Directory
Makers & Manufacturers
Not limited to famous luxury brands. Obscure, regional, defunct and collective trades are recorded wherever reliable information exists — including the Swiss établissage and English provincial supply networks, where no single maker can be identified.
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By country
Lancaster, Pennsylvania · United StatesHamilton Watch CompanyFounded on the site and assets of earlier Lancaster watch ventures, Hamilton built its reputation on precision railroad watches, supplied deck and navigation watches during both world wars, and continued American movement production into the late 1960s.1892 – onward
Waltham, Massachusetts · United StatesAmerican Waltham Watch CompanyThe firm that industrialised watchmaking, developing machine-made interchangeable components and, over a century, producing tens of millions of movements across many models and grades.1850 (as predecessor firms) – 1957
Elgin, Illinois · United StatesElgin National Watch CompanyThe largest American producer by volume, Elgin made roughly sixty million movements, supplying everything from inexpensive utility watches to adjusted railroad grades and wartime instruments.1864 – 1968
London · EnglandThomas Tompion (workshop)Often called the father of English clockmaking, Tompion's workshop produced numbered clocks and watches of exceptional quality, collaborating with Robert Hooke and George Graham on escapement and balance-spring work.c. 1671 (Clockmakers' Company) – 1713
Geneva; Le Locle; Vallée de Joux · SwitzerlandGeneva & Vallée de Joux Trade (collective)Swiss production long operated as a distributed network: ébauche makers supplied rough movements, specialists finished escapements and complications, and finishing houses signed and cased the result. Many nineteenth-century pocket watches therefore have no single identifiable maker.Sixteenth century onward – onward
Liverpool; Coventry; Prescot; London · EnglandEnglish Provincial Trade (collective)Prescot and Liverpool supplied movement parts and rough movements to finishers throughout Britain, while Coventry became a late centre of English factory-style production. Dial signatures generally record the retailer rather than the maker.Seventeenth century onward – onward
Springfield, Illinois · United StatesIllinois Watch CompanyIllinois produced both contract private-label movements and its own high grades, and by the 1920s its Bunn Special and Sangamo lines were among the most finely finished American railroad movements. Hamilton acquired the company in 1927 and gradually ended Springfield manufacture.1869 – Absorbed by Hamilton from 1927; Springfield production ended in the 1930s
South Bend, Indiana · United StatesSouth Bend Watch CompanyA comparatively short-lived American factory backed by Studebaker capital, South Bend built a reputation for well-finished movements, notably the Studebaker and Polaris grades, before closing during the collapse of American pocket watch demand.1903 – 1929
Geneva · SwitzerlandPatek PhilippeFounded by Polish émigrés in Geneva, the firm became associated with Adrien Philippe's keyless winding work and, from the late nineteenth century, with observatory-grade precision watches and highly complicated pocket watches made to individual order.1839 (as Patek, Czapek & Cie); Patek Philippe from 1851 – onward
Geneva · SwitzerlandVacheron ConstantinOne of the oldest continuously operating Geneva houses, the firm worked within the établissage system, buying ébauches and finishing to a high standard, and produced complicated and engraved pocket watches through the nineteenth century.1755 (traditional founding date) – onward
Saint-Imier · SwitzerlandLonginesLongines moved from a comptoir trading operation to integrated factory manufacture, producing its own calibres and becoming closely associated with sports timing, aviation navigation instruments and chronograph movements.1832 (comptoir); factory from 1867 – onward
Schaffhausen · SwitzerlandInternational Watch Company (IWC)Founded by an American watchmaker who intended to combine American machine methods with Swiss labour, IWC settled in German-speaking Schaffhausen and built a reputation for robust high-grade pocket watch calibres and, later, pilots' and engineers' wristwatches.1868 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandUlysse NardinLe Locle firm that specialised in marine chronometry and precision observation watches, supplying navies and observatories and accumulating a substantial record in observatory timing trials.1846 – onward
Glashütte, Saxony · GermanyA. Lange & SöhneFerdinand Adolph Lange established precision watchmaking in Glashütte, developing the distinctive German three-quarter plate architecture with gold chatons and screwed balance. Production was absorbed into the East German combine after 1948; the name was revived as an independent manufacture in 1990.1845 – Expropriated in 1948; brand revived from 1990
Schramberg · GermanyJunghansJunghans industrialised Black Forest clockmaking, becoming one of the largest clock producers in the world by the early twentieth century and later adding watch calibres and precision timing work.1861 – onward
Beaucourt · FranceJapy FrèresJapy Frères industrialised French clock movement production, supplying round French movements to a wide network of case makers and retailers whose names, not Japy's, often appear on the dial.Late eighteenth century; major clock production through the nineteenth century – Clock production ceased in the early twentieth century
Tokyo · JapanSeikoBeginning as a clock and watch retailer and repairer, the firm became Japan's dominant manufacturer, producing pocket watches, railway watches, mechanical chronographs and, in 1969, the first commercially sold quartz wristwatch.1881 (as K. Hattori); watch manufacture as Seikosha from 1892 – onward
Prescot, Lancashire · United KingdomLancashire Watch CompanyFormed to reorganise the Prescot parts trade into an American-style factory, the company produced complete English movements by machine but failed commercially against cheaper Swiss and American imports.1889 – 1910
Boston and Roxbury, Massachusetts · United StatesE. Howard & Co.Edward Howard, one of the founders of the Waltham enterprise, went on to make watches under his own name to a deliberately higher standard and in far smaller numbers, alongside tower and regulator clocks made by the associated clock business.1858 (under the Howard name, following earlier partnerships) – Watch production ended in the early twentieth century; the clock business continued separately
Cleveland, Ohio · United StatesBall Watch CompanyWebb C. Ball established a railroad time inspection system after a notable collision, then had watches made to his own standard by Hamilton, Waltham, Elgin, Illinois and Swiss houses and sold under the Ball name.1891 (as Webb C. Ball's timepiece business) – onward
Springfield, Massachusetts, then Canton, Ohio · United StatesHampden Watch CompanyHampden moved from Massachusetts to Canton, Ohio, produced a broad range of grades including railroad-quality movements, and after closure its plant and machinery were sold abroad, where they contributed to the beginning of Soviet watch manufacture.1877 (from earlier Springfield interests) – American production ended in 1930; machinery was sold to the Soviet Union
