ideas could be transformed into fully functioning calibres for a wide range of brands. His vision was clear from the outset. He wanted to give watchmakers access to inventive mechanisms that combined technical sophistication with industrial reliability.

Source: www.uhrenkosmos.com

In its earliest years Chronode was a compact operation built around a small team of constructors. As word spread about the studio’s capabilities its growth accelerated. Mojon’s willingness to explore unconventional architectures attracted young independent brands seeking distinctive identity as well as established maisons looking for fresh mechanical expression. Within only a few years Chronode expanded to more than forty employees, among them designers, engineers and watchmakers who could bring complex concepts to production ready form.

What distinguished Chronode from other development workshops was Mojon’s philosophy of engineering. Instead of treating complications as decorative flourishes, he viewed them as opportunities to rethink how time could be perceived and mechanically interpreted. His processes encouraged experimentation yet remained grounded in rigorous testing and structural clarity. Movements had to be imaginative but also dependable over long periods of wear.

Chronode’s growing client portfolio reflected this balance. The workshop became a trusted partner for brands that were pushing beyond traditional horology into new territories such as planetary gearing, kinetic sculptures, satellite displays and fluid based indication. Mojon guided each project with the same principles. The mechanism must have a clear logic. The architecture must serve the display. And the final movement must embody mechanical integrity rather than complexity for its own sake.

By establishing Chronode, Mojon created more than a development studio. He built a platform that allowed independent watchmaking to flourish and helped shape a generation of timepieces that challenged conventional ideas of form and function. His workshop remains a reference point for brands seeking innovation rooted in technical discipline.

Key Collaborations That Defined His Career

Across more than twenty years of independent development work, Jean François Mojon has been responsible for some of the most striking mechanical concepts introduced to contemporary horology. His collaborations span avant garde independents and established maisons, yet they all share a commitment to technical originality and functional clarity. The following projects illustrate how Mojon’s ideas have shaped modern watch design and expanded the vocabulary of mechanical expression.

De Grisogono Meccanico DG

One of Mojon’s earliest high profile developments, the Meccanico DG presented a mechanical reimagining of a digital display. Instead of traditional hands, the watch used a system of gears and pivoting shutters to create segmented numerals that appeared almost electronic in nature.

Key points:

Mechanical display using segmented shutter elements
Dual display architecture bridging analogue and digital aesthetics
Complex gear trains orchestrating multiple moving plates
A concept that announced Chronode as a serious innovator

MCT Sequential One

For the young brand MCT, Mojon developed the Sequential One, a watch that relied on rotating prism modules to reveal the hours. The mechanism created a dramatic transformation on the dial every time the hour changed, highlighting Mojon’s interest in movement driven spectacle.

Key points:

Four prism assemblies rotating in a clockwise sequence
Central minutes disc adding depth to the display
A strong three dimensional layout defining MCT’s identity
Early demonstration of Mojon’s architectural approach to time

Harry Winston Opus X

The Opus X became a defining moment for both Mojon and the celebrated Opus series. Built on a planetary gear system, the watch displayed time through orbiting indicators, replacing fixed markers with fluid, rotating elements.

Key points:

Planetary gearing with multiple independent rotations
Orbital hours, minutes and seconds
A concept that merged sculpture with functional horology
Widely recognised as one of the decade’s most daring Opus models

MB&F Legacy Machine 1

For MB and F, Mojon engineered the suspended balance that would become the signature of the Legacy Machine collection. LM1 redefined how a balance wheel could be displayed within a traditional round case.

Key points:

Large floating balance wheel above the main dial
Elegant central bridge shaping the watch’s identity
Collaboration with Kari Voutilainen for finishing
A model that set the tone for future Legacy Machines

MB&F Legacy Machine 2

The follow up, LM2, expanded the idea by placing two balances on the dial, linked by a differential mechanism. It was a mechanical exploration of precision rather than a purely visual experiment.

MB&F Legacy Machine 2 Source: www.hodinkee.com

Key points:

Dual independent balances
Differential averaging their rates
A display emphasising symmetry and theoretical purity
A study in chronometry interpreted through design

HYT H1

HYT’s inaugural model, the H1, introduced fluid based time indication using two bellows pumping liquid through a glass capillary. Mojon and Chronode were essential in transforming the experimental concept into a functional calibre.

Key points:

Coloured liquid indicating the hours
Twin bellows controlling fluid movement
Integration of fluid mechanics with classic horology
Award winning concept that launched the HYT identity

Hermès Arceau Heure de la Lune

Hermès sought a lunar display unlike any other, and Mojon delivered. Two mobile discs for time and date orbit around fixed moon discs, creating a poetic inversion of the conventional moonphase.

