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 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 Meyer & Stüdeli, Roamer watches

Roamer

Roamer was one of Switzerland's most important watch manufacturers in the 1930s-1950s. It simplified the work of watchmakers with its keyless water-resistant watches. The 1970s and the quartz crisis hit it hard, but the brand was revived and still exists today.

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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 Fabrique Le Phare

Le Phare

In the early 20th century, Fabrique Le Phare was the world's largest producer of repeating pocket watches, and its calibers were used by many other manufacturers. The transition to the wristwatch was difficult, but the company later distinguished itself by creating the first automatic quartz watch.

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History of the brands

The true story of Pronto watches

Pronto

Unusually, for over a century, Pronto watches were run by the same family, from the company's creation in 1890, to its demise in 2000.

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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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