Watch Facts

Alpina, established in 1883 by Gottlieb Hauser in Geneva, Switzerland, is a pioneer in the world of Swiss sports watches. Known for its rugged and reliable timepieces, Alpina introduced the “Alpina 4” in 1938, which set the standard for modern sports watches with its antimagnetic, antishock, water-resistant, and stainless steel properties. This innovation made Alpina a preferred choice for alpinists, pilots, and divers​​.

In 2002, Alpina was acquired by the watch company Frederique Constant, which has helped the brand maintain its commitment to producing high-quality, accessible luxury sports watches. Today, Alpina offers a range of timepieces, including the Alpiner and Startimer collections, known for their durability, precision, and classic design

Gerald Charles, founded in 2000 by the legendary watch designer Gérald Charles Genta, is an independent Swiss watch company known for its innovative and artistic timepieces. Genta, renowned for creating iconic watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, brought his creative vision to Gerald Charles, producing unique designs that blend versatility with high performance.

The brand’s signature collection, the Maestro, features an asymmetric case inspired by Baroque architecture, showcasing Genta’s distinctive style. Under the stewardship of the Ziviani family, Gerald Charles continues to honor Genta’s legacy, combining technical mastery with artistic creativity to create exceptional timepieces​

Founded in 1950, Orient Watch Company has its origins in 1901 when Shogoro Yoshida began selling imported pocket watches. Orient is known for producing high-quality, affordable mechanical watches with in-house movements. The brand’s most iconic collections include the Orient Star, the Mako and Ray dive watches, and the elegant Bambino dress watches.

Orient has maintained its reputation for reliability and value, often compared favorably with Seiko and Citizen. Since 2001, Orient has been part of the Seiko Epson group, further enhancing its technological and manufacturing capabilities

Tutima, founded in 1927 in Glashütte, Germany, is renowned for its high-quality aviation and military-inspired timepieces. The brand gained prominence with the development of the Flieger chronograph in 1941 and has continued to innovate in the field of chronograph technology. Today, Tutima maintains its reputation for precision and durability, producing robust watches for both professional and civilian use, with a strong emphasis on their rich horological heritage and craftsmanship​

Zodiac, founded in 1882 by Ariste Calame in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, is renowned for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship. The brand initially focused on producing pocket watches but gained prominence with its wristwatches, including the introduction of the first automatic sports watch, the Zodiac Autographic, in 1930. In 1953, Zodiac launched the Sea Wolf, one of the world’s first commercial dive watches, which became an iconic model favored by professional divers and the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Zodiac faced financial difficulties in the late 20th century, leading to its acquisition by the Fossil Group in 2001. Since then, the brand has experienced a resurgence, particularly with the reintroduction of the Super Sea Wolf collection, blending vintage aesthetics with modern technology. Today, Zodiac continues to innovate, offering a range of timepieces that cater to both traditional watch enthusiasts and modern consumers​

Tudor was established by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, in 1926. The brand’s history is marked by significant milestones. In 1952, Tudor introduced the Oyster Prince, its first self-winding wristwatch. A year later, it supplied watches to the British Royal Navy, demonstrating its durability and reliability. In 1969, the Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph made its debut, showcasing a distinctive design.

The Tudor logo, featuring a stylized rose, symbolizes the Tudor dynasty, evoking notions of strength and endurance. This emblematic motif underscores the brand’s commitment to producing robust, high-quality timepieces. Today, Tudor continues to uphold its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, crafting watches that combine heritage with contemporary style, making it a respected name in the world of horology.

Montblanc, established in 1906, is a renowned luxury brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship and refined products. Founded by Claus-Johannes Voss, Alfred Nehemias, and August Eberstein in Hamburg, Germany, Montblanc began as a manufacturer of high-quality pens. The name “Montblanc” itself is inspired by the majestic mountain, symbolizing the brand’s aspiration for excellence.

The brand’s iconic logo, the white star with six points, represents the snowy peak of Mont Blanc, signifying the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of quality and performance. This emblem, introduced in 1913, embodies the brand’s pursuit of enduring elegance and precision in its creations.

Over time, Montblanc diversified its offerings beyond writing instruments to include exquisite leather goods, watches, and accessories. In 1997, the Montblanc Meisterstück watch collection was launched, reflecting the brand’s dedication to meticulous design and Swiss watchmaking expertise.

Established in 1832, Longines holds a prominent position in watchmaking history. Its legacy is marked by significant milestones: The brand introduced its first movement in 1867, and by 1880, it had already earned global recognition for its timekeeping precision. In 1913, Longines developed the revolutionary high-precision chronograph movement, solidifying its reputation for innovation.

The Longines logo, an hourglass with wings, speaks to its timekeeping expertise and elegance. It was registered in 1889, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to both precision and grace. The hourglass underscores accurate timing, while the wings evoke notions of swiftness and freedom, resonating with the brand’s spirit.

Hublot, established in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, is a prominent Swiss luxury watchmaker renowned for its fusion of innovative materials and avant-garde design. A pivotal event in 2004 marked the entrance of Jean-Claude Biver and Ricardo Guadalupe, propelling Hublot’s transformation into a global horological force.

Key dates include 1980, when Hublot unveiled the groundbreaking natural rubber strap, amalgamating luxury with sportiness. In 2005, the Big Bang collection made its debut, combining unexpected materials like ceramic, titanium, and gold. This collection solidified Hublot’s reputation for innovative craftsmanship.

Hublot’s logo, a stylized “H,” is both its signature and a testament to its motto, “The Art of Fusion.” Representing the brand’s commitment to fusing tradition with innovation, the logo underscores Hublot’s identity as a forward-looking pioneer in horology.

Certina was founded in 1888 by brothers Adolf and Alfred Kurth in Grenchen, Switzerland, Certina has built a strong reputation for creating durable, reliable, and sporty watches. Known for their innovation, Certina introduced the “DS Concept” (Double Security) in 1959, which provided exceptional shock resistance and water resistance. This concept remains a cornerstone of their designs today. Now part of the Swatch Group, Certina continues to focus on precision and robustness, maintaining a strong presence in Europe and being particularly popular among enthusiasts of outdoor and sports activities​