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.