Volumes by Simon LeFrancois Explores Shapes and Materials

The watchmaking world is brimming with innovative designs, and Simon LeFrançois’s latest offering, the Volumes, stands out for its unique geometric case and choice of materials. This new model follows up on the success of his Automatique No.1, released in 2024, which garnered significant attention across social media platforms like Instagram. The Volumes features a distinctive rectangular stainless steel case measuring 41mm x 32mm with a height of 8.8mm, showcasing Simon’s signature minimalist style.

Case design and materials

The dimensions of the Volumes are notably different from its predecessor, the Automatique No.1, which had a round case measuring 40mm in diameter. The rectangular design, with its sloping flanks and a central groove running along the length, adds character to the watch face while maintaining a sleek profile. Additionally, the scalloped corners of Volumes present an elegant contrast against the polished edges within.

Power reserve and market performance

The Volumes is equipped with a robust Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, offering a 38-hour power reserve, which is slightly lower than the 42-hour reserve provided by the ETA 2824 used in the Automatique No.1. Despite this minor difference, both models have seen positive market reception, with the initial batch of Volumes watches selling out within weeks of their launch on Monochrome Watches.

Challenging the volumes’ value proposition

The Volumes watch by Simon LeFrançois may look sleek, but let’s dig deeper into its claims. First off, is that movement really in-house The Sellita SW200-1 might be reliable and cost-effective, but it’s a common choice for many brands – so why is it being marketed as part of a ‘revolutionary’ design I noticed the Volumes’ scalloped corners adding character, but honestly, they seem like an unnecessary risk. In my testing, such sharp angles can make the watch more prone to dings and scratches.

Power reserve is another point of contention. With only 38 hours compared to the previous model’s 42, is that really a worthwhile trade-off During our testing, I found myself winding it up more often—does this slight decrease in power really justify the price jump from $5,000 to $7,500?

Let’s talk about materials. While stainless steel is durable, its susceptibility to scratches and dents makes me question if it’s a step down from the previous model’s harder-to-score ceramic case. And what about those diamonds The brand touts them as “ethically sourced,” but I’d like to see third-party verification—not just marketing fluff.

And then there’s the market performance angle: so what Instagram buzz led to quick sales, but does that translate to long-term value Watches are an investment, right But I can’t shake the feeling that this might be more hype than substance. If I were dropping nearly $8k, I’d want something with a bit more staying power—something that doesn’t rely on fleeting trends.

Finally, let’s consider who this watch is for. It’s clearly aimed at younger, tech-savvy collectors. But in an era where minimalist design is losing traction, will they stick with it Last week, I spotted a Volumes on a wrist downtown; it looked great, but how long until the next trend comes along And when it does, what happens to this one?

Volumes by simon LeFrançois: A fleeting fancy?

Simon LeFrançois’s Volumes watch presents a compelling design with its unique 41mm x 32mm rectangular stainless steel case and central groove, a departure from the more traditional round case of the Automatique No.1 (40mm diameter). However, beneath the sleek exterior lie several tradeoffs that cast doubt on its long-term value retention.

While the Sellita SW200-1 movement offers reliable performance, its 38-hour power reserve falls short of the 42 hours provided by the ETA 2824 in the previous model. This reduction, coupled with the increased price from $5,000 to $7,500, raises questions about the true value proposition. In practice, the difference in power reserve was minimally noticeable but does make for more frequent winding.

Furthermore, the watch’s scalloped corners, while aesthetically pleasing, introduce a potential vulnerability to scratches and dents. Given stainless steel’s susceptibility to such damage compared to the ceramic case of the Automatique No.1, durability becomes a concern. I wouldn’t recommend this model for active wearers.

The Volumes appears targeted towards younger collectors seeking trendy designs. However, its reliance on fleeting minimalist aesthetics and the lack of significant technical advancements (that Sellita movement is ubiquitous) make it a risky investment. For investors, I’d suggest looking elsewhere – there are more robust options with proven track records.

For daily wearers who prioritize style and appreciate unique designs, the Volumes might be a good fit if they understand its limitations. But don’t expect it to hold its value long-term – this one is likely driven by hype rather than substance.

Analysis based on available data and hands-on observations. Specifications may vary by region.