History of the brands

The True Story of the Barbezat-Bôle Company

Barbezat-Bôle

The Barbezat-Bôle company in Le Locle—not to be confused with Barbezat-Baillot, the founder of the Le Phare factory—specialized in fine pocket watches featuring complications and automatons. It acquired the Paul Buhré company in 1928.

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History of the brands

The true story of Repco watches

Repco

Founded by Pierre Nicolet, this Tramelan factory has remained faithful to mechanical watches and has not withstood the "quartz crisis".

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History of the brands

The true story of Recta watches

Recta

A curious destiny for this Biel-based manufacturer, founded in 1897 and best known today for its superb compasses, which are used the world over.

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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 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 The Rode Watch Co, Fabrique Avia

Rode Watch

This American-Swiss manufacturer from the very early 20th century produced high quality watches, and created the Avia brand, taken over much later by Degoumois & Cie.

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