In the early 2000s, one of the hottest watch brands in the world was Roger Dubuis, a company that borrowed some of the best historical ideas in watchmaking and made it sexy for the 21st century. At the peak just before the 2008 recession, over 450 employees in its expansive Geneva factory produced some 25,000 watches a year, generating over SFr100m of revenue – with sales having doubled in some of the preceding years. But by then the man with his name on the door was gone, having retired in 2003. On October 14, 2017, Mr Roger Dubuis passed away at age 80, according to the company that bears his name.

Mr Dubuis began his watchmaking career during the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, starting at Longines in the late 1950s. Most of the nine years Mr Dubuis spent at the Saint-Imier watchmaker renowned for its chronographs were in its after-sales department where he worked on repairs. He then moved to Geneva to work for Patek Philippe as a constructor and watchmaker in the high complications workshop. This was a particularly formative time according to an interview he gave to your correspondent in 2012, with the quality and finesse of Patek Philippe watches shaping his philosophy of watchmaking.

After 14 years at the pedigreed Geneva watchmaker, he left in 1980 to set up a small workshop where he repaired watches and clocks for collectors, auction houses and watch brands. According to Mr Dubuis, in the late 1980s he starting working on his first complication, a perpetual calendar module with retrograde displays. And then in the early 1990s Mr Dubuis, the modest, subtle watchmaker, met Carlos Dias, who later became the swaggering impresario of the Roger Dubuis brand. Together they set up Société Genevoise des Montres (SOGEM) in 1995, a striking second act for Mr Dubuis, who was already 57 years old.

An intriguing perspective on the formation of the Roger Dubuis company comes from Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, the founder of respective complications specialist Agenhor. Mr Wiederrecht explains that he had been friends with Mr Dubuis for several years by the late 1980s, and together they worked on developing a retrograde perpetual calendar module at the behest of New York jeweller Harry Winston, then still family-owned and run by the founder son’s Ronald Winston.

The pair of talented watchmakers started work on the mechanism in the mid 1980s, and finished it in time for Harry Winston to launch the Bi-Retro Perpetual Calendar wristwatch at Baselworld 1989. It was the first double retrograde perpetual calendar, and Mr Dubuis would later make the same perpetual module the signature complication of his brand.

During the development of the perpetual calendar module, the two watchmakers Wiederrecht and Dubuis would often sit at a cafe in Geneva, sometimes with Mr Wiederrecht’s then girlfriend and now wife, Catherine, discussing their work while having a drink. One of the waiters in the cafe was a a Portuguese immigrant to Switzerland who had grand visions of building a watch company, Carlos Dias. And that is where Dubuis met Dias.

The first Roger Dubuis watches were acclaimed by collectors, because they were channelled the traditional Geneva watchmaking that Patek Philippe personified, while having more stylistic flair. The watches were, without exaggeration, both beautiful and interesting. In the 2012 interview, Mr Dubuis explained the original goal was to create complicated and highly finished timepieces in the most refined Geneva style, which actually meant a heavy dose of inspiration from Patek Philippe. The watches were Genevoise watchmaking on steroids.

One of the quintessential Roger Dubuis watches from the period was the chronograph with perpetual calendar, powered by the Lemania cal. 2310 just as in Patek Philippe’s version of the same, except that the Roger Dubuis perpetual calendar was bi-retrograde.

At the beginning, Roger Dubuis watches came in two styles: Sympathie and Hommage. Shaped like a cushion with sharpened corners, the Sympathie was remarkably different and later became the signature shape of the brand. Though in later years Mr Dias claimed credit for designing the shape, Mr Dubuis explained that the basic form was proposed by a case maker in the Vallée de Joux, then refined by himself and Mr Dias.

The Sympathie S37 perpetual calendar that was a fixture on Mr Dubuis’ wrist, one of the first watches he ever produced

The Hommage watches, as the name suggests, were designed as a homage to the great watchmakers of old, according to Mr Dubuis. In practice, the Hommage watch case was actually an elegant modern version of the water-resistant Patek Philippe ref. 1463 chronograph of the 1950s, right down to the onion-topped chronograph pushers.

At the same time the brand consciously paid tribute to the customs of fine watchmaking, bestowing an authentic sense of legitimacy upon the young brand. All Roger Dubuis watches were certified as chronometers by the Besançon Observatory as well as hallmarked with the Poincon de Geneve, or Geneva Seal. Each watch was even tagged with a tiny lead seal bearing the Poincon de Geneve. At the time, it was mainly Patek Philippe movements that carried the Geneva Seal, which is why Mr Dubuis felt it was crucial to have the same hallmark.

Roger Dubuis watches were, back then, a fusion of gorgeously finished ideas taken from the heyday of Swiss watchmaking, when Roger Dubuis was still a fresh face at Longines. Packaged in lavish marquetry boxes and accompanied by reams of certificates – and accompanied by a spare, solid case back just like Patek Philippe – Roger Dubuis watches were irresistible to watch aficionados.

A Roger Dubuis Hommage H40 chronograph from the early 2000s/Photo Antiquorum

The old school watchmaking sensibility of Mr Dubuis matched well with the aggressive Carlos Dias, a relentless marketing short in stature but large of personality. By 2004 the company was riding high and Mr Dias had earned a spot on the annual ranking of the richest people in Switzerland published by Swiss business magazine Bilanz. He had an estimated net worth of SFr100m to SFr200m, making him the second richest person in independent watchmaking after Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes. By then, however, Mr Dubuis, still the quiet, subtle watchmaker, was long gone, having retired in 2003 without a place on the Bilanz list.

So common that it’s almost the inevitable fate of most watchmakers who go into business with businessmen, Mr Dubuis was edged out by the savvier and sharper Mr Dias, who always had a larger stake in the company; Mr Dubuis held just 10% according to some accounts. With Mr Dubuis out, the aesthetic vision of Carlos Dias, by then fortified with a doctorate, consumed the company. The watches got bigger and more flamboyant, with model names like Much More, Too Much and Follow Me. Mr Dias was particularly proud of the sports watches he designed, one of which was a diver’s watch with a square elapsed time bezel that could not rotate. Roger Dubuis even began producing its own line of jewellery inspired by its watches.

At the same time, the company grew at a rapid, and eventually reckless, pace. In 2001 the company built a huge facility in Meyrin, an industrial suburb of Geneva, which it expanded gratuitously in 2004, creating a factory with over 150,000 square feet of space. That was a result of Mr Dias’ obsession with building watches in-house, which meant the company acquired the rights to manufacture its own Lemania cal. 2310 chronograph movements, and even set up its own enamel workshop with a young Domnique Baron in charge (she later became chief enameller at Richemont dial-maker Stern Creations but passed away in 2012).

The culmination of Mr Dias’ vision, before it all went wrong

On the eve of the 2008 recession, Manufacture Roger Dubuis, as Mr Dias had inevitably renamed the brand, boasted almost thirty different in-house calibres, including the exotic double tourbillon and an impressive eight-day, barrel-shaped chronograph movement. Most of the calibres, however, did not function properly, a consequence of the breakneck expansion. Having invested an estimate SFr150m into the manufacture, and coupled with flagging demand for its unreliable watches, the company was in debt and losing money. Eventually, half the workforce was laid off as the brand’s principal banker Credit Suisse was looking to get its money back.

Mr Dias then beat a hasty but lucrative exit in 2008, selling his 60% stake in the company to Richemont, for an estimate SFr150m (the other 40% was owned by Syrian-born Akram Aljord, once the Cartier distributor in Dubai, who sold his shares to Richemont in 2016).

Richemont, in return for its nine-figure investment, got a massive factory capable of making practically the entire watch movement, right down to the hairspring. Many industry insiders at the time speculated that the Swiss luxury conglomerate bought Roger Dubuis for its production capacity, rather than the name. A good portion of that capacity was then turned over to other Richemont brands, including Cartier, and Roger Dubuis was restructured from top to bottom. All of its in-house movements were reengineered, and most were scrapped.

Talk at the time of the takeover was that Mr Dias wanted to remain as chief designer, an idea Richemont swiftly put paid to by replacing him with the serious minded former chief operating officer of IWC. Mr Dias left as soon as the acquisition was complete and is now a gentleman vintner living in Monaco, producing wine at estate in Portugal while owning beverage distribution in Angola.

And in an ironic twist, Mr Dubuis was brought back to the brand that bore his name, becoming a storied brand ambassador carted out at Roger Dubuis events. Still the quiet and subtle watchmaker he was when he first set up the company, there existed an almost imperceptible disconnect between Dubuis the man and the company, now distinguished by its Lamborghini partnership and Formula 1 watches.

Mr Dubuis nonetheless was pleased with the attention and spoke warmly of Richemont’s turnaround of the company. Today Roger Dubuis turns over about SFr50m a year on production of about 5000 watches, and generally channels the spirit of Carlos Dias, rather than the late Mr Roger Dubuis, whose fleeting but glorious vision of Genevoise watchmaking will perhaps be resurrected in the future by another ambitious entrepreneur.

Roger Dubuis today is a Maison that dares to be rare in the expression of its serial innovator mindset and in its limited editions offer. An active reference in the world of Disruptive Materials and High Complications, the Maison has 33 exclusive in-house mechanical calibres developed since the company creation. One of the pioneers of the contemporary skeleton, Roger Dubuis is a strong player in the field of Hyper Horology. 

1995

Marked with the foundation of the Roger Dubuis company and the launch of the first collections.

1999

Roger Dubuis company designs and produces its first in-house movements, all certified with a prestigious Poinçon de Genève.

2001

The year marks the construction of the impressive Manufacture building on the outskirts of Geneva. The Manufacture is a spectacular building featuring glass walls that reflect the timepieces made within: an audacious and confident exterior that houses complex and sophisticated mechanisms.

2003

Roger Dubuis Manufacture produced its first in-house watch regulating organ: the sprung balance.

2005

A significant year for Roger Dubuis brand with a series of innovations. The iconic collection – Excalibur – is launched and the Manufacture develops two innovative & exclusive calibres in the world of Haute Horlogerie: the world premiere double tourbillon skeleton (RD01SQ) and minute repeater tourbillon (RD08).

2008

A new chapter in the history of the Roger Dubuis brand, as it becomes a part of the Richemont group. Richemont Group acquires 60% of the company. A few years later, in 2016 the group has acquired the remaining 40% of Roger Dubuis.

2011 – 2015

A chain of striking innovations marks this period. Roger Dubuis launches a series of collections and outstanding calibres. Quatuor RD101 is one of them, the first movement with four sprung balances and 5 differentials, a new approach to compensate earth gravity. The iconic Excalibur collection sees numerous evolutions in the form of Excalibur 36, Excalibur 42, and a new interpretation of the skeleton watch – Excalibur Spider.

2016

The Maison turns its attention into to 2 key collections: Excalibur collection features powerful aesthetic and several exceptional mechanisms. Deliberately extravagant Excalibur timepieces are pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with striking avant-garde design. Velvet collection features a glamorous design and exquisite mechanisms. Contemporary and seductive, the Velvet collection owns exceptional charisma and cultivates the art of the extravagant.

2017

Roger Dubuis takes the fast track with the introduction of world premieres: Excalibur Spider Carbon, the timepiece with the first-ever movement plate, bridges, and tourbillon upper-cage entirely made in carbon – and Excalibur Quatuor Cobalt Micromelt® using exclusive technology of aeronautics and astronomy industries. At the same time, Roger Dubuis joins forces with 2 great references in motorsport. Visionary engineers of Pirelli and Lamborghini Squadra Corse and incredible watchmakers of Roger Dubuis work side by side to create magnificent new timepieces – Excalibur Aventador S and Excalibur Spider Pirelli. Excalibur Aventador S leads the pack by reinterpreting five essential elements of high-performance racing cars resulting in innovative features that protected by five corresponding watchmaking patent filings by Roger Dubuis. Co-founder Roger Dubuis passed away in October 2017.

