The history of Zenith, the world renowned watch manufactures, started 1865. Zenith was born as the product of the great vision of Georges Favre-Jacot, at his age of 22. His grandeur concept of bringing all the artisan watchmakers in an umbrella paid rich benefits in improving quality control, bringing new cutting edge technologies and making world class design and manufacturing times.

Zenith watch company has been in the forefront of bringing new deigns and has won more than 1500 industry wards during its long productive journey from 1865 to till date. It has manufactured over 50 calibers. Legendary “El Primero” chronograph movement in 1969 had set many standards for the mechanical excellence in chronographs. It was a precise chronograph and was acclaimed as the first chronograph caliber with integrated automatic winding. The Zenith El Primero can measure up to 1/10 of a second.

Zenith was taken over by the luxury giant L.V.M.H. group (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) in 1999. Zenith’s popularity has been riding high with the introduction of some stunning and precise time new watches. The Zenith Chronomaster, combining a classic and sober case design, is one of the inviting chronographs. It has a whole range of dials and materials starting from a very traditional stainless steel to a most modern titanium and carbon fiber concept watch.

The Zenith Class is perfect for businessman who like compact watches with subtle luxury and discreet elegance. Port-Royal from Zenith comes with an impressive modern casing for the popular “El Primero” movement. It has won the appreciaition of the active, urban man. Port-Royal is available in a various cases, say gold, titanium or steel cases. It has straps with leather, rubber, kevlar or carbon fiber bands.

A historical time line of the Zenith watches is as follows.

In 1865, George Favre-Jacot, a renowned clock maker, started to work for himself in Locle. In 1875, reasonably priced, precise fob watches were produced by George Favre-Jacot. During this time his company employed one-third of the workers of Locle. The turning point and the appreciation had come in 1896 when the manufacturer won Gold Medal at the Swiss National Exhibition. In 1903, the praise worthy first prize in the Neuchâtel Observatory competition for chronometers was received.

The birth of Zenith was in 1911, when George Favre-Jacot retired and left the flourishing business to his descendants, under the brand name of Zenith. George Favre-Jacot died in 1917. The first wrist watch models came out from Zenith in 1920. Then it is history. The success of Zenith was astonishing. In 1954, Zenith won the Neuchâtel Observatory prize for wristwatch chronometers. The most valuable addition came in 1960 when Zenith took over Martel Watch Co. 1960 saw the Universels caliber 749 and 285 becoming the Zenith 146 family.

The birth of the El Primero happened in 1969. This had been acclaimed as the first chronograph with a winding crown with central rotor. In 1969 Zenith became a part and parcel of the world renowned Mondia-Zenith-Movado holding company. 1970 is marked by the birth of the Cronometro Tipo CP2 aviation chronographs. These aviation chronographs manufactured for A. Cairelli in Rome contain anti-magnetic case and 60-minute rotating lunette.

The American Zenith Radio Corporation had taken over a majority stake in the Mondia-Zenith-Movado group in 1971. In 1978, the company was returned to the Swiss investors, with DIXI, the financial and mechanical constructions group. In 1984 Movado was taken over by North American Watch Co. From this time onwards the name Zenith was displayed marvelously on the watch dials. The latest taken over of Zenith was in 2000 by L.V.M.H group.

All of us know the versatile features of the Rolex watches. All of us know the value of the Rolex watches as well. It is ideal for us to know the history of Rolex Watches also to appreciate the hard work and the brilliance behind the grandeur successes of Rolex watches.

The history of Rolex Watches dates back to 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf established a watch manufacturing company in London. It was in 1908 he coined the name Rolex for the company Wilsdorf & Davies based in London. This company had become one of the best leading watch manufacturing companies in the world by 1908, by which time the Rolex name was coined.

Rolex received the Official Chronometer Certification in 1910 from the “Bureau Officiel” in Switzerland. This certification was the first in history as it was the first time the certificate was given to a wristwatch. The growth of the Rolex Company has been amazing with many accolades awarded to this watch. The accolades received by the company include Class A Precision in 1914 from the Kew Observatory.

