Vanguart: The Young Swiss Watch Brand Turning Heads from John Mayer to Ed Sheeran
In the high-stakes world of luxury horology, where century-old names dominate the conversation, a newcomer rarely makes a dent—let alone captures the attention of global icons. Yet Vanguart, a Swiss watch brand founded less than a decade ago, has done exactly that. With an unapologetically bold design philosophy, technical innovation rooted in the most prestigious workshops in Switzerland, and organic endorsements from some of the biggest names in music and sports, Vanguart is quickly proving it’s not just another boutique brand—it’s a movement.
A Dream Team of Watchmaking Talent
The story of Vanguart begins in 2017, when Axel Leuenberger and Jeremy Frelechox decided to channel their experience at Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi (APRP) into something entirely their own. For the uninitiated, APRP is the haute horlogerie arm of Audemars Piguet, a legendary laboratory responsible for some of the most complicated and exquisite watch movements on the planet.
Both Leuenberger, who now serves as Vanguart’s CEO, and Frelechox, the brand’s Chief Technical Officer, have pedigrees that few in the industry can match. At APRP, they had their hands in projects for revered brands such as Richard Mille, Parmigiani Fleurier, and of course, Audemars Piguet itself. This level of expertise meant that when they set out to create Vanguart, they weren’t simply chasing trends—they were building on decades of mechanical mastery.
Debut with a Cosmic Statement
The world’s first glimpse of Vanguart came in 2021 with the launch of the Black Hole. The name alone was a statement—evoking mystery, power, and the vast unknown. True to its title, the watch resembled “a spaceship turned on its side,” as one reviewer described, with an almost sci-fi aura.
But it wasn’t just the design that turned heads. The price tag—CHF 320,000 (roughly $398,000 USD)—was as astronomical as the name suggested. This was no timid entry into the market. Instead, Vanguart declared from day one that it was playing in the same league as the most exclusive watchmakers in the world.
The Orb and the Power of Authentic Celebrity Endorsement
While the Black Hole served as an audacious opening move, it was Vanguart’s second creation, the Orb, that truly catapulted the brand into the global spotlight. This watch found its way onto the wrists of John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, MLB star Francisco Lindor, and tennis ace Andrey Rublev.
Remarkably, these high-profile appearances weren’t the result of paid partnerships or aggressive product placement. According to the Vanguart team, every one of these celebrity owners sought the watch out for themselves—making the endorsements all the more powerful.
John Mayer, known for his discerning taste in horology, even collaborated with the brand to create a special edition of the Orb. Instead of the original diamond settings, Mayer’s version was adorned with blue sapphires, lending the piece a personal and distinctive touch that reflected his own style sensibilities.
A Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic Rooted in the ’90s
Part of the Orb’s allure lies in its distinct retro-futuristic design language. The polished chrome-like finishes, bold shapes, and aerodynamic curves feel like an homage to 1990s visions of the future—an era of Oakley sunglasses, metallic sneakers, and dreams of jetpacks.
In a watch landscape often dominated by vintage-inspired minimalism, Vanguart’s willingness to embrace a high-gloss, sci-fi aesthetic stands out. It’s a design direction that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unconventional.
Engineering Mastery: Beauty Meets Function
The Orb isn’t just about style—it’s a showcase of mechanical ingenuity.
- Its front rotor is a striking visual centerpiece, with a single diamond acting as a motion marker.
- The rotor can be locked at will via a discreet button—offering both functionality and a unique talking point for collectors.
- Inside, the movement is symmetrically skeletonized, balancing visual drama with technical precision.
Even the strap has been engineered with care. Set at a 15° angle, it naturally curves around the wrist for a snug, comfortable fit. For collectors who actually wear their watches—rather than keeping them in safes—this attention to ergonomics is crucial. As luxury watch dealer Ben-Yehuda of Material Good notes, comfort is often the deciding factor in whether a watch becomes a daily wearer. Mayer himself has praised the Orb as one of the most comfortable watches he’s ever owned.
The Rising Star of Swiss Horology
In an industry where heritage often trumps novelty, Vanguart is rewriting the rules. By combining cutting-edge engineering, fearless design, and genuine cultural relevance, the brand has carved out a space that many thought impossible for a young player.
The journey is still in its early chapters, but one thing is clear: Vanguart is not here to quietly blend into the landscape of Swiss watchmaking. It’s here to redefine it—one bold, meticulously crafted timepiece at a time.
Whether you see them as works of art, feats of mechanical genius, or wearable declarations of personality, Vanguart watches embody a rare fusion of creativity and credibility. For the select few who can afford them, they’re not just buying a watch—they’re investing in the future of horology.
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