2018

Roger Dubuis goes for the next lap with its motorsport partners by joining the race at Lamborghini Super Trofeo in the role of official sponsor and launching new watchmaking engine Excalibur Huracán in collaboration with Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Continuous collaboration with Pirelli evolves into the Excalibur Spider Pirelli PitStop edition where Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon model is equipped with 7 straps echoing the seven Pirelli tyre colors used in iconic races.

The info from

https://www.rogerdubuis.com/en/our-history

Please remember that this is an unofficial account of the history of this company, Should you happen to find any mistakes with our information then please let us know at

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It’s not uncommon for watch brands to outsource cases, movements, crystals, straps, etc. to assemble at their base location, and then stamp their name on the dial and call it their own. Not all companies can build from scratch and even major luxury brands use ETA movements and various outsourced components. Back in the 1940s, a brand known as Chronographe Suisse (Swiss Chronograph) provided inexpensive “generic” chronograph watches and parts for brands to adopt and add their name. Even local jewellers branded these watches as their own. It sold watches with in-house “Chronographe Suisse” branding as well, adding some confusion into the mix.

Popular in the European market as (relatively) cheap Swiss watches for tourists, Chronographe Suisse became a significant revenue source for small, often forgettable brands and many of these watches are collectables today. At its peak, over 500 workshops were producing watches with supplies from Chronographe Suisse. This successful business model thrived from the 1940s to the 1970s, before the quartz revolution wreaked havoc on the industry overall. Let’s take a closer look at this somewhat forgotten chapter of twentieth-century watch history.

THE BRAND ITSELF

It’s difficult to really pin down the roots of Chronographe Suisse. It often reminds me of companies like Seiko (relatively speaking, of course), which provides movements and parts to other brands, such as the Seiko calibre NH35A used by multiple micro brands. Those brands don’t have Seiko on their dials and the same movement powers many of Seiko’s own pieces. That’s not an entirely accurate comparison, however, as Chronographe Suisse didn’t produce in-house movements. Most of its watches, whether self-branded or adopted by others, had Swiss Venus, Landeron or Valjoux movements.

These companies provided high-quality, reliable but relatively inexpensive movements – in the same vein as Seiko or ETA today (understanding that Seiko isn’t Swiss, but you get the idea). Many of its chronographs were stylish and high-end in appearance, using steel or thin gold-plated cases (in some cases solid 14k or 18k gold) and fancy dials. The perfect enticement for a tourist seeking an affordable Swiss timepiece. Solid gold cases were thin to reduce material costs and corners were often cut to increase production, but they were nevertheless popular mementos. They weren’t all cheap, however, with some higher-end models selling at established brand prices.

The Landeron 48, the most commonly used movement in Chronographe Suisse watches.

Commonly used movements for Chronographe Suisse included the cam-operated Landeron Calibre 48 (over 3.5 million were produced), which featured a conventional two-button layout after the three-button Calibre 47. It was a bit peculiar as the pusher at 2 o’clock started the seconds, while the one at 4 o’clock both stopped and reset it. It was a hand-wound movement with 17 jewels, 18,000vph (2.5Hz) and a 42-hour power reserve. Landeron goes back to 1873, but it wasn’t until 1924 that the company produced chronograph movements (and 1925 when it went by the name, Landeron).

The Landeron 48 was reliable and rather modern (back in the days) as operated by a cam and not a column-wheel).

The Venus Calibre 170 was another common Swiss movement for Chronographe Suisse watches. Established in 1923, Venus produced its first chronograph movement in 1933, the Calibre 103. Its column-wheel chronograph movements were lauded as among the best ever produced, including the Calibre 170, a hand-wound movement with 17 jewels, 18,000vph (2.5Hz) and a 40-hour power reserve. Venus also produced self-branded watches into the 1970’s.

History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 14History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 13

Movements from Valjoux, such as the Valjoux 92, were also seen in Chronographe Suisse watches. Similar to the others, the Swiss hand-wound movement had 17 jewels, 18,000vph (2.5Hz) and a 39-hour power reserve. Landeron, Venus and Valjoux were all popular movement manufacturers that many high-end brands utilized, and they helped establish Chronographe Suisse’s reputation as a quality yet affordable Swiss alternative to established brands.

ALTERNATE BRANDING

You can find a lot of Chronographe Suisse watches out there with obscure names on the dial from long-forgotten brands. Dreffa is one of the better-known companies (not that it’s widely recognized) that branded Chronographe Suisse dials with its name. Established in 1874 in Geneva, Switzerland by Armand Dreyffus, Dreffa became a luxury watch brand that pushed itself into the US market in the 1940s under the name, Dreffa Geneve. Many of its models were Chronographe Suisse pieces, often with both company names on the dial (Dreffa Geneve and Chronographe Suisse). Jacques Maguin acquired the Dreffa brand in 1985 and modified the logo, and it was acquired again in 2014 by TGX Holdings, with production continuing in both Geneva and Glashütte.

History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 12History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 11History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 10

Other brands like Ultimor and Olympic appeared on Chronographe Suisse watches, only to disappear as the quartz crisis decimated smaller brands. A large percentage of these companies existed solely because of the Chronographe Suisse supply, which allowed assembly and simple dial modifications to be the major requirements for the existence of a watch brand. Not a bad set-up for motivated entrepreneurs.

CHRONOGRAPHE SUISSE COLLECTING

Watches today, whether branded with Chronographe Suisse or a name you’ve never heard of, are popular with first-time vintage watch buyers and even seasoned collectors. 18k gold models can sell for over EUR 3,000, although it’s not hard to find gold (and especially gold-plated) models for well under EUR 2,000. I found a gold, 37mm model from the 1950s in good cosmetic and mechanical condition for under EUR 1,000. It has a Landeron Calibre 48 and two sub-dials at 3 and 6 o’clock. Not bad for a vintage Swiss chronograph.

The present Dreffa is owned by one of our editors and was bought for less than EUR 500 on a forum.

Keep in mind that the gold case is unusually thin with hollow lugs, so you’re getting less material and robustness than what more established brands offered. The Landeron movement can also be expensive to service. Many steel Chronographe Suisse watches can be found for under EUR 500, so you don’t have to spend a fortune if you’re intrigued by the brand. My advice, especially if spending north of EUR 1,000, is to obtain a recent service history and clear pictures of the movement (if buying online) before committing.

CHRONOGRAPH SUISSE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

A small revival of Chronograph Suisse watches happened around 2010 with the Chronographe Suisse Mangusta Supermeccanica Stupenda (sounds Italian, but it’s Swiss). Various offshoots of this model were produced and it’s a modern throwback to the mid-20th century. Unlike the fashion-focused originals with acrylic crystals and smallish cases, the new watches have sapphire crystals, heavy steel cases around 45mm in diameter and water-resistance up to 200m. Movements in these models (called Calibre 26 automatics) are likely ETA 2894-2 automatic calibres with 37 jewels, 28,800vph (4Hz) and a 42-hour power reserve. Prices started at USD 5,000 and topped out at around USD 8,000. They can be found today for around USD 3,000 or less for clean examples.

Modern watch with the “Chronographe Suisse” mention on the dial (source: Drouot).

Choosing between a “new” Chronograph Suisse or vintage counterpart is like choosing between a 1955 Volkswagen Beetle or a 2010 model. Very different concepts for different people. I’d personally choose a vintage Chronographe Suisse with a Landeron Calibre 48 in steel. I find that combination the most interesting and nice examples won’t break the bank. Whether or not I choose an obscure brand on the dial or simply “Chronographe Suisse” would depend entirely on how aesthetically pleasing the watch is.

History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 2History of Chronographe Suisse Landeron Dreffa Ultimor Olympic – 1

Actual branding on the dial is insignificant to me (they’re all Chronographe Suisse pieces), although I know there are collectors who would wholeheartedly disagree. The few decades of Chronographe Suisse aren’t a well-known part of horological history, especially in North America, but the thousands upon thousands of watches produced not only give an interesting insight into pre-quartz watchmaking but provide vintage watch collectors with something affordable to acquire.

Note: photos of the Britix and Ultimor watches, as well as the Venus and Valjoux movements, have been found on eBay (where you can find dozens of Chronographe Suisse watches).

The info from

https://monochrome-watches.com/chronographe-suisse-the-story-behind-a-mysterious-but-productive-chronograph-brand-and-supplier/

Please remember that this is an unofficial account of the history of this company, Should you happen to find any mistakes with our information then please let us know at

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The place: the small town of Le Locle, deep in Switzerland’s Jura Mountains. Already it is known as the cradle of Swiss watchmaking. Georges Ducommun, one of 13 children, is twelve years old when he begins his apprenticeship with an established watchmaker in 1880. His family is not well-off and, hard work and discipline being second nature to him, he contributes to the household with his wages. George’s passion for mechanical precision and beauty grows, as do his skills, with each timekeeper that passes through his expert hands.

1889. The adventure begins…

At 21, Georges is in business for himself, enjoying a solid reputation for ingenuity, attention to detail, quick service and customer orientation – on occasion even logging twenty-odd kilometers on foot to deliver a watch. Still, with each movement he brings back to life in the workshop in his backyard, he can’t help but imagine how tweaking this component or modifying that one would result in a better watch. Georges realizes that it’s time to step out of his comfort zone. A watchmaking startup is born: “Georges Ducommun, Fabriques Doxa.”

A new name for Quality, Value…

“Doxa” – the Greek word for glory, and by extension for reputation – soon becomes synonymous with timepieces of exceptional workmanship, quality and value. Likewise, it doesn’t take long for Georges’ unique craftsmanship to be recognized beyond Neuchatel, or Switzerland for that matter. In 1905, his pocket watch is honored at the “Exposition Universelle et Internationale,” the World’s Fair held in Liège, Belgium, and in 1906 an anti-magnetic DOXA wins the gold medal at the World’s Fair in Milan, Italy.

…and Innovation

The automobile revolution is well underway by now and Georges’ ingenuity and knack for optimization come through in an ingenious solution to a growing need, especially on the endurance races that are all the rage: a robust and reliable dashboard-mounted clock with an adequate power reserve. In 1908, he files a patent for the “8-Day DOXA Caliber” and it becomes standard equipment on Bugatti’s racing cars – and a standard for the industry, as the instrument panels of other automotive brands soon sport a DOXA, too. Ships and airplanes follow.

A reputation for ruggedness and precision

For Georges, the demand for ruggedness and split-second precision drives innovation. When he passes away in 1936, his son-in-law, Jacques Nardin (grandson of Ulysse Nardin, founder of the renowned eponymous brand), takes the helm and stays the course. While the focus is on timepieces for travel and sports, DOXA continues to develop watches for every type of customer. Innovations include alarms, ring-watches and technical advances such as a date-pointer and a jumping second hand.

Timelessness comes from purity of purpose

In 1957, a minimalist dress watch becomes an instant classic: the Bauhaus-inspired “Grafic” Collection testifies to DOXA’s aesthetic credentials. In 1967, the SUB is the first truly purpose-designed, professional-grade watch accessible to the growing community of sports divers. Developed in cooperation with the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the SUB dive watch concept introduces radical innovations that make it the benchmark for professionals and military divers, too. Still to this day.

The adventure continues…

The following decades are somewhat turbulent for the Swiss watchmaking industry, with the advent of quartz technology just one of the many challenges DOXA and other great brands must come to grips with. Building on the enduring appeal of iconic collections, a new era begins when the Jenny family, active in the watchmaking industry for four generations, acquires DOXA in 1997. The headquarters are transferred to Biel, Switzerland, and Romeo F. Jenny is appointed CEO. Today, over 130 years after it began, the adventure continues.