Rockford, Illinois · United StatesRockford Watch CompanyA mid-western factory that produced well-finished movements in modest numbers, including railroad-grade work, but never reached the scale of its larger competitors and closed before the First World War.1873 – 1915
Thomaston, Connecticut · United StatesSeth Thomas Clock CompanyOne of the defining Connecticut clock factories, Seth Thomas produced enormous numbers of shelf and wall clocks for the domestic and export market, together with marine movements and, for a period, pocket watches.1813 (Thomas's own clockmaking); incorporated under the company name in 1853 – onward
Freiburg in Silesia (Świebodzice) · Germany (formerly Silesia, now Poland)Gustav BeckerBecker built one of the largest German clock factories of the nineteenth century, supplying Vienna-style wall regulators and mantel clocks across Europe before the business was taken into Junghans.1847 – Absorbed into Junghans in the 1920s and 1930s
Lenzkirch, Black Forest · GermanyLenzkirch Clock FactoryLenzkirch industrialised Black Forest clockmaking to a notably high standard, producing movements widely regarded as among the best German factory work of the period before the business closed between the wars.1851 – Production ended in the 1930s
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandOmegaGrowing from a La Chaux-de-Fonds assembly workshop into a large Biel factory, Omega built its reputation on the interchangeable 19-line calibre of 1894, strong observatory trial results, official sports timekeeping and chronographs associated with space flight.1848 (as Louis Brandt's workshop); the Omega name dates from 1894 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandZenithFavre-Jacot gathered the separate trades of watchmaking under one roof at Le Locle, and the firm became known for precision pocket watches, observatory competition results and the high-frequency automatic chronograph introduced in 1969.1865 (as Georges Favre-Jacot's workshop) – onward
Geneva · Switzerland (originally founded in London)RolexBeginning as a London importer of Swiss movements cased for the British market, the firm moved to Geneva after the First World War and concentrated on certified precision, sealed cases and self-winding, producing the Oyster case and the Perpetual rotor mechanism.1905 (as Wilsdorf & Davis in London); the Rolex name registered in 1908 – onward
Le Sentier, Vallée de Joux · SwitzerlandJaeger-LeCoultreFrom a valley workshop that made its name in precision measuring tools and fine ébauches, the firm became one of the most prolific suppliers of high-grade movements in Switzerland as well as a maker of complicated and ultra-thin watches under its own name.1833 (LeCoultre workshop); the Jaeger-LeCoultre name from the 1930s – onward
Besançon · FranceLipBesançon's best-known watch firm grew from a family workshop into France's principal wristwatch manufacturer, supplying the domestic market through the twentieth century before industrial collapse and repeated reorganisation in the 1970s.1867 (as the Lipmann workshop) – onward
Waterbury, Connecticut · United StatesWaterbury Clock CompanyA major Connecticut clock factory that also made cheap watches for Ingersoll; its successor became the United States Time Corporation, later Timex.1857 – 1944 (reorganised as U.S. Time)
Waterbury, Connecticut · United StatesWaterbury Watch CompanyKnown for the 'long wind' Waterbury with a mainspring of several feet and a rotating movement; the firm reorganised as the New England Watch Company.1880 – 1898 (became New England Watch Co.)
New York · United StatesIngersollRobert H. Ingersoll & Brother marketed the famous 'Dollar Watch', largely made by Waterbury Clock. A British Ingersoll company continued separately.1892 – onward
New Haven, Connecticut · United StatesNew Haven Clock CompanyOne of the large Connecticut clock factories, later also producing cheap pin-lever watches.1853 – 1960
Ansonia, Connecticut; later Brooklyn, New York · United StatesAnsonia Clock CompanyMoved to Brooklyn in 1879; its machinery was sold to the Soviet Union around 1930.1851 – 1929
Winsted, Connecticut · United StatesWilliam L. Gilbert Clock CompanyA long-lived Connecticut firm whose name changes are useful for dating labels.1866 (under this name) – c. 1964
Bristol, Connecticut · United StatesE. Ingraham CompanyElias Ingraham designed the 'sharp Gothic' case; the firm later made pin-lever watches.1831 (Elias Ingraham's business) – 1967 (acquired)
Forestville, Connecticut · United StatesSessions Clock CompanySuccessor to the E. N. Welch company.1903 – 1968
Forestville, Connecticut · United StatesE. N. Welch Manufacturing CompanyElisha Niles Welch's firm, succeeded by Sessions.1864 – 1903
Chelsea, Massachusetts · United StatesChelsea Clock CompanyBest known for ship's bell and marine deck clocks supplied to the U.S. Navy and merchant fleets.1897 – onward
Cincinnati, Ohio · United StatesHerschede Hall Clock CompanyNoted American maker of tall-case clocks with tubular bells.1877 (Frank Herschede's business) – 1984
Waltham, Massachusetts · United StatesE. Howard Watch Company (Keystone era)After 1902 the Howard watch name was operated by Keystone Watch Case interests, distinct from the E. Howard & Co. clock business.1902 – 1930
Columbus, Ohio · United StatesColumbus Watch CompanyBegan by finishing imported Swiss movements before making its own.1876 (as importer) – 1903 (became Ohio Watch Co.)
Peoria, Illinois · United StatesPeoria Watch CompanyA short-lived Illinois factory; surviving examples are uncommon.1885 – 1895
Trenton, New Jersey · United StatesTrenton Watch CompanyIts assets passed to Ingersoll.1885 – 1908
Marion, New Jersey · United StatesUnited States Watch Company (Marion)A Jersey City/Marion factory distinct from later firms of similar name.1864 – 1877
Aurora, Illinois · United StatesAurora Watch CompanyIts machinery was later acquired by Hamilton interests.1883 – 1892
Jersey City, New Jersey · United StatesNew York Standard Watch CompanyLater associated with the Keystone group.1885 – c. 1929
Cincinnati, Ohio (movements made in Switzerland) · United StatesGruen Watch CompanyDietrich Gruen's firm; movements were made by its Swiss affiliate in Biel.1894 (under this style) – 1958 (control passed on)
New York · United StatesBulovaJoseph Bulova's company introduced the Accutron tuning-fork watch in 1960.1875 – onward
New York · United StatesBenrusAssembled watches using Swiss movements; supplied military watches.1921 – onward
Peru, Illinois · United StatesWestcloxMakers of the 'Big Ben' alarm clock.1885 (as Western Clock Company) – 2001
Brooklyn, New York · United StatesSelf Winding Clock CompanySupplied clocks to railways and Western Union time services.1886 – c. 1970
London; later Cheltenham · United KingdomSmiths (S. Smith & Sons)Made British wristwatches after the Second World War including models supplied to the armed forces.1851 – onward
Coventry · United KingdomRotherham & SonsOne of the largest Coventry watch manufacturers.18th century (as a Coventry business) – 1930s (watch production)Birmingham · United KingdomEnglish Watch CompanyAn early British attempt at American-style factory watchmaking.1874 (as Anglo-American Watch Co.) – 1895
London · United KingdomS. Smith & Son (Strand)The Strand retail house that sold high-grade English watches before the firm moved into instruments.1851 – onward
London · United KingdomDentE. J. Dent's firm completed the Great Clock at Westminster after his death.1814 (Edward John Dent) – onward
