Watch Facts

Baume et Mercier, a distinguished Swiss watch brand, boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1830. Founded by the Baume family, it began as a small workshop in Les Bois, Switzerland. In 1918, the brand united with the Mercier family, leading to the establishment of Baume et Mercier. The brand’s hallmark has been an unwavering commitment to crafting watches characterized by elegance and accessible luxury.

In 1965, Baume et Mercier introduced the Riviera, a groundbreaking timepiece distinguished by its distinctive dodecagonal bezel. This design exemplified the brand’s fusion of innovative aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship.

The brand’s logo, an emblem of its values, embodies the harmonious union of heritage and modernity. Featuring the Greek letter Phi, symbolizing the golden ratio, it signifies the brand’s pursuit of balance, precision, and aesthetic refinement. This emblem reflects Baume et Mercier’s enduring dedication to horological excellence.

Established in 1884 by Léon Breitling, the Breitling brand has a storied history in watchmaking. It gained prominence in the aviation industry during the 20th century, specializing in precision timepieces for pilots. Noteworthy historic dates include the introduction of the first wrist chronograph with a separate pusher in 1915, and the creation of the iconic Navitimer in 1952, featuring a circular slide rule for aviation calculations.

Breitling’s logo, known as the “winged B,” embodies its aviation heritage. Adopted in the 1950s, the stylized wings denote the brand’s association with aviation and precision timekeeping. The logo signifies Breitling’s commitment to accuracy, innovation, and its enduring connection to aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

Established in 1918, Citizen has evolved into a prominent global watch brand. Its foundation aligns with the merging of technologies and craftsmanship. Notably, in 1924, the brand released its first pocket watch, marking its entry into horology. The establishment of the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1930 underscored Citizen’s commitment to innovation. The introduction of the Parashock in 1956 showcased its focus on resilience in watchmaking.

The brand’s logo, resembling an artistic rendering of “C,” embodies a circular motif, reflective of time’s perpetual nature. The logo encapsulates Citizen’s dedication to timekeeping accuracy and innovation, symbolizing the brand’s evolution from its inception to its contemporary status as a respected leader in the watch industry.

Established in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is a distinguished Swiss watch brand. Notable dates include Constant Girard’s 1889 creation of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges and the 1945 launch of the “Eagle” collection. The emblematic logo features an arrow-ended laurel wreath encircling “GP,” symbolizing victory and precision. Renowned for watches like Vintage 1945 and Laureato, Girard-Perregaux blends heritage and innovation seamlessly.

Founded in 1911 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Ebel is a distinguished watch brand renowned for its refined elegance and craftsmanship. In 1914, the brand introduced its first wristwatch, marking the inception of its legacy. Ebel’s commitment to precision and artistry gained recognition in 1930 when it became a supplier to the British Royal Air Force.

Significant to Ebel’s history, the year 1977 witnessed the launch of the Sport Classic collection, combining sporty aesthetics with luxurious detailing. In 1982, Ebel introduced the Sport Wave collection, characterized by its distinctive wave-link bracelet, blending innovation with design.

Ebel’s logo is a stylized “E,” representing the brand’s name. This insignia embodies Ebel’s dedication to elegance and serves as a hallmark of its timepieces. The logo encapsulates the brand’s ethos of timeless sophistication, mirroring its commitment to artisanship and enduring design.

Founded in 1993 by Fawaz Gruosi, de Grisogono swiftly gained prominence for its avant-garde approach to high jewelry and timepieces. Distinctive for its bold designs and innovative use of black diamonds, the brand challenged traditional norms. Notable milestones include the introduction of the Instrumento N°Uno watch in 2000, acclaimed for its fusion of watchmaking and jewelry craftsmanship. The iconic “Melody of Colours” collection, launched in 2006, showcased vibrant gemstones in daring combinations.

Established in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Porsche Design stands as a distinguished brand renowned for its innovation and functional aesthetics. The brand’s origins trace back to the creation of the iconic Chronograph I wristwatch, which introduced a novel all-black design. In 1978, the brand extended its expertise to eyewear, introducing the first pair of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses.

The Porsche Design logo, a shield-like emblem bearing the brand’s name, underscores its commitment to quality and design excellence. This logo, chosen for its timeless and distinguished appeal, represents the brand’s fusion of innovative engineering and sophisticated aesthetics.

Founded in 1860 in Florence, Italy, Officine Panerai began as a workshop, specializing in precision instruments and watches for the Italian Navy. In the 1930s, they developed the Radiomir, a luminous substance enhancing underwater visibility. By the 1940s, Panerai supplied the Italian Navy with durable, water-resistant watches.

The brand’s distinctive design elements include a large, cushion-shaped case, prominent luminescent markers, and a unique crown guard. In the 1990s, Panerai transitioned from a military supplier to a public brand, attracting enthusiasts with its bold aesthetics.

The Panerai logo reflects its maritime heritage, featuring a stylized depiction of a torpedo, honoring the brand’s historical association with naval technology. The blend of sleek design and military legacy has positioned Panerai as a prominent luxury watch brand.

Established in 1917, the Rado brand has traversed a significant trajectory in horology. Its journey began with its foundation in Lengnau, Switzerland. Pioneering the fusion of innovative materials and design, Rado gained recognition for its groundbreaking approach. Notably, Rado’s inventive use of ceramic materials in the 1980s revolutionized watchmaking, setting new industry standards. Throughout its history, Rado has consistently upheld a commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal.

The Rado logo consists of a simple anchor-shaped emblem accompanied by the brand name “RADO” in capital letters. The anchor, depicted horizontally, symbolizes stability, strength, and reliability, characteristics that align with Rado’s commitment to precision and durability in watchmaking.

Omega was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt. In 1894, the company introduced the iconic Omega 19-line caliber, which marked a significant advancement in watchmaking precision. This movement eventually led to the brand’s name, “Omega,” representing the ultimate achievement in horological accuracy.

Omega’s contributions to sports timing and accuracy began in 1932 when it became the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games, a role it still holds today. In 1965, NASA selected the Omega Speedmaster as the official watch for its astronauts, culminating in the Speedmaster becoming the first watch on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

The brand’s logo, a Greek letter “Ω” (Omega), symbolizes perfection and achievement in watchmaking. This emblematic logo reflects Omega’s commitment to precision and innovation.

Throughout its history, Omega has consistently pushed the boundaries of timekeeping technology while maintaining its reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and iconic design, securing its place as a prominent and respected figure in the world of horology.