Watch Facts

Baume et Mercier was founded in 1830 by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume in Les Bois, Switzerland. The company gained a strong reputation for precision timepieces and expanded internationally under the motto “Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality.” In 1918, Paul Mercier joined forces with William Baume, forming Baume & Mercier in Geneva. The brand became known for elegant dress watches and was one of the first to embrace wristwatches for women. Now part of the Richemont Group, Baume & Mercier continues to offer refined, accessible Swiss luxury with collections like the Clifton, Hampton, and Riviera.

Bremont is a British luxury watchmaker founded in 2002 by brothers Nick and Giles English, inspired by their shared passion for aviation and engineering. The brand’s name honors Antoine Bremont, a French farmer who assisted the brothers after an emergency landing in his field . Bremont is renowned for its aviation-themed timepieces, notably the MB series developed in collaboration with Martin-Baker, designed to withstand the rigors of ejection seat deployment . In 2021, the company inaugurated “The Wing,” a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Henley-on-Thames, aiming to revitalize British watchmaking . Today, Bremont continues to produce high-quality chronometer-rated watches in the UK & Switzerland, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.

Credor was established by Seiko in 1974, with its name derived from the French “crête d’or” meaning “pinnacle of gold.” It focuses on artistic craftsmanship, precious materials, and ultra-thin movements, distinct from Grand Seiko’s precision-driven approach. Signature models like the Eichi II and Fugaku Tourbillon showcase fine hand-finishing and Spring Drive technology. These watches are crafted in small numbers at Seiko’s Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri. Credor remains a niche, collector-focused brand, blending Japanese artistry with haute horology.

Gerald Charles was founded in 2000 by legendary watch designer Gérald Genta, creator of icons like the Royal Oak and Nautilus. The brand allowed Genta to explore bold, artistic designs, most notably the Maestro with its asymmetrical case inspired by Baroque architecture. In 2003, he passed the brand to the Ziviani family but remained its Chief Designer until his death in 2011. Today, under Federico Ziviani, Gerald Charles continues to produce limited-edition Swiss watches that reflect Genta’s legacy of creativity and technical finesse. The latest Masterlink collection debuted at Watches & Wonders 2024.

IWC was founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, to combine Swiss craftsmanship with American industrial techniques. Unlike most Swiss brands, IWC chose Schaffhausen for its access to hydroelectric power from the Rhine. It became known for robust, precision-engineered watches like the Pilot’s Watch, Portugieser, and Ingenieur. IWC has a strong identity rooted in functional design, technical innovation, and clean aesthetics. Today, it’s part of the Richemont Group and remains a leader in high-end tool watches.

Leica, best known for its cameras, entered watchmaking in 2018 with the launch of the L1 and L2 models, designed by Achim Heine. The watches reflect Leica’s minimalist design language and are powered by in-house movements developed with Lehmann Präzision in Germany. The L2 adds a GMT and day/night indicator, aligning with Leica’s precision and functionality. In 2023, the brand introduced the ZM Monochrom Edition, inspired by its iconic monochrome cameras. Leica’s timepieces mirror its heritage in craftsmanship and clean industrial design.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf in London, originally as a watch distribution company. In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch brand to receive a Swiss chronometer certificate, establishing its reputation for precision. The company moved to Geneva in 1919 and introduced groundbreaking innovations like the waterproof Oyster case (1926) and the Perpetual rotor (1931). Iconic models like the Datejust, Submariner, and Daytona followed, cementing Rolex as a symbol of reliability and prestige. Today, Rolex remains one of the most recognized and respected luxury watch brands in the world.

Stepan Sarpaneva, born in 1970 in Turku, Finland, hails from a family of artists—his father, Pentti, was a jewelry designer, and his uncle, Timo, a renowned industrial designer. After graduating from the Finnish School of Watchmaking in 1992 and further training at WOSTEP in Switzerland, he honed his skills with prestigious watchmakers like Piaget, Parmigiani, Vianney Halter, and Christophe Claret. In 2003, Sarpaneva returned to Helsinki to establish Sarpaneva Watches, known for its avant-garde designs and distinctive moonphase complications. His creations, such as the Korona series and the ultra-precise Lunations watch, reflect a blend of Finnish melancholy and technical mastery. Operating from a former chocolate factory in Helsinki, Sarpaneva continues to produce limited-edition timepieces that embody his unique artistic vision

TAG Heuer, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Switzerland, is renowned for its pioneering chronographs and strong motorsports heritage. Acquired by the TAG Group in 1985, it combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology. The brand targets consumers who value precision, style, and functionality, making it a prominent name in the luxury watch market.

Tudor, founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the creator of Rolex, offers high-quality, reliable watches with a focus on affordability and robust design. Known for its connection to Rolex, Tudor provides durable and stylish timepieces often favored by professionals and adventurers.