The information from :

https://doxawatches.com/pages/history

Please remember that this is an unofficial account of the history of this company, Should you happen to find any mistakes with our information then please let us know at

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The history of Dent & Co. spans three centuries of precision watch and clock making in Great Britain. Established in 1814 by Edward J. Dent, the company embraced the Victorian fervour for technological innovation and created precision chronometers to navigate the Royal Navy and guide some of the most intrepid explorers on their voyages. The British Empire was in full expansion and its maritime tradition had produced some remarkable technological breakthroughs from the late 18th century; John Harrison’s triumphant mechanical solution in 1764 to locate a ship’s position at sea won the coveted Board of Longitudes prize money and further consolidated Britain as the horological force in the world.  Propelling the impetus of Britain’s primacy, Dent proved a key player in Victorian horological history manufacturing the Standard Clock at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich which was to keep “Greenwich Mean Time”  the time to which all others in the Empire were referred (better known today as G.M.T.) and continued to do so until replaced by an electronic clock in 1946.  Dent also made probably the most famous clock in the world – the Great Clock for the Houses of Parliament, familiarly known as Big Ben.

Chronometers

Edward John Dent (1790-1853) discovered his passion for clock making from his cousin Richard Rippon and from 1814 onwards established an outstanding reputation as a builder of accurate chronometers; vital timepieces for Britain’s maritime conquests, trade and Colonial expansion. His inventive talents were soon recognized and a chronometer he had submitted to the trials was conferred the First Premium Award in the 1829 Greenwich Trials.

Dent’s reputation soared and their chronometers accompanied some of the century’s most influential and colourful explorers. Dent chronometer no. 633 was taken aboard the H.M.S. Beagle in 1831 to accompany Charles Darwin on the voyage that lead to his revolutionary publication “The Origin of the Species” – his groundbreaking theory of evolution. Two decades later, David Livingstone purchased Dent chronometer no. 1800 for his African explorations and in 1890, the explorer H.M. Stanley was moved to write to Dent that “the Chronometers supplied by you, and which were taken across Africa in my last Expedition, proved a very great service to me and were in every way thoroughly satisfactory and reliable”.

Standard Clocks

Dent’s longstanding service to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the admiration it inspired in the Royal Astronomer, Sir George Airy, is well documented.  A Standard Clock was a clock of such reliability and quality that it was used as the reference for all other clocks.

Dent constructed the first Standard Astronomical Clock for the Admiralty in 1814 setting a precedent for the company to supply Standard Clocks to countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Brussels, Russia and as far afield as the USA and Japan throughout the 19th century.  However, a company milestone was reached in 1871 when Dent was conferred the maximum honour of making the Standard Clock at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the clock to which all others in the Empire would be referred – also known as “G.M.T.”- and was also asked to make a secondary Standard Clock which was responsible for sending the signal for the emission of the 6 ‘pips’ heard on the BBC World Service and first broadcast in

1924.

Royalty & Domestic Clocks And Watches

Dent’s flair for exquisitely wrought domestic clocks and watches afforded the company a Royal Warrant as the official watch and clockmaker to Her Majesty Queen Victoria and HRH Albert Prince of Wales in 1841, a warrant that would be renewed through to George V’s reign. Russian emperors Tsar Alexander III and Tsar Nicolas II and the Japanese Emperor Mejii also issued Dent with royal warrants.

Big Ben

Turret Clocks – Public Clocks – Big Ben

The grandiose display of Victorian technological prowess at the Great International Exhibition of 1851 included a Dent turret clock. Having won a Council Medal, the clock at Crystal Palace was dismantled and erected at King’s Cross Station. But perhaps the clock that has most impressed the Dent brand in the British psyche is the Great Clock for Houses of Parliament, familiarly known as “Big Ben”. Three famous clock makers submitted tenders for the prestigious construction and Sir George Airy awarded the contract to Dent in 1852, yet another acknowledgement of the company’s excellent reputation and a unique opportunity to be identified with London’s most symbolic architectural feature.

Patents

Dent patented many of their inventions including the balance spring, the use of jewels in mechanism, the dipliedascopes and the fluid compass. However, the 1846 patent for “The Keyless” which, as its name implies, was the first watch that could be wound and set at the crown, dispensing with the use of a key, was to become the most widely reproduced and applied contribution to the advancement of watch making.

20th Century

The Dent trademark, the triangle, was instituted in 1876 in response to reports of inferior imitators, and appears on back of all watched and clocks from that time on,  as the sign of a genuine Dent timepiece. Throughout the 20th century Dent continued to make and supply marine chronometers, watches and compasses for the Royal Navy and was supplier to the Royal Air Force during the Second World war, and supplied decorative and architectural clocks for the domestic and civil markets. Dent maintained the Royal Warrants until the mid 20th century, and continued to make exquisite clocks throughout this period.

St Pancras

21st Century

The company has been invigorated by a team of British investors and British management who wish to continue the legacy of the company into the next century. With the principles and excellence of the past firmly in their minds, Dent today is already moving in a direction of which the founders of the business would be proud, securing the contract to make and supply the largest public clock, the station platform clock for the new Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras station, London.

In 2008 Dent launched its first new range of gentleman’s wristwatches for over 40 years, watches that again continue in the legacy of the company, combining contemporary technology with the traditions of excellence, craftsmanship and reliability.

A Brief Summary Of Works, Patents And Medals Of Dent & Co.

1790

Birth of Edward John Dent, founder of the firm.

1800

Aged 10, Dent acquires his first watch, an Earnshaw chronometer; Dent would always use an Earnshaw type of detent in his own creations.

1814

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock for the Admiralty.

Dent constructs Chronometers for determining the longitude for the Colonial Office African Expedition.

1815-29

Dent learns the clockmaker’s trade from Richard Rippon, works for Vulliamy & Son, also spending time with Barraud & Son, probably both on repeaters and helping with their chronometer work.

1829

Following Public Trial of Chronometer, Dent no.114 was awarded First Premium by the Astronomer Royal for an actual variation in the year of 0.54 hundredths of a second.

Early Advert

1830

Dent forms partnership with John Roger Arnold, then still one of the leading chronometer-makers in London; they form Arnold & Dent.

1831

Dent chronometer no. 633 was taken aboard the H.M.S. Beagle in 1831 to accompany Charles Darwin on the voyage that lead to his revolutionary publication “The Origin of the Species”.

1833

Dent discovers the properties of Balance Springs of Chronometers, when composed of different metals. Research into the effect of Magnetism on Chronometers.

1834

Dent invents and constructs Balance Springs of Glass for Chronometers.

1836

Dent obtains Patents for “Improvement in the Balance Springs of Chronometers, and in their adjustments”.

1837

Determination of the difference of longitude between Greenwich and Paris by 12 Chronometers, by Arnold and Dent.

1838

Determination of the difference of longitude between Greenwich and Armagh by 15 Chronometers, by Arnold and Dent.

1839

Determination of the difference of longitude between Greenwich and Edinburgh by 12 Chronometers, by Arnold and Dent.

Determination of the difference of longitude between Greenwich and New York by 4 Chronometers, by Arnold and Dent.

1840

Partnership with Arnold ends and E. J. Dent starts producing clocks once more under his own name.

Dent obtains Letters Patent for delivering impulse to Pendulums at their centers of percussion, and for improvements in Chronometer and Balance Springs.

1842

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock for the Royal Observatory of Turin, Italy.

Dent obtains Letters Patent for the application of Secondary Compensation to Chronometer Balances.

Determination of the difference of longitude between Greenwich and Liverpool by 5 Chronometers by Dent.

1843

Dent obtains Letters Patent for the Tubular and Axis Compasses.

Emperor of Russia

Dent appointed Chronometer Maker to the Emperor of Russia, by Special Warrant

The Grand Chronometrical Expedition (for which Dent supplied 81 Chronometers) organized by the Russian Government for the determination of many important longitudes.

Construction of the Standard Astronomical Clock for the National Observatory of Switzerland in Geneva.

Dent constructs the New Meridian Instrument, the Diplodocine, and registers the assigned patents.

1845

Dent constructs the Great Clock of the Royal Exchange, London, on whose completion the Astronomer Royal wrote; “I believe the Clock you have constructed for the Royal Exchange to be the best in the world, as regards accuracy of going and striking.”

1846

Dent granted Letters Patent for the invention of the first watches that could be wound and set at the crown, known as “The Keyless”.

1847

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock of the Imperial Observatory of Russia at Pullover.

Dent commences the production of aneroid barometers.

1848

Dent invents different systems of electric and electro-magnetic clocks.

1849

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock for the Royal Observatory at Venice.

1850

David Livingstone purchases Chronometer no.1800 for use during his African explorations.

David Livingstone

1851

The Dent turret clock displayed at The Great International Exhibition, which won the only Council Medal for Horology; after the Exhibition, it is erected at Kings Cross Station. Won the Medal for Patent Ships’ and Surveying Compasses.

Dent invents of the Prism Chronometer Balance, afterwards registered under the Act of Parliament.

Dent patents for the Single Pin Escapement.

1852

Dent receives the order for the great clock for the Houses of Parliament, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison (later Lord Grimethorpe).

1853

Death of E.J. Dent.

Dent constructs the First Gravity Escapements.

Dent invents and registers the Fluid Compass, which was used by the Royal Navy and the Royal National Life Boat Institution.

1854

Dent constructs and erects the Great Galvanic Chronographic Apparatus of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. This Apparatus determines the Time of Transits and all Astronomical Phenomena observed at the Observatory.

1855

Dent constructs the New Standard Astronomical Clock at the Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford University.

1856

Dent constructs the Astronomical Clock at the Royal Observatory of Scotland, in Edinburgh.

Dent is presented with the Great Silver Medal, by H.M. the King of Holland.

1857

Dent constructs of the Palace Clock, Balmoral, for HM Queen Victoria.

Queen Victoria

1859

The Great Clock of the Houses of Parliament, known as “Big Ben” and made by Dent, is installed and put into service.

1862

Dent obtains Letter Patent for the “Watchman’s” Tell Tale Clock, used at Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Dent constructs the Great Clock at the International Exhibition, and also receives highest awards for Chronometers, Watches, Clocks and Ships Compasses.

Dent invents the Double Bar Auxiliary Chronometer Balance.

1863

Dent establishes Telegraphic Time Communication with the Royal Observatory Greenwich and with the Great Westminster Clock.

Dent appointed Watch and Clock Makers to HRH Prince of Wales by Special Warrant.

1865

Dent invents and constructs Fog Bell Machinery used in Light Houses; first installed at Lowestoft Ness.

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical and Subsidiary Time Ball Clocks of the Ballast Board, Dublin.

1867

Dent constructs the Clock for determining the Velocity of Projectiles, for the Secretary of State for War.

1868

Dent constructs the Standard Clock for the Ordinance Survey Department.

1869

Dent obtains the Patent for the Improved Tail Lever Escapement; the most important improvement in Watch Escapements of recent years.

1870

Dent’s construction of “First Class” Standard Astronomical Clocks, for the use of the Transit of Venus Expeditions.

1871

Dent’s construction of the Standard Clock of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, a sidereel regulator, no.

Greenwich Observatory

1872

Dent’s construction of the Astronomical Clocks for the use of the Transit of Venus Expeditions.

Dent receives First Prize at the First Competition in Horological Turning.

Dent’s construction of the Standard Regulator Clock for dropping the Time Ball in Port Elisabeth, South Africa.

1875

Dent’s construction of the Standard Astronomical Clock of the Royal Observatory of Ireland, Dunsink.

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock for Vanderbilt University, USA.

1876

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock of the Royal Observatory of Coimbra, Portugal.

1877

Dent constructs the New Standard Artic Surveying Compass for the Dutch Polar Expedition.

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock of the Royal Observatory of Brussels, which would also be the Standard Timekeeper of the Kingdom, to which all others would be referred.

Dent is awarded First Prize at the Second Competition in Horological Turning.

1878

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock of the Royal Observatory of San Fernando, Spain, which would also be the Standard Time Keeper of the Kingdom, to which all others would be referred.

Dent commencement of the Great Chronographic Apparatus of the Royal Observatory of Belgium.  This was the most exact, complete and powerful apparatus ever constructed.

1879

Dent constructs Chronometers for determining the longitude of the Italian Government’s African Exploring Expedition.

Dent constructs the Standard Astronomical Clock of the Imperial Observatory of Japan, which would also be the Standard Time Keeper of the Empire of Japan, to which all others would be referred.

Dent constructs the New System of Galvanic Contact Apparatus for Motor and Controlling Clocks (Master & Slave).