Hermès Arceau Heure de la Lune

Source: www.ablogtowatch.com

Key points:

Rotating discs synchronised around the dial
Two static moons representing both hemispheres
Fluid, asymmetrical motion across the display
A rare blend of engineering precision and artistic nuance

Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon

Developed during Mojon’s close involvement with Cyrus, the Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon stands out for its dramatic central architecture. The tourbillon is positioned vertically, creating a sculptural centrepiece flanked by retrograde displays.

Key points:

Vertical tourbillon altering escapement behaviour
Retrograde hours and minutes arranged symmetrically
Strong three dimensional movement structure
A showcase of Mojon’s willingness to defy conventions

The diversity of these collaborations underlines Mojon’s unique position within the industry. Few developers move so freely between conceptual experimentation and practical engineering. Each project added a new facet to modern independent watchmaking, and together they form a legacy that continues to influence designers and technical creators around the world.

Mojon’s Technical Signature: What Makes His Mechanisms Unique

Although Jean François Mojon has worked across a broad range of brands and design philosophies, his movements share a distinctive technical identity. It is an identity shaped not by stylistic repetition but by a consistent way of approaching mechanical problems. Mojon’s mechanisms often feel both architectural and purposeful, as if every element has been placed with a clear functional rationale. His work demonstrates a willingness to explore ideas that bypass conventional horological logic while maintaining an unwavering respect for mechanical integrity.

Mojon approaches movement development as a combination of engineering discipline and creative exploration. Much of this stems from his early training in micromechanics and the years spent refining practical development processes at IWC. He designs from the inside outward, constructing the mechanical narrative first and allowing the final aesthetic to emerge from structural necessity. This philosophy has produced watches that are not defined by decoration but by their internal logic and the elegance of their motion.

Several characteristics repeatedly appear in his most celebrated calibres:

Use of planetary reduction systems that enable non standard motion and complex rotational behaviour
Alternative forms of time indication ranging from prisms to rotating discs and fluid based displays
Strong three dimensional movement architectures designed to emphasise depth and mechanical interplay
A balance between functional engineering and artistic intention, avoiding unnecessary complexity
Comfort with unconventional materials and physical principles, such as fluids, optical effects and hybrid mechanical systems

These elements illustrate why Mojon’s work resonates so strongly within the independent sector. He demonstrates that innovation in watchmaking does not rely on exaggeration but on rethinking the fundamental relationship between mechanics and the passage of time. His calibres feel intellectually coherent and emotionally compelling, achieving that rare blend where technical ambition becomes part of the watch’s character rather than a mere demonstration of skill.

Impact on Independent Watchmaking and the GPHG Legacy

Jean François Mojon’s influence on independent watchmaking reaches far beyond the individual calibres he has created. His work has played a central role in shaping the identity of many young and emerging maisons, helping them stand apart in a landscape dominated by established names. By providing access to innovative mechanical concepts, Mojon enabled independents to pursue bold ideas without compromising technical reliability. This support has allowed numerous brands to develop distinct signatures early in their histories, accelerating the growth and credibility of the independent sector as a whole.

His contributions have been recognised repeatedly at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Over the past two decades, watches powered by mechanisms developed at Chronode have earned several awards across a variety of categories. These accolades are not simply acknowledgements of technical skill. They reflect the impact of Mojon’s philosophy on the broader industry, celebrating movements that challenge convention and enrich contemporary horological language. The recognition culminated in his own award for Best Watch Designer in 2010, a distinction that underscored his emerging role as one of the most influential creators of his generation.

Beyond awards, Mojon’s legacy is visible in the way independent watchmaking has evolved. Many of the mechanical ideas now considered hallmarks of the indie scene, such as planetary displays, open architectural constructions and alternative methods of time indication, can be traced back to concepts he brought to life. His willingness to combine engineering precision with imaginative display logic has encouraged other creators to think more freely and to explore territory that once felt unattainable.

As a result, Mojon stands not only as a developer of remarkable movements but also as a catalyst for the modern independent renaissance. His impact continues to be felt as new brands seek to articulate their own identities, often inspired by the mechanical freedoms that his work helped to legitimise.