London · United KingdomCharles Frodsham & Co.Part of a large family of London makers; still trading.1834 – onward
London · United KingdomBarraud (Barrauds)A Huguenot-descended London family business.18th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomJohn Arnold & SonJohn Arnold devised the spring detent escapement form widely adopted in chronometers.c. 1760s – 1840s
London · United KingdomThomas EarnshawEarnshaw's spring detent became the standard marine chronometer escapement.c. 1780s – 1829 (death)
London · United KingdomThomas MudgeCredited with the invention of the detached lever escapement.c. 1750 – 1794 (death)
London · United KingdomGeorge GrahamTompion's successor, associated with the deadbeat escapement, cylinder escapement and mercury pendulum.c. 1713 (took over Tompion's business) – 1751 (death)
London · United KingdomVulliamyA family of clockmakers to the Crown across three generations.c. 1730s – 1854
London · United KingdomVictor KullbergA Swedish-born maker who won many Kew and Greenwich trials.c. 1860s – 1890 (death; firm continued)
St Albans · United KingdomThomas MercerLong-lived chronometer maker, among the last in Britain.1858 – onward
London · United KingdomJohn WalkerLondon retailer and maker; many pieces were finished in Coventry or Prescot.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomJ. W. BensonLudgate Hill house known for 'The Field' and 'Ludgate' watches.1847 – 1970s
Birmingham · United KingdomElkington & Co.Known for plated and ornamental cases rather than movements.1830s – 1960s
London · United KingdomEnglish Clock SystemsSupplier of electric time systems to schools and offices.early 20th century – onward
London · United KingdomSynchronome CompanyFrank Hope-Jones's company; with W. H. Shortt it produced the Shortt-Synchronome free-pendulum clock.1897 – onward
Croydon · United KingdomGillett & JohnstonBell founders and turret clock makers.1844 – onward
Derby · United KingdomSmith of DerbyLong-lived public clock maker and maintainer.1856 – onward
Leeds · United KingdomPotts of LeedsNorthern English turret clock maker.1833 – 1935 (acquired)
Paris; later Vallée de Joux · France / SwitzerlandBreguetAbraham-Louis Breguet's house, associated with the tourbillon, overcoil hairspring, pare-chute shock protection and souscription watches.1775 – onward
Le Brassus · SwitzerlandAudemars PiguetVallée de Joux house specialising in complications.1875 – onward
Saint-Imier; later La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandHeuer (TAG Heuer)Edouard Heuer's firm; a major maker of chronographs and dashboard timers.1860 – onward
Geneva · SwitzerlandUniversal GenèveKnown for chronographs and the micro-rotor 'Polerouter'.1894 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandMovadoAdopted the Movado name in 1905.1881 (as L.A.I. Ditesheim) – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandTissotA Le Locle house long active in the Russian market.1853 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandEternaFounded in Grenchen in 1856 by Josef Girard and Urs Schild as an ébauche business, the company later adopted the Eterna name for its finished watches. In 1932 the movement side was separated as ETA, which became a pillar of the Swiss ébauche industry and, through later consolidation, of the Swatch Group. Eterna is credited with an early alarm wristwatch and, in 1948, the ball-bearing-mounted rotor for automatic movements that the five-ball logo commemorates. The Kon-Tiki model takes its name from Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 expedition. Collectors check that dial, case and calibre agree, since the brand passed through several ownerships after the 1970s.1856 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandGirard-PerregauxNoted for the tourbillon with three gold bridges.1856 (under this name) – onward
Cortebert · SwitzerlandCortebertIts movements were used in many railway and military watches.1790 (family business) – 1960s
Le Locle · SwitzerlandDoxaLater known for dive watches.1889 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandZodiacFounded in Le Locle in 1882 by Ariste Calame, Zodiac adopted its name in the early twentieth century. It is best known for the Sea Wolf, a diving watch introduced in 1953 alongside the first purpose-built dive watches of other makers, and for the Astrographic with 'floating' hands of the late 1960s. Zodiac also produced automatic movements of its own in the 1960s. The brand later passed to the Fossil group. Original Sea Wolf bezels and dials are frequently replaced, so period-correct parts matter for valuation.1882 – onward
Geneva; sales in Bombay · Switzerland / IndiaWest End Watch Co.Swiss-made watches sold chiefly in India.1886 – onward
Tramelan · SwitzerlandRecord Watch Co.A Tramelan maker later absorbed by Longines.1903 – 1960s (acquired by Longines)
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandElectionAdvertised a long-term guarantee in the early 20th century.c. 1880s – 20th century
Fleurier · SwitzerlandFleurier Chinese-market watchesVal-de-Travers makers such as Bovet produced richly decorated watches, often in pairs, for the Chinese market.19th century – Late 19th century
Fleurier · SwitzerlandBovetThe Bovet brothers were early exporters to China.1822 – onward
Le Brassus · SwitzerlandC. H. MeylanVallée de Joux maker of complications.1880 – early 20th century
Le Sentier · SwitzerlandLeCoultre & CieAntoine LeCoultre's firm, later Jaeger-LeCoultre.1833 – onward
Villeret · SwitzerlandMinervaFounded in Villeret in 1858 by the Robert brothers, the firm traded as Minerva from the early twentieth century and became known for chronograph and stopwatch calibres, including the calibre 13-20 and the column-wheel calibre 17-29 family. Minerva also made sports timers and dashboard instruments. In 2006 it was acquired by the Richemont group and its workshop became the Montblanc manufacture in Villeret, which continues to make high-end chronograph movements derived from the Minerva tradition.1858 – onward
Saint-Imier · SwitzerlandExcelsior ParkA Saint-Imier firm associated with the Jeanneret family, Excelsior Park specialised in chronograph and stopwatch movements supplied to other brands; its calibres appear in chronographs signed by Gallet, Girard-Perregaux and others. Its movements are typically recognised by their bridge layout and signature on the movement rather than the dial. The company's activity declined in the 1980s and its name was later revived.1866 – 1980s
Les Bioux · SwitzerlandValjouxMaker of widely used chronograph calibres; later part of ETA.1901 – onward
Tramelan · SwitzerlandUnitasIts 6497/6498 calibres became standard large movements.c. 1898 – onward
Fontainemelon · SwitzerlandFabrique d'Horlogerie de Fontainemelon (FHF)One of the oldest Swiss ébauche factories.1793 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandA. Schild (AS)Major Grenchen ébauche maker.1896 – 1978 (merged into ETA)
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandRoskopfGeorges-Frédéric Roskopf designed a simplified 'proletarian' watch.1867 – onward