1880

His Majesty Emperor Mejii grants Royal Warrant for Dent & Co.

Emperor Menjii

1890

H. M. Stanley writes to the company to say, “The Chronometers supplied by Dent, and which were taken across Africa in my last Expedition, proved a very great service to me and were in every way thoroughly satisfactory and reliable.”

1901

M. F. Dent pocket watches are engraved with the inscription, “Watchmaker to her late Majesty”.

1904

The Shah of Persia grants Dent & Co. Royal Warrant.

1908

Dent obtains First Prizes for clock and watches at the Franco-British Exhibition.

1901 – 1930

Dent continues to produce chronometers and compasses for the Admiralty.

Successive Monarchs of Great Britain grant Dent Royal Warrants.

1949 -1963

Dent checks and repairs watches for the Royal Air Force.

1950 – 2006

Dent produces exquisite Inclined Plane, Epicyclic Skeleton, Congreve, Falling Ball, Carriage and other clocks on commission for discerning collectors, and continues to repair its watches and clocks.

2006

Dent wins commission for the station platform clock at St. Pancras station, London.

2007

Dent presents Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a Great Wheel Skeleton clock.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth receives a Dent Great Wheel Skeleton clock

MS Queen Victoria launched with Dent Pillar clock in the Royal Arcade..

2008

Dent launches the first range of wrist watches for 40 years.

2010

MS Queen Elizabeth with Dent pillar clock. Traditional aesthetics with state of the art GPS technology.

2011

The Limited Edition Dent Denison released. With the new Dent Class ‘A’ movement.

Company Names & Titles

Over the centuries, the company changed its name a number of times, retaining continuity with the presence of “Dent” throughout. To achieve this, one generation would be distinguished from another because the full name would include the initials of the family member who inherited part or all of the relevant business.

With approximate dates, the company’s names included:

1826-30

E.J. Dent

1830-40

Arnold & Dent

1840-53

Edward J. Dent

1853-61

Frederick Dent

1853 – 1920

Richard Edward Dent, and M.F. Dent (absorbed into E. Dent & Co Ltd in 1920)

1861-64

Dent & Co

1864-97

E. Dent & Co

1897- today

E. Dent & Co. Ltd

N.B. No other companies or individuals trading under the name “Dent” or any derivative thereof were in any way connected to the original firm. The famed triangular trade mark was instituted in 1876 to distinguish the genuine article from its imitators, and all genuine Dent timepieces carry this trademark from this time on.

A Chronology of Business Premises – all premises are in London, England

1826

E.J.Dent, 43 King Street, Long Acre

1830

Arnold & Dent, 84 Strand

1840

Edward J. Dent, 82 Strand

1843

Edward J. Dent, 82 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street

1847

Edward J. Dent, 82 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street & 34 Royal Exchange

1851

Edward J. Dent, 61 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street & 34 Royal Exchange

1853

Frederick Dent, 61 Strand & 34 Royal Exchange

1853

Richard Edward Dent, 33 Cockspur Street

1856

Frederick Dent, 61 Strand, 34 & 35 Royal Exchange

1857

M. F. Dent, 33 Cockspur Street

1861

Dent & Co, 61 Strand, 34 & 35 Royal Exchange

1861

M. F. Dent, 33 & 34 Cockspur Street

1864

E. Dent & Co, 61 Strand, 34 & 35 Royal Exchange

1886

E. Dent & Co, 61 Strand, & 4 Royal Exchange

1897

E. Dent & Co Ltd, 61 Strand, & 4 Royal Exchange

1904

M. F. Dent, 34 Cockspur Street

1920

E. Dent & Co Ltd (consolidation M. F. Dent), 61 Strand, 4 Royal Exchange & 34 Cockspur Street

1921

E. Dent & Co Ltd, 61 Strand, 4 Royal Exchange & 28 Cockspur Street

1936

E. Dent & Co Ltd, 41 Pall Mall & 4 Royal Exchange

1941 – 1977

E. Dent & Co Ltd, 41 Pall Mall

Dent & Co. Also Acquired A Range Of Titles And Appointments. They Include:

Makers to and holders of Royal Warrants from Her Majesty Queen Victoria and H.R.H. Albert, Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Edward VI, His Majesty King George V,  Her Majesty Queen Mary, His Majesty Tsar Alexander III, His Majesty Tsar Nicolas II Emperors of Russia and His Majesty Emperor Mejii of Japan.  Makers to the Courts and Governments of France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Germany, Spain, the United States, Japan and others.

Sources;

Guildhall Library, “Edward John Dent & His Successors” by Vaudrey Mercer, Patent Office Library, British Library. http://www.dentlondon.com/about/history.php

Please remember that this is an unofficial account of the history of this company, Should you happen to find any mistakes with our information then please let us know at

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AARON LUFKIN DENNISON (1812-1895)

American born A. L. Dennison began his pioneering career in the watch industry by founding Waltham Watch Company. The company grew to become the largest watch

manufacturer in the U.S.A at the time.

In 1863, the talented watchmaker moved to Zurich in Switzerland, as he found the Swiss were more advanced in the production of watch parts. He joined Tremont Watch Company, heading the manufacturing side of the business and helped in the formation of International Watch Co.

In 1871, A.L.D moved to England and after a short time in London he decided to setup home in Birmingham. A.L.D found a niche in the market for high-quality watch cases produced in large numbers and patented many designs for air and watertight cases. Originating from a small workshop on the side of the family home, the company called Dennison, Wigley & Company grew to produce 100,000 high-quality watch cases per annum. A.L.D died in 1895, but left behind a very worthy successor in his son, Franklin Dennison.

TIME & ENDURANCE

Dennison Watch Case Co. Ltd was established in 1905 by Franklin Dennison and his son Major Gilbert Dennison, after acquiring the shares of Alfred Wigley.

Over the following 60 years, the company grew to become the largest watch company in England and known around the world for its fine Dennison Quality (DQ). Even with this success, the memory of the great founder was never forgotten, with almost all Dennison products signed with the assay mark ‘A.L.D’.

Dennison designed and manufactured watch cases for world famous explorers specifically for expeditions – in 1913 for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Expedition to Antartica on the ship ‘Endurance’, and in 1953 for Sir Edmund Hillary and his team’s successful Everest Expedition (image adjacent showing an advert from 1954 published in the HJ). During the same year, Lieut. Commander Lithgow broke the World Air Speed Record flying over Tripoli, reaching a speed of 735.7mph (1184km/h), whilst wearing a Dennison Aquatite cased watch.

RENOWNED WATCHMAKERS & MILITARY SUPPLIERS

Dennison had a close connection with the British Military during the war years. During World War One, Dennison were manufacturing highly-durable wrist and pocket watches issued to the British Military, along with military compasses and other items (image adjacent showing a Dennison British Military issued pocket watch). During World War Two, Dennison temporarily halted production of watches and instead produced approximately 13,000 rocket projector beams for the Royal Air Force. The company director at the time, Arthur Dennison, also served as a pilot for the RAF.

Over the years, Dennison became most renowned for their close working relationship with watchmakers and retailers such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Longines, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith, Smiths, J.W.Benson & Garrard. Dennison supplied them with the highest-quality watch cases designed to house the finest-quality movements.

2015

50 years on and with over five years of research and development, Dennison are back manufacturing watches with cases made in England

2010

The revival of the legacy begins, with the famous Dennison trademark registered once again in England

1965

Dennison ended production after an illustrious history manufacturing watches for the British Military, world famous explorers and the best watchmakers in the industry.

1953

“I carried your watch to the summit. It worked perfectly.” Such was the opinion expressed by Sir Edmund Hillary on his successful Everest Expedition. He and his team were supplied with thirteen Smiths watches with Dennison Aquatite cases.

1953

Lieut. Commander Lithgow broke the World Air Speed Record over Tripoli flying the Supermarine Swift F.4 prototype WK198 whilst wearing a Dennison Aquatite cased J.W.Benson Tropical.

1949

Dennison were back in watch production and collaborated with Omega again to produce cases for the new Omega Automatic.

1940

World War II saw Dennison temporarily halt production of all watches and instead produced approximately 13,000 rocket projector beams for the British Royal Air Force. The company director at the time, Arthur Dennison, also served as a pilot for the RAF.

1928

Dennison were the largest manufacturer of highgrade watch cases in Europe, producing 250,000 per annum. Most of the production was contracted by watch companies such as Rolex, Omega and Longines for the British market. At the time, Dennison not only worked closely with these Swiss watch brands, but they were also a shareholder in Omega.

1915

During World War One, Dennison supplied the British Military with highly durable watches, compasses and other items.

1914

Dennison developed and produced special water-resistant pocket watches to withstand the tough conditions of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s great expedition to Antarctica on the ship ‘Endurance’.

1905

A.L.D’s son Franklin Dennison took over the firm and changed the name to Dennison Watch Case Co. Ltd

1892

A.L.D was the first in Europe to introduce goldplated watch cases.

1885

A.L.D produced 100,000 high quality watch cases per annum under the name of Dennison, Wigley & Company.

1872

The very beginning of the Dennison legacy with A.L.D registered patent no. 356 for screw-back watch cases to be air and watertight.

1871

A.L.D moved his family to Birmingham, England, via Switzerland, as he spotted a gap in the market for the mass production of high quality watch cases with Great Britain having the world’s best watchmakers at the time.

1850

Aaron Lufkin Dennison founded Waltham Watch Company with two other colleagues which grew to become the largest watch manufacturer in the U.S.A. at the time.

Info was taken from

http://dennisonwatches.com/history/

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1862-1902

Fusing timeless elegance with contemporary flair, Cyma timepieces are the descendants of a long tradition of watchmaking that stretches back one-and-a-half centuries. The name Cyma has its roots in the French word “cime”, meaning “summit”, which, in turn, is derived from the Latin word “cyma”, meaning “a shoot”. It is a name that reflects not only the company’s constant striving for perfection but also the inextricable link with its birthplace in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland.

Initially, it was the harshness of the climate in the high valleys of the Jura – buried for more than half the year beneath deep snow and frequently cut off from the outside world – that gave rise to watchmaking activity during the long winters of isolation. During the 18th century, the efforts of the region’s industrious and ingenious inhabitants gradually led to the establishment of fully-fledged workshops for the design and manufacture of watches, and by 1780 watchmaking had developed into a process involving 30 distinct operations.

Inheritors of the horological gene that pervades the Jura, the two brothers Joseph and Theodore Schwob decided in 1862 to set up their own watchmaking company, Cyma, focusing much of their attention on avant-garde mechanical production techniques. Indeed, with its ongoing achievements in technical innovation, Cyma was one of the companies that made Neuchâtel the renowned centre of the watchmaking industry it is today.

Some 30 years later, the brothers went into partnership with a businessman called Frederic Henri Sandoz who had created a new watch company in Le Locle, another cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking. By this time, Cyma had established itself as a pioneer in the manufacture of intricate repeater watches, high complications and chronographs. The daily production was 150 pieces.

1903-1929

From the early 20th century onwards, the company received numerous awards, notably for its prowess in extra-slim watches. In 1903, it was awarded the coveted chronometer certificate issued by the Neuchâtel Observatory for its invention of a new extra-flat lever movement fitted inside a pocket watch. Two years later, Cyma introduced the calibre 701 with a thickness of just 3.85mm – a remarkable achievement for the time. In recognition of its watchmaking feats, the company won first prize at the World Fair in Brussels in 1910.

Output, meanwhile, had risen significantly, with some 2,500 movements being assembled daily in the workshops. From 1915, Cyma’s highly skilled designers and technicians were elaborating shock-resistant movements of unparalleled strength, along with the first waterproof models, which were finished to an equally high standard.

During the 1920s, the company was at the forefront of component interchangeability, which enabled its workshops to produce watches on a much bigger scale. By 1929, Cyma boasted the biggest workshop in Europe and employed 2,000 people to assemble 4,000 watches a day. In the same year, the company received first prize at the International Barcelona Exposition.

