Jean Été, a French watchmaking company was formed in 1852 within the 8th arrondissement of Paris, a renowned emblem of French luxury. A region famed for its famous monuments, avenues, and the unmistakable Elysée Palace. Indeed, the list of French masterminds in the field of watchmaking does not start and end with Cartier. Before the Swiss watch industry became an international success, France was the renowned Center of Haute Horlogerie.

Numerous Huguenots left the country, causing France to lose many of its talented watchmakers to nations like the United States and Switzerland; the reason why these new locations took over the leading position from France. Nonetheless, France still has its share of skilled watchmakers, like the Jean Été brand, and is considered a force to be reckoned with, in both technical and commercial terms.