Hölstein · SwitzerlandOrisFounded in Hölstein in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, Oris built a large factory town around its production and made inexpensive pin-lever watches under Swiss cartel rules (the Watch Statute) that restricted movement types. After the Statute was relaxed in the 1960s it produced lever-escapement watches, and by the 1970s was among the largest Swiss makers before joining ASUAG. A management buyout in 1982 made it independent again; it is known for its red rotor, the Big Crown pointer-date and its in-house calibre 400 launched in 2020.1904 – onward
Le Locle / La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandCymaThe Schwob brothers' brand.1862 (Schwob Frères) – onward
Biel · SwitzerlandMidoFounded in Biel/Bienne in 1918 by Georges Schaeren, Mido made early shaped wristwatches, including radiator-grille watches styled after car designs. Its 1934 Multifort combined automatic winding, shock protection, anti-magnetic properties and water resistance, and the later Ocean Star and Commander lines used a one-piece case sealed with an Aquadura cork crown seal. Mido joined the Swatch Group via SMH and remains part of it.1918 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandVulcainEstablished in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Ditisheim family firm is best known for the Cricket, an alarm wristwatch launched in 1947 with a double caseback that amplified the alarm sound. The Cricket was worn by several US presidents, which became a theme of the brand's marketing. Vulcain also produced chronographs and minute repeaters earlier in its history. The Cricket calibre (MSR series) is distinctive: two barrels, one for the going train and one for the alarm.1858 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandFabrique des BillodesGeorges Favre-Jacot's manufacture, which became Zenith.1865 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandGalletA long-lived maker of chronographs.19th century – onward
Saint-Imier · SwitzerlandAgassizThe house from which Longines developed.1832 – 20th century (absorbed by Longines)
Neuchâtel · SwitzerlandBorel & CourvoisierNeuchâtel exporter of watches.19th century – onward
Schaffhausen; sales in Saint Petersburg · Switzerland / RussiaH. Moser & CieHeinrich Moser's firm supplied Russia heavily.1828 – onward
Le Locle; Saint Petersburg · Switzerland / RussiaPaul BuhréSupplier to the Russian court.1815 – 20th century
Saint Petersburg · RussiaPavel BureRussian branding of the Buhré family business.1815 – 1917
Schwenningen · GermanyKienzleOne of the largest German clock makers.1883 – onward
Schramberg · GermanyHamburg-Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik (HAU)Known by its crossed-arrows trademark.1883 – 1930 (merged into Junghans)
Schwenningen · GermanyFriedrich MautheFriedrich Mauthe's firm in Schwenningen grew from a nineteenth-century trading business into one of the larger Black Forest clock factories, producing mechanical wall, alarm and table clocks and later watches. It operated well into the second half of the twentieth century before the German clock industry contracted. Identification relies on the factory trademark on the movement plate; dating should use the mark style and case design rather than catalogue claims alone.1844 – 1976
Neustadt (Black Forest) · GermanyWinterhalder & HofmeierKnown for English-style bracket clocks.1850 – 1932
Aldingen · GermanyKieningerMaker of chiming movements for longcase and mantel clocks.1912 – onward
Gosheim · GermanyHermleVery widely used modern mechanical clock movements.1922 – onward
Schwenningen · GermanyUrgosUrgos, of Schwenningen, specialised in mechanical clock movements, particularly chiming and striking movements used in German and export longcase and wall clocks of the mid-to-late twentieth century. Its movements are frequently encountered in clocks sold under other names, so the movement stamp is the key identifier. Spare-part availability is limited, which matters when assessing repairability.1921 – 1990s
Glashütte · GermanyGlashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB)The state-owned combine formed from the Glashütte firms after the Second World War.1951 – 1990 (privatised)
Glashütte; later Ganderkesee · GermanyTutimaAssociated with the UROFA/UFAG movement factories.1927 – onward
Pforzheim · GermanyStowaFounded by Walter Storz in Pforzheim in 1927, Stowa made dress and pilots' watches and was one of the five German makers of the B-Uhr observation watches supplied to the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, alongside A. Lange & Söhne, Laco, Wempe and IWC. The firm continued after the war and in 1996 was bought by Jörg Schauer, who relaunched historic designs. Wartime B-Uhren are frequently faked; the movement, case markings and documented provenance must be checked.1927 – onward
Pforzheim · GermanyLacoLacher & Co. was founded in Pforzheim in 1925 by Frieda Lacher and Ludwig Hummel; Laco made both watches and, through the affiliated Durowe firm, movements. It was one of the five makers of the wartime B-Uhr observation watch. After the war it produced Durowe-powered watches and early electric models, later changed ownership, and today continues to make pilots' watches based on its historic designs.1925 – onward
Hamburg · GermanyWempeFounded by Gerhard D. Wempe in 1878, the Hamburg firm grew into a leading German jewellery and watch retailer. In 1938 it acquired the Hamburg chronometer works and supplied marine chronometers and, during the Second World War, B-Uhr observation watches. Its Glashütte workshop, established in 2005, produces watches under the Wempe name and operates a chronometer testing station certified under German standards.1878 – onward
Ruhla · GermanyThielThe Thiel brothers' firm in Ruhla, Thuringia, began in metalwork and became a mass producer of inexpensive pocket watches, alarm clocks and toys in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. After 1945 the works were nationalised and became the basis of the East German VEB Uhrenwerke Ruhla, which made pin-lever and later electronic watches in very large numbers. Pre-war Thiel pieces are recognised by the company trademark on dial or movement.1862 – 1972 (nationalised production)
Ruhla · GermanyRuhla (UMF)Large East German factory.1952 (as VEB) – 1990s
Vienna · AustriaPhilipp Haas & SöhneViennese clock maker.1810 – onward
Paris · FranceL. Leroy & CieMade the Leroy 01, once among the most complicated watches.18th century origins – onward
Montbéliard · FranceVincenti et CieSupplier of Paris clock movements.c. 1823 – c. 1860
Montbéliard / Paris · FranceS. Marti et CieVery common maker's stamp on French clock movements.c. 1840s – c. 1930s
Paris · FranceBrillié FrèresLucien Brillié's Paris firm developed and produced electric clocks and master-clock systems in the early twentieth century, including distributed time systems for public buildings and railway stations. Its clocks are recognised by the maker's name on the dial and the electromagnetic drive mechanism. Original electrical parts are often missing or replaced; conservation should record any rewiring.1898 – 20th century
Paris · FranceATO (Léon Hatot)Léon Hatot's battery-electric clocks.1920s – 20th century
Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont · FranceVedetteVedette was a brand associated with clock manufacturing in Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont, the Normandy centre of French clockmaking, producing alarm, wall and kitchen clocks for the domestic market through the mid-twentieth century. Dating relies on dial design, materials and movement style because few production records survive.1920s – 1980s
Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont · FranceBayard (Duverdrey & Bloquel)A long-lived Normandy clock factory.1867 – 1980s
Morbier (Jura) · FranceOdobezJura maker of Comtoise movements.19th century – 20th century
Tokyo · JapanCitizenThe company originated as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute in Tokyo in 1918 and adopted the Citizen name for a pocket watch in 1924, the company taking the name in 1930. Citizen became one of Japan's largest watchmakers, launching the Parawater water-resistant watch in the 1950s, early quartz watches, and in 1976 its first light-powered analogue watch, which developed into Eco-Drive. In 2019 it introduced the Caliber 0100, rated at ±1 second per year. The group also owns Bulova, Frédérique Constant and Miyota movements.1918 (as Shokosha) – onward
Tokyo · JapanOrientSuccessor to the Yoshida watch business.1950 (under this name) – onward
Tianjin · ChinaTianjin SeagullTianjin Watch Factory, founded in 1955, produced the first Chinese-made wristwatch and became a major supplier of mechanical movements under the Seagull name. It manufactured the ST19 chronograph (derived from the Venus 175) for the air force, and the ST36 and ST25 families widely used in affordable mechanical watches. Seagull movements are now common in third-party brands, so the movement number identifies them better than dial branding.1955 – onward
Shanghai · ChinaShanghai Watch FactoryProduced the first mass-made Chinese wristwatches.1955 – onward
Bangalore · IndiaHMTHindustan Machine Tools, initially in collaboration with Citizen.1961 – 2016 (watch division closed)
Moscow · RussiaPoljot (First Moscow Watch Factory)Founded with machinery bought from American factories.1930 – c. 2000s
Chelyabinsk · RussiaMolnijaThe Chelyabinsk watch factory began production in 1947 using equipment relocated during the war, and its Molnija (Lightning) brand became known for large pocket watches and for dashboard clocks supplied to military vehicles and aircraft. The calibre 3602, derived from Swiss Cortébert design, was produced in large numbers. Many Molnija pocket watches were later converted into wristwatches, which collectors distinguish from factory originals.1947 – 2000s
Chistopol · RussiaVostokThe Chistopol watch factory was established in 1942 after evacuation of Moscow production, and later took the Vostok (East) name. From 1965 it produced the Komandirskie, initially supplied to Soviet military officers, and the Amphibia diving watch, whose crown seal tightens under pressure. Its robust 2409 and 2416 movement families are still produced, and the factory remains one of the few in Russia making its own calibres.1942 – onward
Petrodvorets · RussiaRaketa (Petrodvorets)The Petrodvorets factory began watchmaking after 1949.1721 (lapidary works) – onward
Nové Město nad Metují · Czech RepublicPrim (Elton)Prim watches were produced in Czechoslovakia from 1949 by the national manufacturer Elton in Nové Město nad Metují. Production covered dress, sports and diver's watches, using movements made locally from the 1950s, and the brand is a reference point for Czech industrial design of the period. The brand was revived by Elton hodinářská after 1990. Collectors use calibre and case markings to date pieces.1949 – onward
Šternberk · Czech RepublicChronotechnaChronotechna of Šternberk was the main Czechoslovak manufacturer of clocks, including alarm, wall and dashboard clocks; it also produced watch movements used by Prim. The works are recognised by their trademark on movements and dials. Records for individual models are sparse, so dating relies on design and mark style.1940s – 1990sPrescot · United KingdomJoseph Preston & SonsA Prescot maker supplying movement frames and parts to finishers across the English trade.19th century – early 20th century
Prescot · United KingdomJohn WycherleyAssociated with early English attempts at standardised, machine-made movement frames supplied to finishers.c. 1860s – late 19th century
London · United KingdomNicole Nielsen & Co.A London house that made high-grade and complicated work supplied under other firms' names, including tourbillon and karrusel watches.19th century – early 20th century
London · United KingdomUsher & ColeSupplied finished high-grade movements to retailers who signed them with their own names.19th century – 20th century
Liverpool · United KingdomThomas Russell & SonA large Liverpool house selling watches under its own name across the British Empire.19th century – 20th century
Liverpool · United KingdomJoseph JohnsonRepresentative of the Liverpool trade's high-grade export work.late 18th century – 19th century
Liverpool · United KingdomRobert RoskellA Liverpool name widely found on English lever watches, and also widely copied, so signatures need care.early 19th century – 19th century
London · United KingdomJohn ForrestLondon maker whose name appears on trade-supplied movements for retailers and railway use.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomKendal & DentA London retailing house connected with the Dent name, selling widely in export markets.late 19th century – 20th century
London and La Chaux-de-Fonds · United Kingdom / SwitzerlandStauffer, Son & Co.The British agency long associated with International Watch Co. movements sold in the United Kingdom.19th century – 20th century
Birmingham · United KingdomWilliam EhrhardtA Birmingham factory applying machine methods to English watch production.1856 – early 20th centuryBirmingham · United KingdomAnglo-American Watch Co. (Dennison interests)Birmingham ventures connected with Aaron Lufkin Dennison, later prominent in watch-case manufacture.1870s – 19th century
Birmingham · United KingdomDennison Watch Case CompanyA major British case manufacturer whose marks appear on very large numbers of English-cased watches.1874 – 1967
Manchester · United KingdomThomas Armstrong & BrotherManchester house combining instrument making with watch and clock retailing.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomSir John Bennett LtdCheapside retailer known for high-volume watch sales and a famous shop clock.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomCamerer Cuss & Co.London house of German origin, later known for horological scholarship and dealing.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomThwaites & ReedOne of the oldest surviving English clockmaking businesses, long supplying movements to the trade.18th century – onward
London · United KingdomGrimshaw, Baxter & J. J. ElliottLondon trade house importing and distributing clocks and watches.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomJ. J. Elliott LtdMaker of high-grade English chiming clock movements.19th century – 20th century
London · United KingdomWinterhalder (British agency)The British distribution side of Black Forest clock production, common on English-retailed cases.19th century – 20th century
Grenchen · SwitzerlandFelsaGrenchen ébauche maker whose automatic calibres were widely used across the trade.1918 – 1970s
Grenchen · SwitzerlandETA SAThe consolidated Swiss movement manufacturer formed from Eterna's movement business and later absorbing many ébauche houses.1856 (predecessor Eterna) – onward
Peseux · SwitzerlandPeseuxMaker of slim manual calibres later absorbed into the ETA group.1923 – onward
Moutier · SwitzerlandVenusChronograph movement maker whose tooling later passed abroad.1924 – 1960s