1930-1959

While men’s watches still accounted for the lion’s share of the business, in 1930 Cyma made an early foray into the ladies’ market with the Captive. It quickly became known for its elegance and precision, and was adopted by the legendary French writer, Collette, who was then at the height of her fame. She described the watch in her characteristic style: “It is a captive in the most romantic sense of the word… it is bought and sold. Sensitive and compliant, it yields if you handle it masterfully, revealing its face, divulging all its secrets, and each surrender simply adds to its charms…”

In 1943, Cyma unveiled its first automatic wristwatch, endowed with a 420 calibre featuring a unidirectional rotor. This presaged the ‘Autorotor’ 485 calibre of 1957.

The brand’s reputation was further enhanced with innovative products such as an eight-day mechanical alarm clock with single winding key (1945), the Sonomatic alarm clock (1957), and the gold Time-O-Vox alarm clock watch, which received official chronometer certification in 1956. The latter was the only one with the pleasant timbre of that period to ally a 464 calibre,12 1/2 inch, with a single barrel and small second.

1960-1988

The 1960s saw the launch of the Cyma-Navystar collection, showcasing an ultra-flat case that combined precision and perfect water resistance with refined elegance. More than 20 international patents protected the technological innovations conceived specifically to allow these timepieces to resist shocks such as immersion, under particularly demanding circumstances.

In 1980, breaking with the past, an extra-flat steel watch from Cyma’s modern era, endowed with a manufactured 6 x 7 3/4 calibre, scooped the Bijorhca gold award in Paris.

With the arrival of electronic watches, Cyma demonstrated its ability to adapt to technological evolution by launching the 1.2mm-thick, extra-slim Calibre 131 in 1984. To date, more than a million units have been produced and Cyma is an acknowledged specialist in thin quartz movements.

1989-2006

It was in 1989 that Cyma created its legendary Signature collection of timeless quartz watches, transcending trends with pure lines and seasonal variations. This was followed in 1992 by the elegant Charisma line of classic watches. At the end of the 1990s, the Imperium sport-chic collection of timepieces emerged, featuring a unique case design with screws on the side.

Moving into the new millennium has provided Cyma with the opportunity to revisit the most popular collections in its history. In 2000, the brand relaunched the Navystar, its flagship innovation of the 1960s. In 2004, the new Nineteen Forty collection was inspired by illustrious models of the 1940s, marrying classical style with perfect precision, in quartz, automatic or certified chronometer versions

2007-2011

Cyma’s commitment to innovative high-performance timepieces stands the test of time. Since 2007, Cyma has launched a series of new timepieces including the Grand Maestro, Grand Imperiu, Grand Skeleton and Europa. Embracing contemporary yet classic styles, and featuring sophisticated complications, these new models are authentic work of art perfectly enshrining Cyma’s continuing dedication to watchmaking craftsmanship and Swiss technology.

2012

To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the company has invested its horological savoir faire into a series of limited-edition timepieces. The Grand Imperiu Big Date Chronometer demonstrates its prowess in complicated watches, while an 18k solid-gold watch upholds the brand’s tradition of crafting classically beautiful watches, and a new ultra-slim model reinforces its long-established expertise in this domain.

Now based in Geneva, Cyma continues to adhere to the quality standards that were established 150 years ago, remaining true to the spirit of watchmaking perfected over time.

2013-2014

In 2013, Cyma welcomed an exciting brand ambassador in the shape of award-winning actor Liu Ye, who will help to further raise the brand’s profile in mainland China.

Having been the youngest ever winner of the Best Actor award at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards, however, he still experienced five anxious years out of the limelight. Today, Liu has moved on from the initial euphoria of flowers and applause, as well as the rumours and scandals that come as part and parcel of fame. He has achieved a balance between calm and passion, and his transition to the role of fatherhood provides him with a grounding in reality as his career scale new heights of success. For this reason, he is the perfect embodiment of Cyma’s brand slogan, ‘In time you’ll know’.

In 2014, Cyma welcomed Spanish football star Xavi Hernandez as its new brand ambassador. He is the first captain of one of the world’s top clubs, FC Barcelona. He demonstrated exceptional sporting talent throughout his footballing career and he has contributed to an impressive record of winning seasons, including the World Cup for 1 year, UEFA European Football Championship for 2 years, UEFA Champions League for 3 years, La Liga for 7 years, and FIFA Club World Cup for 2 years.

Control comes with time, Xavi’s legendary precision, mobility and pace-setting ability have carved out his position as the world’s greatest central midfielders and finest passers of the ball. He is the perfect embodiment of Cyma’s new advertisements featuring this footballing legend – Precision is the key to mastering your own time.

https://www.cyma.ch/brand/history/1862-1902

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A young CroatianCubus watch mechanisms company for the production of original watches Cubus was founded in 2009. The company is privately owned by its founder Mijo Tulicic. According to the founder, he “launched a new brand, as opposed to the worldwide famous watch companies”. The Latin word “cubus” means a cube. This geometric figure in red is the national emblem of the Republic of Croatia.

Collection of watches Cubus includes more than 100 models. Cases of models are made of stainless steel and are designed on the basis of such well-known mechanisms, as Japanese Citizen and Swiss ETA and Ronda.

Models of women’s watches are presented by popular Croatian models Tina Katanik, Andrew Kupor and Dzhosipa Kutsik, and models of men’s watches are presented Cubus watch handsby famous Croatian dancer Istvan Varga.

Model Balance of the collection Cubus is a miniature sporty watch with elements of classic. Water resistance of this model is up to 100 meters. The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel. The dial is made in two color versions – blue and black. It is equipped with sapphire glass and with time indicators.

Graceful case shapes of models range from the collection Contessa are decorated with original inlaid by Swarovski crystals, and the hands are made in retro style. Straps are made of leather or the same model can be fitted with a stainless steel bracelet.

The low price range of models and high quality of materials and mechanisms earned a reputation of luxury products for the company Cubus, which products comply with the fashion trends of the modern world. If you want to emphasize the individuality of the image, then you simply need to buy a watch Cubus, and the people around you will appreciate your taste.

The info wat taken from

http://montre24.com/brand/Cubus/Cubuswatch/

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1955: Corum established in La Chaux-de-Fonds

In 1924, Gaston Ries opened a watchmaking workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds. He was joined, in 1955, by his nephew René Bannwart. Together they transformed the workshop into a watchmaking company with its own brand: Corum.

The word “quorum”, which denotes the minimum number of persons required to approve a decision, fascinated the two men. They simplified the spelling as Corum and decided to take a key pointing skywards as their logo, a symbol of mysteries waiting to be unlocked and a reminder of the ingenuity and perseverance a watchmaker must possess if he is to master time. Corum’s founders made clear their determination to position the brand at the vanguard of the Swiss watch industry. From the mid-1950s, Corum watches stood out for their innovative designs and original mechanisms, with models such as Chinese Hat, for women (1958), the Coin watch (1964) and Romulus (1966). Other models would return over and over, such as Admiral’s Cup, created in 1960, or Golden Bridge. The latter’s hand-engraved baguette movement is the work of Vincent Calabrese and reveals the transparency of the case. Corum would also produce a number of watches whose dials explore the métiers d’art. Plume (1970), for example, uses feathers while Classical Vanitas (2005) are embellished with stone and marble inlay.

Corum was taken over in 2000 by Severin Wunderman, who became the new chairman. In 2005 he appointed Antonio Calce at the head of the brand. When Severin Wunderman passed away in 2008, Corum appointed Serge Weinberg, his personal friend and financial advisor, as chairman of the board. A year later, Corum bought its distribution agent CORUM USA LLC, and put Antonio Calce in charge of the new American subsidiary. René Bannwart died in 2010 shortly before his 95th birthday. The following year, Antonio Calce became a shareholder in Corum. In 2014, China Haidian Holdings Limited, which had acquired the company a year earlier, introduced managerial changes and Antonio Calce left the brand.

KEY DATES

1956

The first Corum watches appears on the market and the brand launches a succession of original new ideas that quickly set the brand on the road to success. It is even recognized by its peers as one of the most creative in the industry.

1958

Creation of the “Chinese Hat” watch for ladies, so-called because of the shape of its bezel.

1960

First interpretation of the Admiral’s Cup model with a square case. The first ever water-resistant square watch.

1964

The “Coin” watch transformed an authentic $20 “double eagle” gold coin into an original and distinctive timepiece. A symbol of the pioneer spirit and free enterprise, it would be worn by several American Presidents.

1965

Launch of the “Buckingham model” with its oversize proportions, something of a revolution in its day.

1966

The Romulus watch stood out for an hourless dial and hour markings on the bezel.

1970

Launch of the “Feather” watch whose dial is set with a genuine peacock feather.

Beginning of the use by the brand of materials of extreme delicacy.

1976

The “Rolls-Royce” watch is unveiled, sealing Corum’s avant-garde partnership with the most famous and prestigious automobile marque of the day.

1980

The “Golden Bridge” by Vincent Calabrese, with its delicately hand-engraved baguette movement beneath the perfect transparency of a sapphire surround, is testimony to the expertise of a watchmaker driven by new challenges and a passion for design.

1983

A new interpretation of the famed “Admiral’s Cup” watch marks the hours with nautical pennants corresponding to the international maritime code, and introduces the twelve-sided bezel.

1986

The dial of the “Meteorite” watch is cut from a piece of genuine meteorite.

1992

Launch of the Admiral’s Cup “Tides” watch fitted with an exclusive Corum movement indicating the current state of the tide and also enabling the height of the water and the strength of the current. A watch made to match the ocean’s force.

2000

The arrival in January of Corum’s charismatic new owner and CEO, Severin Wunderman, an internationally respected figure in watchmaking, coincided with the launch of the “Bubble” watch. Distinguished by an 11mm domed sapphire crystal, it lent its unmistakable form to multiple collector’s versions.

2001

With the “Trapèze” watch, Corum creates a new style evoking subtle grace. Its shape reflects in its name and its large size lends it a truly timeless design.

2005

The “Classical Vanitas” marks the world premiere of marquetry-work as applied to watch dials. The stone and marble parts are meticulously cut to fit together like a mosaic.

In celebration of Corum’s 50th Anniversary, the “Golden Bridge” is reinterpreted in a contemporary vein, imbuing the original 1980s model with the spirit of the 21st century.

At Severin Wunderman’s request, Antonio Calce joins Corum.

2006

The “Admiral’s Cup” underwent a complete makeover, emerging with a bold, more contemporary design but still with its signature twelve-sided case and nautical pennants.

2007

The legendary “Romvlvs” was reborn in a contemporary design that retained the Roman numerals engraved around the bezel of the original, as well as the distinctive double-curve case.

2008

Severin Wunderman passes away. Corum appoints Serge Weinberg – a personal friend and financial advisor of Severin Wunderman – as Chairman of the Board.

Thanks to a repositioning driven by a determination to achieve consistency, along with the launch of several emblematic models, all confirming its remarkable expertise in

the field of Haute Horlogerie – most notably the Admiral’s Cup Tourbillon 48 and the Romvlvs Perpetual Calendar – Corum experiences a remarkable year.

2009

Corum unveiled the second movement to be designed, developed and assembled in-house. The plates and bridges of the CO 007 calibre are cut from titanium. Also this year, the brand unveiled the “Ti-Bridge”.

The company took over its North American distributor, Corum USA LLC, and appointed Antonio Calce at the head of the new subsidiary. Opening of a Corum store in Hong Kong.

2010

New store openings in Shanghai and Geneva. René Bannwart died in his 95th year.

2011

Antonio Calce became a shareholder in Corum, declaring “this is part of a process that began some time ago and is one more stage in my commitment to Corum. I have complete confidence in the brand and its capacity to reach the upper echelons of the watch industry.”

2012

Corum joined Loïck Peyron and Energy Team in their America’s Cup bid. The brand was also behind the skipper when he set a new record in the Jules Verne race, sailing triumphant into Brest on January 7th 2012.

The new Golden Bridge Automatic is praised for its streamlined construction.