Chronode Today: From CEO to Chairman, and the Role of a Modern Watchmaking Think Tank

In recent years Chronode has entered a new phase of maturity. After leading the company as its chief executive for more than a decade, Jean François Mojon transitioned to the role of Chairman at the start of 2020. This shift allowed him to step back from day to day management and dedicate more time to the conceptual and developmental work that has always defined his career. Chronode remains fully independent, operating as a compact but highly specialised team based in Le Locle, with its structure optimised around research, construction and prototyping.

Today the company functions less as a traditional manufacture and more as a think tank for advanced horological ideas. Mojon guides the direction of the studio by focusing on early stage concepts and long term innovation rather than production oversight. This approach ensures that Chronode continues to serve as a source of original mechanical thinking for both established maisons and emerging independent brands. The workshop is no longer driven by scale. Its value lies in its ability to explore new mechanical languages and to translate them into reliable, manufacturable calibres.

Several aspects define Chronode’s current identity:

A streamlined team structure prioritising highly skilled constructors and prototype specialists
A focus on early phase development, where new mechanical ideas are tested and refined
Selective collaboration with brands seeking distinctive movement architecture
Increased emphasis on research into new materials, motion systems and display logic
Mojon’s direct involvement in exploratory projects rather than operational management

This evolution reinforces Chronode’s role as a laboratory for the future of mechanical watchmaking. By freeing Mojon from the administrative demands of a chief executive, the company maintains its creative advantage and continues to influence the next generation of independent horology.

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Why Collectors Pay Attention to Mojon’s Work

Collectors who value thoughtful engineering, coherent design and inventive mechanics often find a natural connection with the work of Jean François Mojon. His movements stand apart not because they chase spectacle, but because they approach complexity with discipline and clarity. For enthusiasts who appreciate a watch that reveals its ingenuity gradually rather than at first glance, Mojon’s creations hold a particular appeal.

A key reason for this interest lies in his approach to complication design. Even the most unconventional ideas in his portfolio are built on strong mechanical logic. Displays based on planetary gears, architectural bridges or fluidic systems are not decorative experiments. They are the result of mechanical principles explored with precision and intention. This makes his watches rewarding to study, to wear and to understand.

Collectors also respond strongly to Mojon’s preference for alternative forms of time display. Rotating discs, suspended balances and three dimensional structures introduce a sense of discovery without compromising legibility. His watches reinterpret familiar functions in a way that feels inventive but never eccentric. The result is a style of horology that is expressive yet grounded, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional complications.

Rarity is another important factor. Many of the brands Mojon collaborates with operate in small production volumes, creating pieces intended for experienced enthusiasts rather than a broad luxury audience. The limited availability and distinctive technical identity of these watches make them highly desirable in long term collections.

Above all, collectors recognise in Mojon a maker who unites heritage with forward thinking. His work respects the fundamentals of mechanical watchmaking while expanding its vocabulary through new materials, alternative mechanics and imaginative layouts. This balance between tradition and innovation is central to the appeal of independent horology, and Mojon’s movements embody it with clarity and confidence.

For these reasons his creations continue to attract attention from collectors who seek originality, technical sophistication and enduring mechanical character.

Caring for a Mojon Powered Watch: Practical Considerations

Watches developed with Jean François Mojon’s movements often feature unconventional architecture, complex gearing systems and display mechanisms that rely on precise and consistent energy delivery. Caring for such pieces benefits from a considered approach that supports both mechanical stability and long term preservation. Ensuring that the movement remains evenly powered and that its specialist components are protected from unnecessary strain helps maintain accuracy and safeguard the integrity of the mechanism over time.

Barrington Single Winder - Midnight Blue

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Barrington Special Edition Single Winder - American Walnut (unvarnished)

Barrington Special Edition Single Winder

(The Barrington Special Edition Single Winder in unvarnished American Walnut combines natural craftsmanship with advanced watch care, offering a refined solution for keeping any automatic timepiece perfectly maintained. Its compact form is complemented by a premium Japanese motor that operates with exceptional quietness, making it suitable for placement in any room without disturbance. Fully adjustable rotation direction and multiple Turns per Day settings allow the winder to accommodate the specific requirements of different movements, while its dual power options and the Barrington Jump feature provide flexibility for both single use and multi winder setups. With a choice of Standard or Flex cushions to ensure a secure fit for various bracelet and strap sizes, and an international adapter included as standard, this special edition model pairs elegant wood aesthetics with dependable engineering for collectors who value both performance and craftsmanship).

