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The LOUIS XVI Palais Royale is back—as an improved 2.0 update and in many fresh colors, including a baby blue shade. I’ll show you what’s behind the chronograph’s unusual “royal design” and what sets LOUIS XVI apart as a watch brand…
The Royal Watch Is Back
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It doesn’t get any more extraordinary than this! We’re kicking off the 2026 testing year with what is arguably the most unique watch design I know. Hardly anything on the market can compare to the Palais Royale by LOUIS XVI, which deliberately ignores all design principles from the last 100 years of watchmaking history, such as simplicity, functionality, or sportiness. To someone who has never encountered a watch from this brand, I would describe it as follows. Imagine if wristwatches had been invented 150 years earlier, that is, in the early 18th century. I am convinced: they would have looked just like the Palais Royale. Ornate, floral motifs adorn the case, bracelet, and dial. The hour markers resemble small gemstones. Louis XVI, the company’s namesake and the last French king, would have loved this design. The Palais Royale is, above all, one thing: opulent.
But Baroque opulence doesn’t mean wearers have to sacrifice the conveniences of classic wristwatches. The arrangement of hands, counters, and pushers, as well as the technology inside, naturally meets the standard we’ve come to expect from chronographs in the upper entry-level segment, as I know from experience with the LOUIS XVI Palais Royale Gold 1018 watch review. We’ll get to the details later.
About LOUIS XVI: A Brief Profile of the Brand
It is said that King Louis XVI loved the watches and movements of his time. He is even rumored to have taken watches apart and put them back together himself. The Swiss brand of the same name draws inspiration from this passion and has been successful on the market for over 10 years. In addition to “quality and attention to detail” (quote from company founder Thomas Burger) and its unique design, LOUIS XVI is distinguished by its high level of customer service. The watch box is a true all-inclusive package featuring high-quality craftsmanship, a certificate of authenticity, a handy tool for adjusting the metal band, and a warranty card. LOUIS XVI offers its customers a generous 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. If that isn’t royal!
Palais Royale – the next Generation
But now back to the watch itself. My LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 (reference number 1822/1823) features a Royal Baby Blue dial—a light blue that’s summery without being too cool. This makes the reference one of 11 options within the new collection, which is launching five years after the debut of the first Palais Royale generation. Fresh colors, a few fine-tuning adjustments here and there, and a more elaborately designed dial characterize this update.
LOUIS XVI sent me a review model with a 43-millimeter case diameter and diamonds on the dial. Alternatively, you can also order this model with a case diameter of 38 millimeters (which would be more of a ladies’ watch) or even 48 millimeters. However, 43 millimeters should generally suit you. And while we’re on the subject of numbers: my model is 22 millimeters wide between the lugs and 12 millimeters high, which makes it look harmonious on my 17-centimeter wrist.
Case and movement of the LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 Baby Blue
It goes without saying that a sturdy stainless steel watch isn’t feather-light. At 175 grams, the LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 Baby Blue is certainly no lightweight, but it was comfortable to wear during my testing period.
The build quality of the 316L stainless steel makes a very solid impression. The solid case, with its partly matte, partly polished surfaces, is appealing even upon closer inspection.
Thanks to the screw-down crown, the case remains water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters. Still, I wouldn’t go swimming or diving with this chronograph—but that isn’t the intended use for this otherwise versatile everyday watch. Alongside the majestic crown, the watch’s limited edition number is prominently displayed on the solid case back. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the delicately crafted dial. Its double-sided anti-reflective coating also improves readability, though this isn’t one of the watch’s strong suits. A glance at the watch, and you’ve taken in all the important information in the blink of an eye? That’s difficult with the LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 Baby Blue. But let’s be honest: we’re neither pilots nor naval divers. Here, it’s perfectly fine if it takes a little longer.
Instead, we’re enchanted by 10 genuine diamonds between the hour markers. Luminous hands, a date window at 4 o’clock, and three sub-dials displaying 12-hour time, small seconds, and 30-minute time deliver what we expect from a good chronograph.
Beneath the dial of the Palais Royale, the 43- and 38-millimeter versions are powered by a Ronda 5030.D Startech quartz movement. The 48-millimeter version is equipped with a Ronda Z60 Startech quartz movement.
My thoughts on the LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 Ref. 1822/1823
The LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 Baby Blue pulls off a remarkable balancing act. The baroque ornaments on the dial and bracelet give the chronograph’s design a distinctive look—something special—without coming across as too kitschy. Especially with the Baby Blue dial color, the model looks significantly more expensive on the wrist than it actually is. A pleasant side effect for LOUIS XVI wearers: the watch is easy on the wallet. Regardless of the case diameter, this Swiss chronograph costs just 545.00 euros. Given the truly excellent build quality and the reliable Ronda quartz movement inside the watch, that’s a fair price.
So who is the LOUIS XVI Palais Royale 2.0 Baby Blue made for? For anyone who appreciates exceptional design and has no time for conformity or inconspicuousness. And, of course, for those who value good quality, don’t necessarily need a mechanical movement, and (rightly) want to keep their expenses in check. This could make the Palais Royale your ideal companion on your wrist.
Keep in mind, however, that this is a limited edition: like every LOUIS XVI, the 1822/1823 model is a one-off produced in very limited quantities. Only 1,000 pieces of the (likely most popular) 43-millimeter version—the watch I tested—will be available to the general public, along with 5,000 each of the larger and smaller models. So don’t wait too long.
You’ll find all the important links to the watch and the entire collection below.
More about LOUIS XVI and the Palais Royale 2.0 Baby Blue
Click here for the 1822/1823 model in the LOUIS XVI shop
The entire collection at a glance
My LOUIS XVI watch reviews at a glance
Watch photography
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