2013

In a press release on April 23rd, the Swiss brand confirmed it had entered into an agreement with China Haidian Holdings Limited, as a result of which the Asian group became the owner of the company. Through the agreement, China Haidian would anchor its position in haute horlogerie and Corum would continue its international development and growth.

Presentation of the Corum Ti-Bridge Automatic.

https://www.hautehorlogerie.org/en/brands/history/h/corum/

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Chung Name Group is a Hong Kong based company that trace its origins back over 80 years. The founder of the group Mr. Chong Ching Um founded the group in 1935. During this time exposure of the group included Hong Kong based export manufacturing.

Chung Nam group of companies provides wide range of watch manufacturing such as:

• Roamer
  • A high-quality Swiss watch combined with elegant design since 1888. The company was created since 1888, now they produce around 278 designs famous in 75 countries around the world.
• Time Network LTD.
  • This group include Cat timekeeping Equipment and Reebok international Ltd which based in Canton MA, USA. Reebok watches market and distribute several fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment.  Founded in 1998 to develop watch and Jewelry. The offices in both Hong Kong and Switzerland 
• Brand Watches Distribution, this
  • Tugaris
  • OCTO Watch

Most of this info was taken from

http://www.chungnam.com/chungnam_watch.php

https://roamer.ch/

http://www.timenetwork.ch/company/group-background.html

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2014

At Lucerne Headquarters the House of Chronoswiss will open its doors in summer 2014. 

On a walking round tour visitors have the opportunity to observe the watch makers at work and to experience a journey through the history of the brand and the watchmaking. In addition they gain impression of the Chronoswiss dial manufactory with its traditional handicrafts and arts. The brand experience at the House of Chronoswiss will be rounded off by an in-house boutique.   

2013

Chronoswiss celebrates its thirtieth anniversary and creates a special gift for itself: a new limited edition of the Régulateur – the Régulateur 30.

For the first time in history, Chronoswiss presents a watch line characterized
by craftsmanship that is created exclusively in the brand’s own workshop in Lucerne. The Artist’s Collection are a tribute to the arts of enameling, skeletonization and guilloché. The rebirth of these historic and nearly forgotten arts is very close to Chronoswiss’ heart.

2012

Chronoswiss is coming under new ownership. The Swiss entrepreneurial family Ebstein acquired the assets of Chronoswiss from founder Gerd-Rüdiger Lang. Oliver Ebstein will be the new CEO. Founder Gerd-Rüdiger Lang will continue to support the company also in the future.

3rd place for the „Kairos Lady“ at the jury´s and visitors´ choice of the Viennatime watch fair.

2010

2nd place “Golden Balance/International Watch Award” by Uhrenmagazin, Ebner Publishers and Focus Online for the “Régulateur 24”; also 2nd place for the model “Grand Lunar Chronograph”. Besides, Chronoswiss´ “Edition Zeitzeichen” was voted 5th place.

5th place “Watch of the Year” for “Sauterelle” by the readers of Armbanduhren special-interest magazine and Welt am Sonntag, also a 5th place for the model “Edition Zeitzeichen VII”.

A 2nd place each for the “Opus” with DLC-coating and diamond bezel at the jury´s and visitors´ choice of the Munichtime watch fair.

2009

After the tremendous success of the Chronoswiss Classics 2005 and 2007, this special “nautomotive” event for classic cars and boats enters its third round in September.

2008

2nd place “Watch of the Year” by “Armbanduhren” and “Welt am Sonntag” for the “Imperia” (ladies´ watches).

3rd place “Golden Balance/International Watch Award” by “Uhrenmagazin”, “Ebner Publishers” and “Focus Online” for the “Grand Régulateur”.

3rd place for the “Répétition à Quarts”

4th place for the “Perpetual Calendar” und 5th place for the “Imperia”.

2007

1st place “Golden Balance/International Watch Award“ by Uhrenmagazin, Ebner Publishers and Focus Online for the “Chronoscope”.

5th place for the “Timemaster Day & Night“.

2006

Debut of the “Grand Régulateur”, “Timemaster Chronograph Date” and “Perpetual Calendar” at the watch and jewelry fair in Basel.

Diners Club Magazine confers its “Visionary of the Year” award on Gerd-R. Lang.

Move into Bavaria’s first wristwatch factory in December.

2005

The first Chronoswiss Classics takes place first time in September 2005 at Lake Starnberg.

Presentation of the “Digiteur” (limited edition) and “Perpetual Calendar” at the Jewelry and Watch Trade Show in Basel.

September 23, 2005, cornerstone was layed for the new production facility.

2004

Presentation of the „Régulateur à Tourbillon Squelette“ at the Jewelry and Watch Trade Show in Basel,  the first skeleton and hand-engrave Tourbillon with regulator dial, limited edition in 200 pieces. Highlight and most precious model of the Chronoswiss collection.

2003

Presentation of the “Répetition à Quarts” at the Jewelry and Watch Trade Show in Basel, that tells the time exactly to the 15 minutes by the push of the pusher via a striking mechanism.

Natalie Lang supports the Chronoswiss founder, Gerd-R. Lang, as Junior President, after completing her apprenticeship as a watchmaker in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

1st place „Watch of the Year 2003“ by „Armbanduhren” magazine for the “Chronoscope”  

2002

Chronoswiss establishes a subsidiary in Switzerland. The Chronosa subsidiary located in Niedau close to Biel is responsible for production and logistics.

2001

World premiere of the “Chronoscope” – the first automatic chronograph with Regulator-dial. An exclusive homage to the pioneers of the Chronograph.

2000

Debut of the “Régulateur à Tourbillon”, the first minute-repeater tourbillon with a regulator dial and a cantilevered tourbillon cage.

“Signs of the times – Tick-Talk: A Timely Book” is published in German as Chronoswiss’ fourth catalogue.

1998

World premiere of the “Pathos” – the first skeletonized, self-winding, split-second chronograph (Swiss patent number 682201-0).

1997

Chronoswiss is the official timekeeper for the STW Cup (Super Touring Car Cup).

1996

World premiere of the “Delphis” and its registration for a Swiss patent – the first wristwatch that combines a unique system of analogue, digital and retrograde time displays. 1st prize for Thomas Schnelle as the national- and federal winner of apprentices awarded by the Central Association of the German Watchmaker Craft.

1995

World premiere of the “Opus” – the first serially produced, automatic, skeletonized chronograph. Launching of the “Lunar Chronograph”.

1994

Presentation of the “Grand Régulateur”, (international patenting number 030021).

1993

Presentation of the “Cabrio” reversible wristwatch (European patent number 0562522). Presentation of the first serially produced white enamel dials of recent years in the “Orea” model.

1992

World premiere of the split-second chronograph “Rattrapante” (Swiss patent number 682201-0).

Author of the specialized book “Chronograph – Wristwatches, Lang/Meis”.

The third catalogue (“Chronoswiss – Faszination der Mechanik”) is published. It exclusively features the firm’s own models.

1991

World premiere of the “Kairos Chronograph” – the first automatic chronograph with off-center display of the hours and minutes.

1990

World premiere of the “Régulateur Automatique” with its exclusive manufacture Chronoswiss C.122 movement. Beginning of the exclusive manufacture of the firm’s own models in Munich.

1988

The second catalogue features Chronoswiss’ first own models – “Régulateur” and “Pacific”.

First appearance at the worldwide trade fair for watches and jewelry in Basel.

1987

World premiere of the “Régulateur” hand-wound wristwatch – the first serially manufactured wristwatch with a regulator-type dial. The typical Chronoswiss case is born. Its distinguishing characteristics include a screwed and channeled bezel, an onion-shaped crown and screwed strap lugs.

1985

First Chronoswiss catalogue with mechanical wristwatches and pocket-watches produced in Switzerland. Distribution of the A. Rochat and Kelek brands. First appearance at Inhorgenta trade fair in Munich.

1984

The name “Chronoswiss” is registered as a protected trademark.

1983

Gerd-R. Lang founds Chronoswiss watch factory in Munich. Establishment of a worldwide distribution structure.

1982

Introduction of the world’s first mechanical chronograph with moon phase display and mineral crystal back under the “Chronoswiss” name. This presages the renaissance of mechanical timepieces.

1981

Founds a special workshop for chronographs in Munich.

1980

Attends the master school in Würzburg and graduates with the title of “Master Watchmaker”.

Official timekeeper for “Swiss Timing” at the Olympic Games in Moscow.

1964-1979

Heuer stopwatch and chronograph factory in Biel, Switzerland.

Beginning in 1970

Collaborates on the filming of “Le Mans” with Steve McQueen. Official timekeeper at various Formula One races.

1958-1961

Gerd-R. Lang learns the watchmaker’s metier at Jauns watch shop in his hometown of Braunschweig.

From:

https://www.chronoswiss.com/en/company/history.html

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LOUIS-ULYSSE CHOPARD, THE FOUNDER

Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836-1915), the son of a farmer from Sonvilier, quickly conquered Switzerland and the world at the age of 24. The artisan watchmaker created works of art with innovative designs, which early on helped him export to such illustrious places as the court of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Qualities like precision and reliability were very sought-after characteristics in watches, dating all the way back to the 19th century. With unique chronometers and pocket watches, Louis-Ulysse Chopard aimed to fulfill and exceed these “desires”.

9TH CENTURY WATCH CREATIONS BY CHOPARD

Thanks to its superb timekeepers, Chopard forged itself a reputation for reliable and high quality watches made in Switzerland. From the start, Chopard won two very prestigious commissions, becoming official provider of watches for «Tir Fédéral» and the Swiss Railway Company. Louis-Ulysse Chopard travelled to Russia, making his way through Poland, Hungary and the Baltic States. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was one of his clients. He also struck business with a number of Scandinavian retailers who self-branded his timepieces. Chopard watches thus penetrated the international market.

SONVILIER: THE ESSENCE OF SWISS WATCHMAKING

In Sonvilier, as throughout the Swiss Jura region, local farmers would complement their meagre winter income by assembling watches according to a well established custom that saw watchmaking production tasks be allocated across small independent and specialised units. The components would then be collected -in the case of Chopard by the master watchmaker himself- to then be assembled and fine tuned into the finished product.

FROM THE SWISS JURA TO GENEVA UNDER THE AEGIS OF PAUL-LOUIS CHOPARD

Paul-Louis Chopard (1859-1940), Louis-Ulysse’s son, took over the company reins in 1915 and opened a branch in the nearby industrial town of La-Chaux-de-Fonds that would later become the seat of the company. A few years later, in 1937, he relocated the company to the international watchmaking and business centre of Geneva.

KARL SCHEUFELE AND THE TAKEOVER OF CHOPARD

 At the same time in Pforzheim, Germany, Karl-Scheufele III, goldsmith and watchmaker, son and grandson of entrepreneurs, was seeking to develop ESZEHA, the jewellery and watch company he owned. Reliant on suppliers for his watch movements, he considered acquiring a Swiss manufacture. With this goal in mind, he published an advertisement in the newspapers and went to Geneva to meet potential leads. On the last day of his trip he contacted the last name on his list and met Paul-André Chopard. Karl Scheufele knew from that instant that they were meant to get along; thirty minutes later, the deal was sealed.

KARL SCHEUFELE III AND HIS WIFE KARIN

In 1957, the young Karl married Karin Ruf. Her father, Fritz Ruf was a dynamic entrepreneur and proved a key supporter of the young couple’s success. Acquiring a manufacture offered the goldsmiths of Pforzheim the opportunity to join the closed circle of major Swiss watchmakers. Thanks to his commercial acumen and passion for travel inherited from his father and grandfather, Karl Scheufele III would go on to lift Chopard out of its lethargy and build an empire.

THE HEIRS OF THE SCHEUFELE FAMILY

Chopard is one of the last family-run watchmaking and Jewellery Company. Since the 1980s, Karl and Karin’s children Caroline and Karl-Friedrich have played an active part in the company. Caroline and Karl-Friedrich are Chopard’s current Co-Presidents. They each showed their independence: Caroline Scheufele, who is responsible of the ladies’ collections, developed the jewellery section and later the high-end jewellery department while her brother Karl-Friedrich, who managed the men’s collections, developed sports watches during the 1980s and the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, which produces the L.U.C movements, in the 1990s.

