History of the brands

The True Story of Continental Watches

Continental

The Continental brand has existed since the 19th century and has been used by several watchmaking companies. However, the Continental company itself was founded in 1953 to produce affordable Roskopf watches. After several changes in ownership, the company is still in business in Möhlin, near Basel.

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History of the brands

The true story of Fabrique La Duchesse

La Duchesse

This La Chaux-de-Fonds factory produced some highly original watches in the early 20th century. It disappeared with the Great Depression of the 1930s.

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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 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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