François Simon-Fustier – Clockmaker, Master of Art

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – 1962

François Simon-Fustier is a clockmaker. After graduating from the École d’Horlogerie d’Anet in 1981, he devoted his early career to electronic watchmaking and research. The death of his father in 1997 encouraged him to rediscover the tools and techniques of traditional clockmaking.

In 1999, he founded L’Horloger de la Croix Rousse in Lyon. This heir dedicates his work to antique restoration and prefers to be called “pendulier” or “rhabilleur“. His workshop’s approach is based on respect for traditional techniques, openness to innovation and the transmission of his know-how.

2006 – EPV label.

2009 – Brevet de Maitrise Supérieur en Horlogerie.

2019 – Master of Art title.

Research and innovation

François Simon-Fustier places great importance on innovation. In 2016, he started working on a 3D modeling project called Chronospédia. This project plays an archiving and mediating role around ancient clockmaking. It is supported by prestigious partners such as the CNRS, the French Ministry of Culture and Dassault Systèmes.

Transmission

François Simon-Fustier sees himself as a guide. He holds conferences and teaches his skills in schools. Thanks to his Master of Art status, which he obtained in 2019, he has been training Robin Putinier his know-how and the responsibilities of a business leader.

Fondation Rémy Cointreau has supported François Simon-Fustier in 2022 in the acquisition of a pivot polishing machine and a corking jib. These two tools are essential to his work, enabling him to create quality art pieces with safety standards.