TechnoMarine was established in 1997 by Franck DuBarry, a French advertising executive. He was not, at that time, an experienced watch-making professional, but he saw a niche in the market that wasn’t being filled. He developed what he called a “vacation watch,” which fell halfway between luxury watches and fun fashion watches.
The TechnoMarine watch line began with one elegantly designed watch – a stainless steel chronograph with a translucent plastic band called the Raft. Designed to embody the best that the life, sea and land have to offer, TechnoMarine is an expression of Franck’s experiences both luxurious and adventurous. Launched in St. Tropez , France at the tail end of 1997. Innovative in design and superior in craftsmanship, the TechnoMarine Raft sold over 50,000 units during its first year in production.
As a result of the Raft’s success, in 1999 they set up its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles , California . From humble beginnings, with one computer in the Dubarry’s California home, the company soon spawned a full collection of diving watches. The initial collection consisted of a combination of PU and stainless steel chronographs – combining luxurious French design with unrivaled Swiss technology. Produced in a variety of bright colors with interchangeable colored bands, the watches allowed consumers to combine fun, vivid creativity with quality craftsmanship.
TechnoMarine – Techno Diamond
In 1999, TechnoMarine developed and launched a breakthrough design, the Techno Diamond. Cheered by the industry at that year’s Basel watch show and recognized around the world by sportsmen and luxury seekers alike, the TechnoDiamond was a truly unique innovation in the timepiece category. As the first original diamond chronograph, this fully functional diving watch and luxury accessory is complete with the signature TechnoMarine interchangeable gel bands and a carat of handpicked diamonds set in a stainless steel revolving bezel.
International recognition immediately followed and the Techno Diamond watch became a celebrity favorite. Such diverse personalities as Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Lenny Kravitz, Sharon Stone, Ringo Starr and Arnold Schwartzenegger purchased the styles in droves. The celebrity interest, and subsequent exposure, sent the consumer demand for the TechnoMarine watch beyond the existing retail supply. Production was sent into overdrive and sales for TechnoMarine watch skyrocketed into the tens of millions almost overnight.
Since its inception in 1999, the TechnoMarine watch product line has grown to include more than 110 distinct styles while distribution has expanded to include retail outlets in six continents.