The first waterproof wrist watch Rolex Oyster had come out from the Rolex in 1926 and Rolex got the patent for it. The water proof feature was proved in real sense in 1927 when the swimmer Mercedes Gleitze worn the watch during his successful bid to swim across the English Channel. This incident had been written in history as the Rolex Oyster got the much needed advertisement and appreciation. During 1931 the Perpetual Rotor, a techno savvy mechanism founded the basics of self-winding movements, was created. With this technology Rolex released three versions in three consecutive years. In 1954, the first Oyster Perpetual Ladydate, in 1955 the GMT Master with dual time zone function and in 1956 the first Day-Date are these three versions. All these instances were created ripples in Watch Industry.

After the death of the founder Hans Wildorf in 1960, Andre Heiniger took over the management of Rolex Company. Rolex continued its unstinted efforts for innovation and invention in the watch technology. The technical brilliance and amazing styles were improved. The Sea-dweller (1967, a perfect dive watch), the Explorer II (1978) and Cosmograph Daytona (1988) were all got huge market shares. Rolex continued to be one of the greatest brands in Watch industry.

Few other important events in the History of Rolex Watches are invention of The Oyster Datejust (first watch to display the date automatically) in 1945, the introduction of the Submariner – the diving watch of reference in 1953, the watch Oyster Sea-Dweller with waterproof to a depth of 610 m in 1967 and the Yacht-Master in 1992. Rolex submariner celebrated in fiftieth year Anniversary in 2004.The market leading of Rolex Watches continues with many models in the show rooms.

The present models available in the market include Oysterquartz, Submariner, Oyster Perpetual Air King, Lady Datejust Pearlmaster,.Explorer, Explorer II, Date, Datejust, Day-Date, Sea-Dweller 4000, Lady Datejust, Yacht-Master, Cosmoograph Daytona, Lady Oyster Perpetual, Lady-Date and GMT Master II.

Though Louis Cartier, who lived from 1875 to 1942, popularized the wristwatch over the traditional pocket watch, he did not actually make the first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe created the first wristwatch in 1868, before Cartier was even born. But Cartier was passionate about the workings of mechanical watches and wanted very much to have his own line of elegant watches.In 1904, Cartier’s friend Alberto Santos-Dumont requested a watch that could be easily used during flights, and Cartier developed the Santos wristwatch - the first wristwatch made for men.

Over several generations of Cartier family history, Louis Francois, his son Alfred Cartier, and his three grandsons Pierre, Jacque, and Louis Francois (II) helped the watch business to expand, eventually making Cartier into the best-known name worldwide in jewelry and watchmaking. In 1899 the family moved their Parisian store to the Rue de la Paix - an elegant, upscale location. Stores were opened in London, Moscow, and New York in the years following. By 1912, Cartier introduced the Baignoire and Tortue, and 1917 the Tank watch debuted. At this time the company began stamping a four-digit code on the underside of the lug, and to this day, many collectors won’t accept a Cartier watch without these original numbers.

By the mid 20th century Louis Cartier had died, and his brother Pierre became president of Cartier International. Still a phenomenally successful business, today’s Cartier watches use movements from Swiss watchmaking companies like Le Coultre, Movado, and Audemars Piguet. Cartier jewelry continues to be worn by the wealthy, royalty, and others who insist on having the best watches made.

Edouard Heuer founded his watch shop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1860. In 1864 business has flourished, and Edouard Heuer moved his shop to the Bienne. Five years later, in 1869 Edouard Heuer had made a patent for a winder watch with autonomous screwing down-crown. In 1880 Heuer was the world first watchmaker that created a into mass production of chronographs and watches. 12 years later Edouard Heuer dies leaving a huge fortune nad two sons.  Jules and Charles, the Heuer’s sons were leading family business. ten years later they created a doctor’s chronograph with a scale for measuring pulse rate. in 1911 the firm put its first car chronograph on the market. Now the company was a pure success. 19 years later Heuer patented first water resistant watch case and launched the world-famous Monza line. During the world war 2 tag heuer was producing military chronographs for the army. After the war Heuer launch the first Carrera chronograph.