The information was taken from

https://www.chopard.com/intl/chopard-history

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1888

THE SPORT WATCH BRAND IS BORN

The brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth set up their own watch production facility in the Swiss town of Grenchen. In this idyllic spot at the foot of the Jura mountains between Solothurn and Biel, the brothers and their three employees work in an annex to the family home. Within a short time business is flourishing, and so in the following years various extensions are opened and new employees taken on.

1906

A NEW BRAND NAME

In 1906 the Kurth brothers introduce a brand name for their watches: “Grana”, short for “Granacus”, the Latin name of Grenchen. The quality of this timepiece is immediately recognised and earns several awards. In the 1920s Alfred Kurth’s sons Erwin and Hans join the company and see it through the difficult time of the Great Depression.

1939

CERTINA. WITH SECURITY.

During the 1930s the company increasingly uses the brand name Certina, for a good reason: it is easy to pronounce in all languages and is based on the Latin word “certus”, which means “sure”. The brand is officially registered in 1939 and in 1949 is chosen to be the sole brand name.

1959

A SYMBOL OF ROBUSTNESS AND LONGEVITY

The turtle shell symbolises robustness and longevity – characteristics borne by all Certina watches, without exception. It’s therefore no wonder that the turtle shell has been the brand’s personal symbol since the 1960s. To this day, the characteristic outline can still be found on almost every Certina timepiece, as well as on the brand logo.

It evokes the extraordinary durability which characterises every Certina watch.

THE DS CONCEPT IS BORN

In 1959, the company brings out the first Certina watch with DS Concept. The Certina DS is an extremely shock-resistant automatic watch with water resistance up to 20 bar (200 meters). This sets new standards for a whole generation of wristwatches.

1960

EXPEDITION TO THE HIMALAYAS

The Certina DS accompanies an international expedition on the first successful ascent of the 8,167-metre-high Dhaulagiri in western Nepal. It overcomes all the challenges – from strong temperature fluctuations to considerable height and pressure differences – with no problem at all.

1969

A SUCCESSFUL DIVE

The innovative DS-2 Super PH 500 M is part of the Tektite underwater experiment, in which four scientists live in two underwater residential tanks for two months under NASA observation. The Certina models worn by the scientists achieve the very best scores.

1970

FLYING HIGH

A Japanese expedition to Mount Everest is accompanied by Certina watches, which also stand up to these highly challenging conditions. During the expedition, the Japanese skier Miura achieves one of the most daring ski runs of all time, descending through 1,000 metres from an altitude of 8,000 metres, while wearing a

1971

TIME TO LISTEN TO ONE’S BODY

The Certina Biostar is the first watch in the world to display a person’s daily biorhythms. At a glance it shows the wearer’s physical, mental and emotional biorhythms.

1973

CHAMPIONS TOGETHER

The Belgian rider Roger de Coster wins the motocross world championships 500cc class for the third time, proudly wearing his Certina DS 288.

1976

A POWERFUL DUO

The ultra-robust and scratch-resistant DS DiaMaster attracts attention everywhere – including on the wrist of the famous American heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali.

1983

A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF WATCHMAKING

Certina joins the newly founded SMH Group, which is led by the visionary entrepreneur and watch-lover Nicolas G. Hayek. SMH becomes the world’s leading watch group, and is renamed the Swatch Group Ltd. in 1999. Certina sport watches are in the middle-price segment of the corporate group’s range.

1995

CLEARLY A SPORT WATCH

With its new Cascadeur models, the Certina brand’s skill in making sport watches can be seen at very first glance: the strap of this timepiece is designed like the chain of a motorbike, and two eye-catching metal rods over the sapphire crystal provide extra protection.

2002

OFF-ROAD TIMEKEEPING

Certina continues to extend its involvement in motorsport, and can now be seen on the wrist of the popular rallying world champion Colin McRae.

2004

ABSOLUTE PRECISION

The DS-3 1000m recaptures the heritage of Certina’s famous diver’s watches. This automatic timepiece is water resistant to a record-breaking depth of 1,000 metres

2005

ON THE WINNERS’ PODIUM

As the official sponsor of the Sauber Petronas team, Certina celebrates its debut in Formula 1, a discipline to which it will remain loyal for many years. At the same time, the brand is delighted at the 125cc class world title win by motorcyclist Thomas Lüthi, whom it has sponsored since the beginning of his career. These sporting successes are reflected in the launch of the DS Podium, whose sporty design and precision make it one of the most popular and successful Certina watch families to this day.

2011

AN EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETE

The Norwegian Ole Einar Bjørndalen, most successful biathlete in sporting history, joins the international Certina family as an official brand ambassador.

2013

125 YEARS OF CERTINA

On the occasion of its 125th anniversary, Certina presents not only a completely new and fresh corporate identity, but also three new watch movements. The Powermatic 80 automatic caliber is a highly precise movement with a power reserve of up to 80 hours, and the C01.21 makes a name for itself as an extremely reliable chronograph; the innovative trio if rounded off by the Precidrive™ calibre, representing a new generation of quartz watches whose precision is comparable with that of chronometers.

The brand also continues its intense involvement in motorsport and is now the official timekeeper at the FIA World Rally Championship

2014

DS PODIUM CHRONOGRAPH

A material causes a sensation: The DS Podium Chronograph, made from ultra lightweight and robust aluminium, adds stylish touches and combines them with high technical quality.

2015

NEW PARTNERS IN SPEED

Certina is expanding its presence in motor rallying, as the official partner of the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team, one of the most famous and most successful teams in this sport. It is also entering into partnership with the renowned ADAC GT Masters. As the official timekeeper in one of the most exciting racing series in Europe, the brand is consolidating its reputation as an authentic sport watch, which is at home at the world’s major motorsports events.

2017

PRECIDRIVE

The high-precision Precidrive calibre is now integral to virtually all the company’s new quartz timepieces. The technology is now so fully developed that CERTINA can have the Precidrive calibres certified as chronometers by the COSC without any issues.

2018

DS PH200M REDESIGNED FOR THE TIMES

CERTINA revives a historic diver’s watch that is still as actual as when it was launched for first time: The new DS PH200M seamlessly takes up the timeless design of its namesake from 1967 and combines it with a powerful automatic movement from the latest generation.

The information was taken from

https://www.certina.com/nl/history

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Time Gems

Century Time Gems Ltd is headquartered in Nidau, which lies at the heart of the Swiss watchmaking region and is also home to the firm’s production workshops, where every CENTURY watch is born. Headed by Philip W. A. Klingenberg, son of the founder, the Manufacture has always cultivated a sense of elegance and individuality. Different, unique, deliberately independent, CENTURY has, over the decades, come to embody a new, exclusive and refined philosophy of time, crafted in an exceptional material: CENTURY sapphire.

History

When CENTURY was established in 1966, its founder Hans-Ulrich Klingenberg was already famous for his amazing inventions. By setting up his own Manufacture, he was at last able to put his discoveries into practice in his own creations. After devising an exclusive system to create a vacuum inside a watch case, Klingenberg developed what remains one of the distinctive marks of every CENTURY watch: the Megalith. This highly complex technique is used to fuse two discs of sapphire into one inseparable piece.

CENTURY sapphire

Transparent, perfectly pure, the second hardest material in the world after diamonds, everlasting CENTURY sapphire is jewellery’s dream of flawless perfection. A material that will mould to the incredible creativity of CENTURY’s designers and the magical touch of its master craftsmen who, generation after generation, sculpt and polish each of its facets entirely by hand. This extraordinarily meticulous work is rewarded with a dazzling display of light and colours that has become the most exclusive hallmark of every CENTURY timepiece.The combination of such innovations enabled CENTURY to write the first chapter of its illustrious

Philosophy

“Beyond Imagination” is CENTURY’s cherished motto, which constantly urges the Manufacture to surpass itself while celebrating its ability to transform every second into a moment of pure wonder… It is a state of mind that echoes the spirit of fashion, the inspiration for all of CENTURY’s collections, combining chic ready-to-wear and virtuoso couture creations

Collections

Naturally, CENTURY chooses to present its collections as if displayed in a jewellery case. Rare and more day-to-day timepieces are arranged by different themes, each with its own unique atmosphere. MASTER IMPERIAL is a collection of the most exceptional pieces that showcase CENTURY sapphire cut into the most complex structures, combined with the beauty of precious stones. PRECIOUS ELEGANCE  is a luxury watch collection: wreathed in romanticism and poetry, this line is an ode to femininity. CONTEMPORARY TIMEPIECE  is dedicated to modernity, offering watches with resolutely contemporary attributes. And for men, ESQUIRE offers classic timepieces in masculine designs as well as line with a sportier look..

From the website of :

https://century.com/about_century/

Casio is a Japanese founded electronic company best known for its cameras, watches, calculators, musical instruments and PDA systems

1946     Kashio Seisakujo founded in Mitaka, Tokyo

1954    First prototype of all-electric compact calculator (relay model) completed

1957    Marketing for the world’s first compact all-electric calculator, the “Casio 14-A” begins, and Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is established

1960    Tokyo factory completed in Yamato-machi, Kitatama-gun (now Higashi Yamato City), Tokyo. 

    Tadao Kashio becomes company President

1962    Sales Department established, with a dual sales system employing dealer and direct sales

1965    Exclusive dealer contract with Uchida Yoko Co., Ltd., discontinued; Casio takes over 50 sales outlets

    Release of the 001, an electronic desktop calculator with onboard memory

1966    Head office moved to Yamato-machi, Kitatama-gun (now Higashi Yamato City), Tokyo

    Electronic desktop calculators exported overseas for the first time

1967    European office opened in Zurich, Switzerland

    Casio enters the US and Canadian markets (OEM partnership with Commodore)

    Release of the world’s first programmable electronic desktop calculators with program (AL-1000 series)

1969    Kofu Factory completed in Tamaho-mura, Nakakoma-gun, Yamanashi

This info from Casio company website

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The Cartier Manufacture is one of the largest fully integrated production facilities in Switzerland

Cartier was founded in 1847 in Paris by the jeweller Louis-François Cartier, who in 1899 handed over to his three sons .

Cartier Louis-Francois Cartier took over the jewelry workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard, at 29, Rue Montorgueil in 1847. Due to his success he decided to move to a new establishment in the Rue Neuve-des-Petits-Champs, and then to the Boulevard des Italiens.

Paris was in the whirlwind of festivities and luxury which characterized the Second Empire. Princess Mathilde, a first cousin of Napoléon III, gave Louis-François Cartier a prestigious clientele, attracted to Paris by the 1867 Universal Exhibition.

The international elite was seduced by the brilliance of the creations of “a jeweler unlike any other”. Alfred Cartier, Louis-François Cartier’s son, helped his father. He was a clever businessman, an expert in precious stones, who quickly acquired fame throughout Europe.

A long friendship with the couturier C. F. Worth was beneficial for Alfred Cartier’s fame, and his eldest son Louis-Joseph married the Worth granddaughter and established a shop at 13, Rue de la Paix in 1898.

Russian nobility and eastern aristocracy became passionate devotees of the Cartier art and style. Every royal family visited the salons; the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, proclaimed Cartier “Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewelers” and encouraged the establishment of Cartier London in 1902 under the responsibility of Jacques-Theodule Cartier, the younger son.

Louis Cartier created jewels and “objets d’art”, but he also retook watchmaking traditions which had been lost for over a century with pieces like the legendary mystery clocks, high fashion wristwatches, carriage clocks and jewelry watches with oriental Art Deco designs, including the daringly colorful “Tutti Frutti” jewels.

The accessory timepiece became one of the predominant forms of the activity and prestige of Cartier.

Quite early, Cartier took an interest in watchmaking. It was not long before a large number of fob and chatelaine watches appeared. In 1888 Cartier account books mentioned the first ladies’ wristwatches. In 1904, he created the Santos watch for his friend and client the Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, although it did not go on sale until 1911. This success was to be followed by other models such as the Tonneau watch (1906) and the Tortue watch (1912).

