S.T. Dupont is a French manufacturer of luxury accessories founded in 1872 by Simon Tissot-Dupont in Paris. The company began as a manufacturer of luxury travel cases and leather goods for European aristocracy and heads of state, later expanding into lighters, writing instruments, leather goods, and men's accessories. S.T. Dupont is listed on Euronext Paris and has operated independently, though it has undergone various ownership changes throughout its history.
The brand is best known for its luxury lighters, which have been produced since 1941 and are recognized for their distinctive metallic ping sound when opened. S.T. Dupont lighters are manufactured at the company's facility in Faverges, Haute-Savoie, France, using techniques including natural Chinese lacquer application (requiring up to 25 coats hand-applied over several months), palladium and gold plating, and guilloche engraving. The Ligne 2, Slim 7, Maxijet, and Minijet lines represent the core lighter collection.
S.T. Dupont's writing instruments include fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and rollerballs, manufactured using many of the same lacquer and metalwork techniques applied to the lighter collection. The Line D, Liberte, and Defi ranges form the principal writing instrument lines. The brand also produces leather goods including wallets, card holders, briefcases, and belts, as well as cufflinks, key rings, and fragrances.
The company operates boutiques in Paris and major international cities, and distributes through authorized retailers, department stores, and duty-free outlets worldwide. S.T. Dupont maintains a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific market, where its lighters and writing instruments have particular cultural significance as luxury gifts.