6 Watch Winder

(The Barrington Six Watch Winder offers a sophisticated and highly capable storage solution for larger collections, combining advanced functionality with a refined display cabinet design. Its ultra quiet Japanese motors ensure smooth, silent operation even when all six rotors are in use, making it suitable for any living or working environment. Each rotor can be programmed individually through the touchscreen or remote control, allowing you to tailor direction and Turns per Day settings to the exact requirements of every watch in your collection, while the fingerprint sensor adds a layer of secure, effortless access. The gloss exterior, carbon effect interior and integrated LED lighting elevate the presentation, and the built in drawer provides convenient space for quartz pieces or accessories. Reliable, versatile and thoughtfully engineered, this winder delivers an ideal blend of performance, protection and luxury for collectors with multiple automatic watches).

Although these watches are engineered with durability in mind, their unique constructions reward careful handling. Setting functions slowly, allowing retrograde or rotating displays to complete their cycle uninterrupted and storing the watch securely when not in use all contribute to smooth operation. A stable winding routine can also help reduce wear on complex modules. With thoughtful care, a Mojon powered watch will continue to express its mechanical character with precision and reliability for many years.

Comment from Barrington Watch Winders: For collectors who own technically ambitious watches, consistent and gentle winding is essential for long term performance. Our winders are engineered to deliver stable motion tailored to the needs of complex mechanisms, making them an ideal partner for pieces built on Mojon’s innovative calibres.

Conclusion: A Visionary Developer Who Continues to Shape Contemporary Horology

Jean François Mojon has established himself as one of the most significant creative forces in modern mechanical watchmaking. His ability to merge rigorous engineering with imaginative display concepts has reshaped the landscape of independent horology and given rise to some of the most original movements of the past two decades. From planetary systems to fluid mechanics and vertical architectures, his work consistently demonstrates how innovation can remain grounded in mechanical integrity. As Chronode continues to operate as a centre of advanced thinking, Mojon’s influence shows no signs of slowing, and the next generation of his ideas is likely to push the boundaries of what mechanical timekeeping can express.

For collectors and enthusiasts, watches powered by Mojon’s movements represent a blend of technical sophistication, rarity and enduring character. Caring for such pieces often calls for considered support, and this is where companies like Barrington Watch Winders play a meaningful role. By maintaining stable winding routines and providing secure, well engineered storage, a high quality winder helps preserve the performance and longevity of complex mechanisms. As independent watchmaking continues to evolve, Mojon’s vision and the tools that protect it will remain essential parts of the modern collector’s world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jean François Mojon and His Horological Work

What makes Jean François Mojon an important figure in contemporary watchmaking?

Jean François Mojon is widely regarded as one of the most original movement developers of the past two decades. His work has influenced both emerging independent brands and established maisons by introducing new mechanical languages and display concepts. Rather than repeating traditional complications, he reimagines how time can be represented and how mechanisms can interact in three dimensional space. This approach has made his calibres a benchmark for creative yet disciplined horology.

Which watches are considered the most significant examples of Mojon’s engineering?

Several collaborations showcase Mojon’s technical identity, including the Harry Winston Opus X, MB and F’s Legacy Machine 1 and 2, and the Hermès Arceau Heure de la Lune. These pieces are celebrated for their inventive architectures and coherent mechanical logic. Many of them have received awards or critical acclaim for pushing beyond conventional watchmaking boundaries. They also illustrate the versatility of Mojon’s ideas across different brands and aesthetic styles.

Why are Mojon’s movements appealing to collectors?

Collectors value Mojon’s work because it combines technical depth with strong mechanical purpose. His displays are original but not gimmicky, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy both the conceptual thinking and the practical execution. The rarity of many Mojon powered watches also contributes to long term desirability and collectability. Above all, his calibres reward close examination and remain interesting long after the initial novelty fades.

How does Chronode operate today and what role does Mojon play?

Chronode now functions as a specialised development studio focused on early stage concepts and exploratory mechanical research. Mojon’s transition from chief executive to chairman has allowed him to concentrate more on technical innovation rather than organisational management. The company works selectively with brands that seek distinctive movement designs. This structure ensures that Chronode remains a source of fresh ideas for the future of mechanical watchmaking.

Do Mojon powered watches require special care or maintenance?

Watches featuring Mojon’s mechanisms often include non standard architectures and intricate display systems, which benefit from thoughtful handling. Regular and stable winding helps maintain even power delivery and minimises strain on complex gear trains. Secure storage is also important, particularly for pieces with retrograde or orbital displays that rely on precise mechanical alignment. Using a high quality watch winder can help preserve performance over time and support the longevity of these sophisticated movements.