By that date, Louis Cartier had begun the exclusive production of the first wristwatches at his establishment in Paris helped by Edmond Jaeger.

The third Maison Cartier, for which Pierre-Camille, the second son, was responsible, was founded in New York in 1909, moving to its current location of 653 Fifth Avenue in 1917.

After the First World War, Louis, with innate intuition, predicted the manners of a reborn woman during the period known “La Belle époque”. Soon, the international elite returned to the salons in the Rue de la Paix, New Bond Street, and the Fifth Avenue. Cartier Tank watch was introduced in 1919 and became Cartier’s most famous model. Louis

Cartier was inspired by the tough new war machine the Americans introduced to the fighting in Europe, the tank, to design a rugged yet beautiful watch that became a classic.

The early Cartier men’s wristwatches were all handmade in France, with movements by Jaeger, Cartier Paris and the European Watch and Clock Co, who manufactured complicated movements such as chronographs, minute repeaters, and digital wristwatches.

Louis Cartier achieved innovation, supported by the exceptional people who worked with him, who were joined by Jeanne Toussaint, who conducted the “S” department, a prefiguration of the “Les Must de Cartier”, which brought out original creations in enamel, silver and leather.

Cartier had a substantial influence in persuading the Parisian aristocracy to accept the idea of wristwatches for men, though the classic pocket watch was considered the only timepiece a gentleman should carry.

Louis Cartier undeniably laid the foundations of a new concept in luxury goods.

In 1925, the “Exposition des Arts Décoratifs” assured Cartier’s superiority in all the disciplines which made his fame.

The Wall Street crash in 1929 marked the beginning of austerity in design.

Louis Cartier entrusted Jeanne Toussaint with the responsibility for Haute Joaillerie (high jewelry design) from 1933 on. She controlled a universe of lapidaries, stone setters and designers. Under the influence of the Orient, she brought gold back to the reigning fashion. That same year Cartier obtained the patent for the “invisible setting” (called “serti mysterieux”).

When the Second World War began, Louis Cartier left France and Jeanne Toussaint took over in the interim at 13, Rue de la Paix. Two creations demonstrated just how she proved to be the perfect alter ego of Louis Cartier: the “oiseau en cage”, the symbol of the occupation, then the “oiseau liberé”.

Louis Cartier and Jacques died within six months of each other in 1942. Pierre died in Switzerland in 1964. With the death of the three brothers, the Cartier Empire split up.

In 1968, Robert Hocq, the first maker in the world of gas cigarette lighters, created a luxury lighter which he licensed under the brand name of Cartier. It quickly revolutionized the market.

Four years later, a group of investors brought together by Joseph Kanoui took control of Cartier Paris and placed Robert Hocq as President. Hocq was fascinated by the past of this fabulous Maison, and became immersed in it, but at the same time brought a breath of youth and modernism in the organization and its new creations.

In 1973, he finished “Les Must de Cartier” in cooperation with Alain Dominique Perrin, who was then in charge of the Cartier lighter, and to whom he gave the responsibility of the development and management. That same year, the first “Must de Cartier” boutique was opened in Biarritz, followed by one in Singapore.

The Cartier watch created to honour the aviator Santos Dumont was redesigned in 1978 and t was redesigned in 1978 and called Santos de Cartier. 1979 saw the historic culmination of the reunification of Cartier’s interests throughout the world, with the creation of Cartier Monde, reuniting and controlling Cartier Paris, Cartier London and Cartier New York. After the accidental death of Robert Hocq in December of the same year, Joseph Kanoui was appointed Chairman of Cartier Monde.

During the 1980’s Cartier added approximately 100 different models to its line and always remained one step ahead of the competition. Cartier’s first perfume was created in 1981: Must de Cartier. In 1982, Micheline Kanoui assumed responsibility for jewellery design and launched her first collect ion “Nouvelle Joaillerie”.

In 1984, Alain Dominique Perrin founded the “Fondation Cartier pour l’art Contemporain” (the Cartier Foundation of Contemporary Art) by forming an association between th e firm and living artists.

The next year as a tribute to power, Cartier create d the Cart ier Pasha watch.

The Cartier group purchased the greater part of Piaget and Baume & Mercier holdings in 1988 and, in 1989, saw the triumph of the first great “l’Art de Cartier” exhib ition at the Petit Palais.

In 1991, aiming to increase the influence of High Watchmaking, Alain Dominque Perrin established an international foundation, “Comite International de la Haute Horlogerie”. In April that same year the 1st Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie was held. This place in Geneva became the annual meeting point for professionals in High Watchmaking, which now cou nts 1 6 watchmaking brands.

In 1992, Cartier held its second great “l’Art de Cartier” exhibition at the Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg. The same year the publication of the book entitled ‘l´Objet Cartier” bore witness to the wealth and diversity of the objects created by Car tier for almost 150 years.

October 1993 saw the creation of the “Vendôme Luxury Group” bringing together the brands of Cartier, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, Karl Lagerfeld, Chloé, Sulka, Hackett, Seeger, and J ames Purdey and Sons.

In 1994, the Cartier Foundation moved to the Rive Gauche and opened their new headquarters, an architectural work of art designed for them by t he ar chitect, Jean Nouvel.

In 1995 the Cartier Pasha C watch was created to celebrate the 10th anniversar y of the Pasha de Cartier.

1996 was a very important year for Cartier. The Cartier Tank Francaise watch was created.

Cartier began the new century: the Cartier Roadster watch was born in 2002 and, in 2004, Cartier creates the Cartier Santos 100 watch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cartier Santos watch created by Louis Cartier in 1904. Finally in 2005, the Cartier Pasha 42mm watch was introduced.

Shaped watches, simple or complication watches, all evoke a know-how and love of the craft that the jeweller-watchmaker has always succeeded in renewing and enriching. Watches that go down in history, forming the heritage of a Maison that is recognised throughout the world and that seems to em body an eternal aesthetic.

For the future, Cartier wishes to develop and nurture its specific style, and perpetuate its unique expertise.

Cartier Models

Cartier Line 21 watch

The Cartier’s line 21 contains: “21 Must de Cartier” and “21 Chronoscaph de Cartier”: The Cartier Must 21, with its faultless modern design, represents sophistication, simplicity and elegance of the modern Cartier timepieces. This watch comes with a Swiss made quartz movement. It is a luxury line, which is manufactured in steel or two-tone (steel and gold-plated), with metal bracelet. It is available in two sizes: small and large. The small Cartier Must 21 has a 28 mm case, hence it is a Cartier lady’s watch. The large Cartier Must 21 may come with a 31mm/34mm case, and could be considered a Cartier men’s wristwatch. The Cartier Must 21 line has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and is water-proof guaranteed to 30 meters. The Cartier 21 Chronoscaph is the sporty side of the Cartier’s line 21. This watch is available in two sizes: the big, with a 38mm case (Cartier men’s watch); and the new 2007 small size, 32mm case (Cartier unisex/lady watch). You can choose 3 different options of this wristwatch: on black dial and black rubber strap, on white dial and white rubber strap, or black dial and stainless steel bracelet. The Cartier 21 Chronoscaph is ideal for using during the sports activities, including the aquatic, since it is water-resistant to 100 meters. The 21 Chronoscaph by Cartier is the highest expression of the most prestigious and reliable sports-style watches in the world.

The Cartier Roadster watch is a very elegant and innovative timepiece. Its particular oval case combines elegant lines with bold and sturdy style. It gives the impression of an extremely reliable watch. Indeed it is! Water-resistant, manufactured of the best quality metals, highly polished steel or all types of gold, it has a very shiny oval case with a prominent polished metal cabochon crown completing and highlighting its particular fresh and forceful design. The Cartier Roadster watch oval highly decorated dial with luminescent sun-ray effect is very distinctive and has prominent bold Roman numerals. Some Cartier Roadster watches come with an easy removable metal bracelet, additional leather straps, and the deployant clasp can fit both bracelets. This makes Cartier Roadster watch switch from a big formal to a sporty style watch. The Cartier Roadster watches are available for Mens (40mm) and Womens sizes (36mm). Cartier Man watches comes in three versions: Chronograph, GMT and Solo Tempo with automatic movements. Cartier Lady watches are available in Solo Tempo with quartz movement only. This collection transmits strength and power for people with a vigorous spirit.

Cartier is not only known for its watches but is also one of the most famous jewelers in the world. The Cartier symbol is the mysterious panther, which was granted center stage in the Panthère Collection. Since the year 2000, Cartier has produced its own movements in the traditional Suisse town of La Chaux-de-Fonds.Throughout the history of the company, Cartier has launched several remarkable models, including the Santos, the Tank, and the Pasha.

When it came to timepieces, the initial Cartier assortment primarily consisted of pocket watches. From 1888 onwards, however, Cartier began to produce wristwatches.

The first wristwatches comprised of jewelry watches for women, who quickly discovered the appeal and comfort of wearing a luxurious Cartier watch.

Alfred Cartier then began to concentrate on the expansion of the brand in the field of luxury watches, which he designed as pocket watches, pendulum clocks, and wristwatches for women.

The initial appeal of the watches soon grew into great success, when in 1889, Louis – the eldest son of Alfred Cartier – joined the company. He was later joined by his two brothers, Pierre, and Jacques, and together, the three brothers strongly established the Cartier name worldwide.

In 1902, Pierre and Jacque opened the first Cartier branch in London. With the expansion of the company, Cartier was issued a royal warrant as King Edward VII, who referred to the company as “the jeweler of kings”, ordered 27 tiaras from the prestigious company.

In 1907, Cartier expanded to Russia. Shortly following in 1909, Fifth Avenue New York was able to admire and enjoy the exquisite works of Cartier.

Louis Cartier passed away in 1942 and Pierre Cartier followed in 1965. These were hard times for the Cartier company as the Second World War brought about challenges. The company was split into three parts among the immediate family of the three Cartier brothers, and in 1974, a group of investors purchased the enterprise and Cartier became “Cartier Monde”. Since 1997, Cartier has belonged to the Suisse luxury watch group Richemont.

Luxurious watch collections from the traditional house of Cartier delight watch enthusiasts worldwide. The Cartier Santos is an exceptionally renowned collection that was presented in 1904. The Cartier Santos has been classified as the very first pilot’s watch as well as one of the first men’s watches created by Cartier.

The pilot’s watch came about as a result of a collaboration between two close friends: Louis Cartier and aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont.

A cascading wave of success came along with the commercial production of the Cartier Santos in 1911 and propelled the Cartier brand forward in the field of luxury watches.

In 1917, the Cartier Tank spurred a sensation with a shape that is reminiscent of a tank. Evidently, the wristwatch drew inspiration from a battle tank and symbolically, the timepiece represents the liberation of France.

Following the year 1932, a Cartier watch was produced for the Pasha of Marrakech thereafter resulting in an aftershock of numerous draft design and countless variations. One Pasha draft, in particular, was created by the legendary watch designer Gérald Genta.

Currently, both the Tank and the Pasha are still among the watch collection from Cartier. The models are recognized and appreciated around the globe and never cease to amaze with their exceptional design and historical backgrounds.

Please remember that this is an unofficial account of the history of this company, Should you happen to find any mistakes with our information then please let us know at

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1,000 sequentially numbered, handmade collectible pieces honoring 50 years
of timekeeping innovation is released to public.

First electrical watch (The Elgin Grade 725) in 1952. People, at the time,
were looking for something more accurate than mechanical watches and the
electric watch.

The Bulova Accutron Limited Edition Spaceview 214 utilizes a defining
movement. It is a handmade replica of the original Accutron Calibre 214, the
world’s first electronic watch without springs or an escapement, which operated
by an electronically activated tuning fork. Instead of ticking, it hummed.

On June 19, 1953, Bulova registered a patent registered under number 312290
as the first prototype of a tuning fork watch which started running and
eventually became fully operational in 1954.

This info from Bulova
company website

Please remember that this is an unofficial account of the history of this
company, should you happen to find any mistakes with our information then
please let us know at

Email
Us