In 1963 Heuer released the Carrera collection of chronographs. A year later, On January 1st 1964, Heuer’s and the Leonidas Watch Factory, Saint-Imier, merged to create the new company called Heuer-Leonidas. Their first design was the very first chronograph with newness ring date indicator and first automatic micro-rotor chronograph. Five years later Heuer-Leonidas launched the first square, water resistant chronograph, presented by the actor Steve MacQueen in the film LE MANS in 1970. In 1975 the company released La Chronosplit was the first quartz wristwatch that featured double digital display - LED and LCD. In 1983 HEUER shows to the world the first quartz chronograph with analog time display and digital memory for intervals of time measured. A same TAG-Heuer was established in 1985 when TAG (Techniques d’Avant Garde), manufacturers of high precision chronographs for Formula 1 cars acquired Heuer, which was already a renowned watchmaker specializing in racing chronographs. Together they became a big name in Swiss watches. In 1996 TAG-HEUER was appeared on the stock market. two years later 1998 Tag-Heuer launched a production of brand new version of the the famous MONACO. On September 13, 1999 the Tag Heuer was sold again - the Tag-Heuer’s CEO accepted a bid from LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. of 1.15 billion francs ($739 million) contingent upon a transfer of 50.1% of stocks.

Early begginings

In early 1906 Claus-Johannes Voss who was the stationer, together with the banker Alfred Nehemias and the engineer August Eberstein established a company that understood te needs of modern world, it was the beggining of the 20th century. Using their incredible sense of ingenuity and remarkable imagination they created the fountain pen. It was the technical and commercial breakthrough in the writing instrument’s market. These genrlemans started to produce fountain pens, placing the cornerstones for the future. Internationally successful company Montblanc was one of the first “Joint Venture” company.

In the year 1913 the Montblanc star is born with new logo. Since that wonderful times, Montblanc labeled products was wearing the unmistakable well known rounded star that represents the snow-covered peak of the highest European mountain - Mont Blanc. It represents the brand’s confation to the incredible quality and perfect European craftsmanship, the watchmeking art. 1924 Mont Blanc released the legendary Meisterstück and the beginning of its successful career as the world’s most famous writing instrument. Till now the Mont Blanc pens are the most endowed in the world.

Recent History

After World War II Mont Blanc has stood up on their knees. During war producing measurmants for army. In 1988 Montblanc has Integrated with the group Richemont. In 1997 Montblanc is taking great attention and is getting famous. All top international jewellers were amazed when Montblanc was present on the SIHH watch fair in Geneva for the very first time. In the year 2003 Montblanc launches the TimeWalker watch collection for cosmopolitan people. Timewalker symbolizes people who are dynamic and have a love for pure, simple but luxorious design. In 2006 the Montblanc company celebrates its 100th birthday and for this fantastic occasion designes a beautifuly crafted diamond with 43 facets, which was cut to the form of the Montblanc signet. For this glorious 100th Anniversary Montblanc releases the remerkable Star Chrono GMT Perpetual Calendar watch, which is finally touched with the real Montblanc Diamond in the crown. In 2007 Montblanc and the , founded in 1858, Swiss Watch Brand Minerva are joining their forces to build the “Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie”. The laboratory than works with new solutions in watchmaking technology. In April 2008 the Montblanc introduces the calibers MB R100 and MB R200 in Star Nicolas Rieussec chronograph, which was a grat success.

Since the beginning of the company in 1875, Audemars Piguet was one of the best watchmaker. His its early development of the 8-minute repeater was a success. At the end of the century, Audemars Piguet watches were well known for their design, quality materials from which were produced and very flat mechanism. In 1899, the company made a success on the Universal Exhibition in Paris with their pocket watches “Grande Complication Savonette”.

In 1911, Audemars Piguet was the first jewelery watch that was decorated with diamonds. Continue to the technology, in 1946, Audemars Piguet created the watch that was the flatest timepiece in the world - with the mechanism of 1.64 mm. Watch manufacturers have started do create the automatic flatest timepiece with a 21-carat gold rotor. Than AP designed the The Royal Oak - these watches became a symbol of a watchmaking traditions, it’s production was launched in 1970. Inspired by the royal tradition of the sea, the unique design of watches is a great combination of strength and elegance. Accordingly AP launched the Triple Complication, that has got 12 different functions and an eternal calendar. Watches are placed in the case of 8.55 mm flat. The automatic mechanism with 52 stones and a 18-carat gold rotor are performed manually.

Royal Oak was created in 1972 by Gerald Genta, which was well-known watchmaker which has been using his skills to create masterpieces for many other premium brands such as Patek Philippe, Omega, and IWC. The Royal Oak has been a surprise success, filling niche as a sports watch luxury. The Royal Oak got its name from three of the British warships in the Royal Navy that sailed between 1802 and 1939. Since then in 2004 Juan Pablo Montoya was honored with a limited edition piece with a quarter in 2006 Rueben Barrichello also got the honor to wear this limited collection. Recently, several other limited edtion pieces were created in honor of the opening of the boutique stores around the world, such as the Royal Oak Offshore Rue St-Honoré Limited Edition 100 series. Editing Paris is a beautiful watch on a crocodile strap with white Hornback red, white and blue seams and stainless steel AP folding clasp. Royal Oak Offshore Ginza Limited Edition 200 was created to celebrate the opening of the Boutique AP in the district of Ginza in Tokyo, Japan.