L'Orient · SwitzerlandLemaniaVallée de Joux maker of chronograph calibres supplied to major houses and military contracts.1884 – onward
Le Lieu · SwitzerlandDubois DéprazSpecialist in complication modules added to base calibres.1901 – onward
Le Brassus · SwitzerlandFrédéric Piguet (Piguet Frères)Vallée de Joux movement maker known for very thin and complicated calibres.1858 – onward
Basel region · SwitzerlandJaquet SASupplier of movement components and complication modules to the Swiss trade.20th century – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandNivarox-FARPrincipal Swiss manufacturer of hairsprings and escapement components.20th century – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandSchild FrèresGrenchen family firm in the ébauche trade, related to other Schild businesses.19th century – 20th century
Grenchen · SwitzerlandMichel SAGrenchen ébauche supplier to the assembly trade.20th century – 20th century
Lausen · SwitzerlandRondaSwiss movement manufacturer, latterly best known for quartz calibres.1946 – onward
Büren an der Aare · SwitzerlandBüren Watch Co.Known for thin micro-rotor automatic movements.1898 – 1970s
Saint-Imier · SwitzerlandMarvinLong-established Saint-Imier house.1850 – onward
Waldenburg · SwitzerlandRevue ThommenCombines watchmaking with aviation instrument manufacture.1853 – onward
Porrentruy · SwitzerlandPhénix Watch Co.Jura maker supplying movements to the trade.19th century – 20th century
Tramelan · SwitzerlandSilvanaTramelan house producing mid-market watches.1899 – 20th century
Grenchen · SwitzerlandTechnosGrenchen brand with substantial export sales.1900 – onward
Geneva · SwitzerlandWylerKnown for marketing shock-resistant case and movement construction.1896 – 20th century
Le Locle · SwitzerlandFavre-LeubaOne of the oldest Swiss watch names, later notable in the Indian market.1737 (family business) – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandJuveniaLong-established maker of dress and decorative watches.1860 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandAngelusKnown for chronograph and eight-day movements.1891 – onward
Neuchâtel · SwitzerlandErnest BorelNeuchâtel house with strong Asian export sales.1856 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandNivadaGrenchen maker of dive and field watches.1926 – onward
Lengnau · SwitzerlandEnicarFamily firm known for expedition and sports models.1913 – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandBulova Fabriques d'AssortimentsSwiss manufacturing arm supplying American assembly.20th century – 20th centuryLe Locle · SwitzerlandFabriques d'Assortiments Réunies (FAR)Grouping of makers producing escapement components for the industry.1932 – onward
Glashütte · GermanyUROFA (Uhren-Rohwerke-Fabrik Glashütte)Glashütte movement blank factory supplying UFAG and others.1926 – 1951
Glashütte · GermanyUFAG (Uhrenfabrik Glashütte)Glashütte assembly factory associated with Tutima-branded watches.1927 – 1951
Glashütte · GermanyMoritz GrossmannGrossmann wrote influential theoretical work and helped found the German watchmaking school at Glashütte.1854 – late 19th century (original firm)
Glashütte · GermanyJulius AssmannA leading Glashütte maker of precision pocket watches.1852 – 20th century
Glashütte · GermanyStrasser & RohdeMakers of precision regulator clocks used in observatories.1875 – 20th century
Munich / Nesselwang · GermanyClemens RieflerRiefler precision clocks were used as observatory standards.1841 – 20th century
Lenzkirch · GermanyLenzkirch AG für UhrenfabrikationRegarded as one of the best German clock factories of its period, with numbered movements.1851 – 1932
Vienna · AustriaPhilipp HauckViennese maker of precision wall regulators.19th century – 20th century
Vienna · AustriaMarenzellerViennese regulator maker whose work is sought by specialist collectors.19th century – 19th century
Vienna · AustriaJosef BeckerViennese clockmaker representative of the Laterndluhr and Dachluhr tradition.19th century – 19th century
Schwenningen · GermanyEmil SchmeckenbecherBlack Forest clock manufacturer.19th century – 20th century
Schwenningen · GermanyHallerBlack Forest clock factory.19th century – 20th century
St. Georgen · GermanyKundo (Kieninger & Obergfell)Known for battery-electric and torsion-pendulum clocks.1899 – 20th century
Triberg · GermanyAugust Schatz & SöhneKnown for 400-day anniversary clocks and marine clocks.1881 – 20th century
Villingen · GermanyJauchBlack Forest movement supplier.19th century – 20th century
Schwenningen · GermanyKonrad MauchBlack Forest clock maker.19th century – 20th century
Pforzheim · GermanyEppo UhrenfabrikPforzheim assembler of mid-market watches.20th century – 20th century
Pforzheim · GermanyPara UhrenfabrikPforzheim watch assembler.20th century – 20th century
Pforzheim · GermanyArctosGerman watch brand of the Pforzheim trade.1923 – 20th century
Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont · FranceCouaillet FrèresNormandy maker of clocks and marine timekeepers.1880s – 20th century
Paris · FranceHenri JacotOne of the best-known Paris carriage clock makers, with a numbered production sequence.19th century – early 20th century
Paris · FranceDrocourtHigh-grade Paris carriage clock maker.19th century – early 20th century
Paris · FranceMargaineParis maker of carriage clocks including repeating examples.19th century – 20th century
Paris · FranceAchille BrocotAssociated with the Brocot suspension and visible pin-pallet escapement.19th century – 19th century
Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont · FranceHonoré PonsInfluential in organising Normandy clock movement manufacture.early 19th century – 19th century
Paris · FranceLepauteA long-lived Paris dynasty producing precision and public clocks.18th century – 20th century
Blois · FranceRobert-HoudinKnown for mystery clocks and conjuring automata.19th century – 19th century
Paris · FranceAndré GuilmetMaker of figural 'industrial' clocks and mystery timepieces.19th century – 19th century
Paris · FranceFarcotKnown for mystery clocks with swinging figures.19th century – 19th century
Paris · FranceGustave SandozParis house retailing fine watches and clocks.19th century – 20th century
Paris · FranceVerger FrèresParis house working with leading jewellers on decorative watches.1872 – 20th century
Paris · FranceEd. Jaeger (Paris)Parisian firm central to the partnership behind Jaeger-LeCoultre and to dashboard instruments.early 20th century – 20th century
Cheshire, Connecticut · United StatesCheshire Watch CompanyShort-lived Connecticut watch factory.1883 – 1893
Manistee, Michigan · United StatesManistee Watch CompanyA very short-lived Michigan factory, so surviving movements are uncommon.1908 – 1912
Windsor, Vermont · United StatesSuffolk Watch CompanySmall American venture associated with Vermont machine-tool interests.early 20th century – early 20th century
Otay, California · United StatesOtay Watch CompanyA rare Californian watch factory; very few movements survive.1889 – 1890s
San Jose, California · United StatesSan Jose Watch CompanyCalifornian successor venture to Otay interests; production was minimal.1890s – 1890s
Auburndale, Massachusetts · United StatesAuburndale Watch CompanyKnown for unusual low-cost designs, including a rotating movement watch.1876 – 1883
Fredonia, New York · United StatesFredonia Watch CompanySuccessor to the Independent Watch Company; assets passed to Peoria.1881 – 1885
