Shopping Cart
There are no more items in your cart
After an eventful history, this Biel-based manufacturer was integrated into the Festina Group.
The true story of Swiss watchmaking
This website is made by humans for humans. Any use of text and/or images by a bot or AI for data collection or machine learning purposes is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of copyright.
History of the brands
For once, here is the story of a manufacturer that is not Swiss, but French. And not just any manufacturer: in the 1970s, it produced up to 2 million watches per year and designed watches with unique designs that delight collectors today.
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.
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.
History of the brands
The true story of Perret & Berthoud, manufacture des montres Universal. Part one: history
Universal Genève
For many watch collectors, Universal is one of the finest Swiss brands. Mythical models such as the Tri-Compax chronograph and the Polerouter automatic watch have done much to enhance the reputation of Swiss watchmaking around the world.
The first Universal pocket chronographs were usually fitted with Le Phare calibers, the famous Le Locle manufacturer that supplied many other companies. Gradually, Martel calibers came into use, particularly for wrist chronographs, but Jeanneret-Lémania calibers were also available.
History of the brands
The true story of Universal Genève, 3rd and final part: Polerouter, the watch...
Universal Genève
Universal's Polerouter is undoubtedly the Geneva-based brand's best-known model, and the one that has been produced in the greatest number of versions.