History of the brands

The true story of Invar watches

Invar

Achille Hirsch created a number of businesses in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The Compagnie des Montres Invar was intended to produce precision watches with their own calibers. The Invar brand was subsequently used by Achille Hirsch's sons, and the company ceased to exist in 1992.

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History of the brands

The true story of Degoumois et Cie, makers of Avia watches

Avia

This La Chaux-de-Fonds-based manufacturer marketed its watches under the Protector name before taking over the Avia brand following the bankruptcy of The Rode Watch. Its director is best known for having created the Société des Garde-Temps (SGT) in 1968.

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History of the brands

The true story of MIMO watches

Mimo

The Manufacture Internationale de Montres en Or (MIMO) is the originator of some remarkable models. But after MIMO acquired the famous Girard-Perregaux manufacture, the MIMO brand was gradually abandoned.

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History of the brands

The true story of Rila watches

Rila

Rila is one of the many factories created by the Choffat family in Tramelan. Active until the "quartz crisis", it subsequently merged with the Dulux factory.

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History of the brands

The true story of Auguste Reymond SA (ARSA) watches

ARSA

A little-known specialist in sports watches and chronographs, ARSA (Auguste Reymond SA) was a major employer in the Bernese Jura town of Tramelan. The company still exists, but is now located in Nidau, near Biel.

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