History of the brands

The true story of Vigilant Watch Manufactory

Vigilant

Achille Hirsch and his numerous descendants created multiple businesses in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The Vigilant Watch Manufactory was intended to produce economy watches and was one of the first Swiss factories to make wristwatches in 1900. It ceased to exist in the 1930s.

View

History of the brands

The true story of Levaillant & Cie, Fabrique Novelti

Novelti

This small factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds lived for just over a century, between 1874 and 1974.

View

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.

View

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.

View

History of the brands

The true story of Universal Genève. Part two: chronographs

Universal Genève

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.

View

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.

View