The Breitling story begins in 1884 when 24 year old Leon Breitling has founded the company in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. He wanted to produce high-quality technical watches. As his business expanded, the Breitling moved the factory to the Swiss town of La-Chaux-de-Fonds. He began specializing in high quality timing instruments.

After World War I, Breitling began producing chronographs and chronometers strictly for airplanes, they were a pioneer in aviation business. In 1915 Breitling invented their first wristwatch chronograph and make several significant developments to this design. In 1923, Breitling was the first watch manufacturer that create a chronograph, with enabling the start and return to zero function, which was also performed by the winding crown. After that in 1934 Breitling added a second timepiece to the chronograph featuring a cumulative time recording. This invention made the Breitling watch a favorite among pilots.

Over the years, Breitling released a plenty of classic watches. In 1942 Breitling launched the Chronomat, the first chronograph to be fitted with a circular slide rule calculation. In 1952, the Navitimer was released, a first wristwatch that was equipped with a “navigation computer” that allowed pilots to calculate flight plans. This watch has become a very popular among pilots over the world. In 1962, the Cosmonaute model was launched with was 24 hour chronograph. This watch was worn by American Scott Carpenter when he flew on the second orbital flight inside the Aurora 7. In 1969, Breitling was part of a consortium of watch manufacturers that developed the first automatic chronograph, a major break by time.Today to the Breitling is one of the leaders of the Swiss watch industry for product development which continues to launch new models of high precision.

IWC - International Watch Co. was founded in 1868 by Florentine Jones, 27 year old American master watchmaker from Boston. The IWC Watch Company was established at Schaffhausen in Switzerland. Along the Rhine Jones hopes to benefit from the newly built hydro-electric facilities necessary to carry the production. Jones was fascinated by the idea of the unification of America with expertise in the automation of the legendary Swiss precision. He wasted no time installing the machine tools for the most part imported from the United States straight to the Schaffhausen.

First Jones’ caliber, was the very first movement manufactured by IWC contained a wealth of advanced features. Including elongated index to regulate the balance hairspring and a bimetallic cut balance to compensate for temperature fluctuations.

From 1895 to 1900 IWC saw major sales increases all around. In Germany, the company saw an increase from 553,500 to 805,000 francs. Russia went from a measly 29,400 to an incredible 182,300 francs. These remarkable sales increases were due largely to the acumen of the company’s management as well as the incredible staff of employees. Jones’ master plan was to export its Swiss made watches in the United States. But he was stopped by extremely high import tariffs on finished watches. The general history of the state of the IWC for many decades, continues to be agitated as he went from one crisis to another and it was not until 1978, when the IWC was taken by VDO, which in turn was acquired by the giant multi-national group Mannesman, the CBI has been on solid financial ground in a position to move forward and able to compete with its own French-Swiss competitors in the western region.

After years of fine and even remarkable service and highest level of craftsmanship, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary in style with 300 employees. And in the spirit of the celebration there were 1000 Portuguese watches with the 982 calibre pocket watch movements made in stainless steel, 500 in gold, and 250 in platinum. Today the company continues the production of innovative watches and remarkable craftmanship. In 2001, IWC made a the watch collectors forum. This was the first brand in question forum for enthusiasts of haute horlogerie. Unfortunately, the company also saw the death of Gunter Blumlein in 2001, was the chief of the CBI of Swiss watchmaking after crisis if the 1970s. Despite this, the company has never been stronger and continues to the excellence of its watches in the development through an incredible team.

