Article of the week
The Summit Collection: A Strong First Step for New Brand Earthen

Earthen Company is one of the freshest names to enter the watch market, founded in Hong Kong in 2025 by a group of passionate collectors and enthusiasts. Co-founder Jonathan Chan, also a key figure behind The Horology Club, explains that the team approached this project as collectors first, not as traditional watchmakers. 

The result is a debut that doesn’t chase trends but instead offers something unique, a series of ceramic, field- and pilot-inspired watches at an accessible price point. With the launch of the Summit Collection, it’s clear Earthen intends to make an impression from day one.

Ludovic Ballouard

Ludovic Ballouard is a prominent watchmaker who founded his eponymous brand in 2009, following an illustrious career working for renowned watch houses like F. P. Journe for a period of seven years.

Born in 1971 in Brittany, France, Ballouard developed a keen interest in mechanics from an early age, eventually leading him to pursue a career in the art of watchmaking. After gaining experience at Franck Muller and F.P. Journe, he decided to venture on his own, establishing the Ludovic Ballouard brand, which quickly gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative timepieces.

One of his notable creations is the "Upside Down" watch, which drew considerable attention from collectors due to its unique display. The watch's intriguing feature involves displaying the time with the numbers "upside down" on the dial, showcasing Ballouard's penchant for creative and unconventional designs. Additionally, he introduced the "Half Time" model, another fascinating timepiece that exhibits its intricate movement through the case back, allowing watch enthusiasts to admire the intricate craftsmanship that goes into each Ludovic Ballouard watch.

Ludovic Ballouard is known for his dedication to producing a limited number of exclusive watches each year, emphasizing quality over quantity. This commitment to craftsmanship ensures that each timepiece is meticulously handcrafted with utmost attention to detail, making them coveted among horology connoisseurs.