Lancaster, Pennsylvania · United StatesKeystone Standard Watch CompanyA Lancaster predecessor whose plant later became Hamilton's.1886 – 1890
Lancaster, Pennsylvania · United StatesLancaster Watch CompanyOne of several Lancaster ventures preceding Hamilton.1877 – 1886Waltham, Massachusetts · United StatesUnited States Watch Company (Waltham)A Waltham-based firm distinct from the American Watch Company.1884 – 1901
Philadelphia · United StatesPhiladelphia Watch CompanyPhiladelphia venture in the American watch trade.1868 – 1880s
Tavannes · SwitzerlandTavannes Watch Co. (North American market)A large Swiss maker whose movements were widely sold in North America, including under the Cyma name.1891 – 20th century
Tramelan · SwitzerlandDreadnought (Record trade name)A trade name used on Swiss watches sold in British and colonial markets.early 20th century – 20th century
Tokyo · JapanSeikoshaThe Hattori factory from which Seiko developed, initially making wall clocks.1892 – onward
Nagoya · JapanAichi Tokei DenkiJapanese clock and instrument maker.1898 – onward
Tokyo · JapanTakano PrecisionJapanese watchmaker of the post-war period, later absorbed elsewhere.20th century – 20th century
Tokyo · JapanRicoh TokeiJapanese watch manufacturing arm of the Ricoh group.20th century – 20th century
Beijing · ChinaBeijing Watch FactoryChinese state factory later known for high-grade and complicated work.1958 – onward
Liaoning · ChinaLiaoning Watch FactoryOne of the regional Chinese watch factories of the state period.20th century – 20th century
Samara · RussiaZIM (Kuibyshev Watch Factory)Soviet factory producing large numbers of simple wristwatches.1930s – 2000s
Moscow · RussiaSlava (Second Moscow Watch Factory)Major Soviet watch and clock factory.1924 – 2000s
Uglich · RussiaChaika (Uglich Watch Factory)Soviet factory specialising in very small calibres.1950s – 2000s
Minsk · BelarusLuch (Minsk Watch Factory)Soviet and later Belarusian watch factory.1955 – onward
Nové Město nad Metují · Czech RepublicElton hodinářská (Prim)Continues the Prim watchmaking tradition.1949 – onward
Budapest · HungaryMOM (Magyar Optikai Művek)Hungarian precision instrument and clock manufacturer.1876 – 1990s
Villeret · SwitzerlandBlancpainOne of the oldest registered Swiss watch names, latterly associated with a mechanical-only policy.1735 – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandAlpinaFormed to unify production of ebauches and watches.1883 – onward
Geneva · SwitzerlandAltusKnown for high-quality Swiss chronographs.1903 – onward
Tramelan · SwitzerlandArsa (August Reymond)Manufacturer of robust movements and finished watches.1898 – onward
Bettlach · SwitzerlandAtlantic Watch Co.Popular brand in Eastern Europe, known for reliable movements.1888 – onward
Buttes · SwitzerlandBWC (Buttes Watch Co.)Founded by Arthur Charlet, focused on reliable watch production.1924 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandCertina (Kurth Frères)Famous for the DS (Double Security) system.1888 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandEbelKnown for design and elegant dress watches.1911 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandEbosa SASpecialist in alarm clock and miniature watch movements.1920s – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandEdoxSpecialist in water-resistant watches and high complications.1884 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandEskaFocused on high-quality movements and unique case designs.1918 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandFortisKnown for space-faring chronographs.1912 – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandGlycineFamous for the Airman world-timer series.1914 – onward
Lucerne · SwitzerlandGübelinLuxury house known for house-branded high-grade watches.1854 – onward
Tramelan · SwitzerlandHelvetiaBrand of the General Watch Co., made very reliable watches.1880 – 1970s
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandInvicta (Historic)Historic brand, now largely repurposed.1837 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandLe PhareSpecialists in repeater and chronograph pocket watches.1888 – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandMilusElegant watch brand known for design-driven timepieces.1919 – onward
St-Imier · SwitzerlandMoerisHigh-quality maker absorbed by Tissot.1893 – 1970s
Zürich · SwitzerlandMondaineFamous for the Swiss Railway clock design.1951 – onward
Tramelan · SwitzerlandNicoletClassic Swiss watch manufacturer.1886 – onward
Nunningen · SwitzerlandOlmaBrand popular for mid-range durable watches.1906 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandPerret et FilsNotable for early Swiss repeaters.1800s – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandPierceDeveloped an in-house automatic chronograph.1883 – 1970s
Lengnau · SwitzerlandRadoPioneer in ceramic watch materials.1917 – onward
Biel/Bienne · SwitzerlandRectaKnown for high-quality pocket watches and early military watches.1897 – 1970s
Solothurn · SwitzerlandRoamerFamous for waterproof case designs like the Anfibio.1888 – onward
Grenchen · SwitzerlandRodaniaReliable Swiss maker popular internationally.1930 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandRotaryKnown for the Reverso-style Revelation line.1895 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandSandozDiverse family of watchmakers, popular in Asian markets.1870 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandSchwarz EtienneHigh-quality producer for other brands and self-branded.1902 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandSolvil et TitusFamous for historic marine chronometers.1887 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandTitusKnown for Paul Ditisheim’s precision chronometers.1887 – onward
New York · United StatesWittnauerUS-based importer of high-grade Swiss watches.1880 – onward
London · BritainArnold & SonPioneered marine chronometers with John Arnold.1764 – onward
London · BritainBaird & SonsTraditional London trade house.1800s – onward
London · BritainBrockbank & AtkinsExcellent maker of high-end chronometers.1815 – onward
London · BritainJames Ferguson ColeMastermaker of high-precision work.1800s – onward
London · BritainEllicottImportant London clockmakers.1720s – onward
London · BritainJohn HarrisonInventor of the H-series marine timekeepers.1720s – onward
London · BritainRobert HookeKey in the development of balance spring theory.1660s – onward
London · BritainJoseph KnibbFamous London clockmaker of the 17th century.1670s – onward
London · BritainJames McCabeRenowned for excellence in fine pocket watches.1778 – onward
London · BritainDaniel QuareInventor of the repeating mechanism.1670s – onward
Philadelphia · United StatesKeystone Watch Case Co.Giant producer of watch cases for many brands.1886 – onward
Waterbury, CT · United StatesNew England Watch Co.Successor to Waterbury Watch Co.1898 – 1914Marion, NJ · United StatesU.S. Watch Co. (Marion)Early American watch factory.1864 – 1874
Paris · FranceAuricosteFamous French supplier to the Navy.1854 – onward
Besançon · FranceDodaneRenowned French military chronograph maker.1857 – onward
Les Ponts-de-Martel · SwitzerlandMathey-TissotKnown for chronographs used in the military.1886 – onward
Besançon · FranceYemaIconic French diver and racing watches.1948 – onward
Schwäbisch Gmünd · GermanyBiforaFirst German watch factory to produce in-house automatic movements.1900 – 1970s