Born in Golisse near Lake Joux in the Switzerland, the eldest son of a blacksmith, Antoine LeCoultre (1801-1881) was very early initiated in working iron. Antoine was ingenious with innovative spirit, had a passion for watches so, in 1825, he decided to attempt to the school of watches in Geneva. Unfortunately his training was interrupted by illness. Antoine then associated with his father in the manufacture of music boxes. In 1833, Antoine LeCoultre takes his freedom and builds a watch workshop. In 1844, he invented and built millionometer, the first tool to measure the micrometers. This wonder instrument was never patented but it was serving for more than a half-century as a standard in the manufacture. In 1847, its system of keyless winding mechanism (not patented), which will spread throughout the Regional watch industry (Another system winder, LeCoultre developed in 1861). In London, at the Universal Exhibition of 1851, Antoine LeCoultre awarded a gold medal. The first international recognition is a turning point in watchmaking history and marks the emergence of a competitor of watchmaking English (at the time regarded as the most efficient).

Financial management was not up to his creative talents, Antoine LeCoultre was nearly bankrupt. In 1858, a smallpox epidemic sweeps plenty of its workers. At the edge of bankruptcy, he found support from an old relativefrom Borgeaud family and the name was changed to LeCoultre & Cie Borgeaud. In 1866, his son, Elijah transforms and modernizes the workshop (first appearance of the machines, meeting of all trades watchmakers under one roof, quality standards of production, etc.).. LeCoultre, Borgeaud & Co. became the first watch manufacturer in the Valley of Joux. But the industrialization of work watchmaker was not so smooth and resistance to change was obligue. The decision to mechanize some of the production was a growing problem so the factory was built. It can quickly produce high flows. In 1877, Auguste Antoine LeCoultre and Borgeaud has separated. The company was resumed to third son of Antoine LeCoultre. For many, the name of Lecoultre is little known outside the Valley: LeCoultre is prime a manufacturer of popular movements. In 1888, the company is identified as the largest industrial company in the region: it occupied 480 workers. From the 1890s, the company began delivering its production to the most prestigious luxury goods companies. In 1906, Jacques-David LeCoultre becomes CEO. Under his leadership, the company gained a worldwide reputation. The new director was close to the Edmont Jaeger, the watchmaker from Paris, which the company was already provided extra-flat movement. By 1904, all movements was in originally marked with the Jaeger LeCoultre logo. During the First World War, and Jaeger LeCoultre are very closely involved in the manufacture of tachometers and counters. As a result, Jaeger-LeCoultre passed into the hands of the German Konzern VDO, then the group Mannesmann. A small portion of the remaining capital in the hands of Audemars Piguet at which the company also provides movements.

Today, the company still bears the name of Jaeger-LeCoultre and takes on more than 1 000 employees. In April 2008, the company laid the foundation stone for an new 9 000 m² building. Since 1833, the company has filed over 215 patents. Jaeger-LeCoultre develops its own movements and watches that are appreciate all over the world.

During the Polish uprising in 1830, Norbert de Patek, a Polish refugee settled in Geneva, preferring exile rather than prison. Geneva at the time, was the capital of watches and jewelry. Nine years later with his friend and compatriot, the talented watchmaker François Czapek, they set about using their talents and founded the watch manufacturer Patek, Czapek & Co, with headquarters in Geneva. Their art reflects the themes of the history of Poland, as the portraits of revolutionary heroes, legends of the tenth and twelfth centuries, and the cult of the Black Virgin. Unfortunatelly in 1844 Czapek and Patek had separated in cause of disagreement between them. In 1844 Mr. Patek met the French watchmaker, Mr. Adrien Philippe. At the Paris Exhibition of industrial products in 1844, Philippe presented his pioneering stem winding and setting system by the crown. It represents a giant step forward in watchmaking because until then all timepieces had to be wound and set with a separate key, which could be lost or incorrectly used. This fantastic discovery immediately interested Antoine Patek. After that when Mr. Philippe became officially associated the company, in 1851, these two men formed a partnership and founded the firm Patek Philippe & Co. In 1932, the company was purchased by Charles and Jean Stern, two brothers and since then, “Patek Philippe SA” remains a family business, with the 3rd and 4th generation to head: Mr. Philippe Stern, President and M. Thierry Stern, his son, Vice-President.

At present days Patek Philippe is an independent company, enjoys total creative freedom to design, produce one of the best timepieces in the world. With the experience of more than 70 patents, Patek Philippe is the only manufacture that produce all of its mechanical movements according to the strict specifications of the Geneva Seal. These precious, timeless elegant watches are proudly handed down from one generation to another. Patek Philippe continues to be a symbol of wealth and is the primary reason why rich businessmen, celebrities, and even high rollers in texas holdem continue to wear them. These noble watches are the result of the latest generation of technology associated with traditional watchmaking process.