Nürnberg · GermanyDiehlMajor German manufacturer of timekeeping technology.1902 – onward
Glashütte · GermanyGUB (Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe)State-owned German watchmaking combine.1951 – 1990
Schwenningen · GermanyHanhartFamous for German military chronographs.1882 – onward
Glashütte · GermanyMühle GlashütteTraditional German watchmaker.1869 – onward
Glashütte · GermanyNomosModern master of Bauhaus German watch design.1990 – onward
Glashütte · GermanyUnion GlashütteOriginal high-grade German watchmaker.1893 – onward
Tokyo · JapanRicohEarly player in the Japanese market.1936 – onward
Nagoya · JapanTakanoNotable short-lived Japanese watch brand.1899 – 1960s
Moscow · RussiaPobedaIconic Soviet-era watch brand.1945 – onward
Penza · RussiaZariaHistorically known for ladies watch movements.1935 – onward
Tianjin · ChinaTianjin Watch FactoryHome of the Seagull movement production.1955 – onward
Svängsta · SwedenHaldaFamous Scandinavian watch and taximeter manufacturer.1887 – 1920s
Copenhagen · DenmarkK. JohanTraditional Danish maker.1800s – onward
Copenhagen · DenmarkUrban Jürgensen & SønnerHighly respected Danish/Swiss luxury watchmaker.1773 – onward
Töreboda · SwedenWesterstrandSignificant Swedish clock manufacturer.1906 – onward
Joure · NetherlandsChristiaan van der KlaauwDutch specialist in astronomical complications.1974 – onward
Oldenzaal · NetherlandsGrönefeldThe Horological Brothers, high-end Dutch watchmakers.1912 – onward
Pforzheim · GermanyDurowe (Deutsche Uhren-Rohwerke)German ebauche manufacturer associated with Laco.1933 – 1990s
Pforzheim · GermanyPUW (Pforzheimer Uhren-Rohwerke)Major West German ebauche supplier.1932 – 1990sRuhla · GermanyUMF RuhlaMass producer in East Germany.1862 – 1990s
Milan · ItalyLorenzImportant Italian watch house.1934 – onward
La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandEberhard & Co.Known for technical chronographs.1887 – onward
Le Locle · SwitzerlandFavre-Jacot (Zenith Precursor)The foundation of what became Zenith.1865 – onward
Geneva · SwitzerlandHector LevyHigh-quality Geneva maker.1800s – onwardSt. Petersburg · RussiaHy. Moser & Cie (Russian Branch)Russian branch of the famous Swiss maker.1828 – 1917
Le Locle · SwitzerlandJacot-GuillarmodLe Locle specialist.1800s – onward
Besançon · FranceLipmann (Lip Foundation)The founding family of Lip.1867 – onward
Solothurn · SwitzerlandMeyer & StüdeliOriginal name of the Roamer Watch Co.1888 – 1952
Grenchen · SwitzerlandSchuler (Ebauches)Early Grenchen ebauche factory.1900s – onward
Tavannes · SwitzerlandTavannes Watch Co.The factory behind the Cyma brand.1891 – onward
Geneva · SwitzerlandVeuve de PatekAssociated with early Patek history.1800s – onwardParis · FranceCartierLouis-François Cartier established the firm in Paris in 1847 after taking over the workshop of his master, Adolphe Picard.1847 – onwardGrenchen · SwitzerlandBreitlingLéon Breitling founded the watchmaking firm in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland.1884 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandTudorThe Tudor trademark was originally registered in 1926 by the company Veuve de Philippe Hüther on behalf of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf.Not recorded – onwardLa Côte-aux-Fées · Not recordedPiagetGeorges-Édouard Piaget founded the firm in 1874 within a workshop on the family farm in La Côte-aux-Fées, initially specializing in pocket watches and movements.1874 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandChopardLouis-Ulysse Chopard established his manufacturing company in Sonvilier in 1860, initially focusing on pocket watches and precision chronometers.1860 – onwardGenthod · SwitzerlandFranck MullerThe company was established in 1991 by watchmaker Francesco 'Franck' Muller and gem-setter Vartan Sirmakes.1991 – onwardMeyrin · SwitzerlandRoger DubuisThe company was established in 1995 by watchmaker Roger Dubuis and designer Carlos Dias as SOGEM SA, which later became Manufacture Roger Dubuis SA in 1999.Not recorded – onwardNew York City · United StatesTiffany & Co.The company was established in 1837 in New York City by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young as a stationery and gift shop.1837 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandPaneraiGiovanni Panerai opened his first watch shop in Florence, Italy, in 1860, eventually expanding the business into a mechanical workshop under his grandson Guido Panerai.1860 – onwardBiel/Bienne · SwitzerlandSwatchSwatch was established in 1983 as a brand and subsidiary of the Swatch Group, which was formed through the merger of the financially struggling Swiss watchmakers ASUAG and SSIH.1983 – onwardLe Locle · SwitzerlandJules JürgensenThe company was established in 1836 by Jules Frédéric Jürgensen, who moved from Denmark to Le Locle, Switzerland, to build a subsidiary of his family's established firm.1836 – onwardRome · ItalyBulgariThe company was founded in 1884 in Rome by the silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris, an immigrant from Ottoman Epirus.1884 – onwardZeeland, Michigan · United StatesHoward MillerThe company was founded in 1926 as the Herman Miller Clock Company, a division of the Herman Miller office furniture manufacturer.1926 – onwardNot recorded · SwitzerlandGérald GentaGérald Genta founded his eponymous brand in 1969, establishing his reputation as a prominent watch designer and artist.1969 – onwardNot recorded · SwitzerlandDe BethuneThe company was established in 2002 by watchmaker Denis Flageollet and industry veteran David Zanetta.2002 – onwardLa Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandGreubel ForseyRobert Greubel and Stephen Forsey founded their eponymous company in 2004 following their earlier collaboration at Renaud & Papi and the establishment of their own firm, Complitime SA, in 2001.2004 – onwardParis · FranceVauchezThe watchmaking firm was established in Paris in 1760 by Daniel-François Vaucher, who had relocated from Fleurier.1760 – 1800Fleurier · Not recordedParmigiani FleurierThe company was established in 1996 in Val-de-Travers by Michel Parmigiani, whose background included extensive experience restoring historical watchmaking artifacts.1996 – onwardLes Breuleux · SwitzerlandRichard MilleThe Richard Mille brand was founded in 2001 by Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat to produce luxury timepieces.2001 – onwardLucerne · SwitzerlandChronoswissChronoswiss was established in 1983 by Gerd R. Lang to produce mechanical timepieces.1983 – onwardNyon · SwitzerlandHublotThe company was founded in 1980 by Italian Carlo Crocco, who named the business Hublot after the French word for porthole.1980 – onwardGeneva · Not recordedBaume & MercierThe business originated in 1830 when brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume opened a watch dealership in the Swiss village of Les Bois.1830 – onwardNot recorded · EnglandJosiah Wedgwood and SonsJosiah Wedgwood established his namesake pottery company in 1759 after years of experimentation with pottery bodies.1759 – onwardLudwigsburg · GermanyPorsche DesignThe company was founded in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1972 by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the designer of the original Porsche 911.1972 – onwardGrenchen · SwitzerlandOrfinaRoland Rüefli established his watch factory in Grenchen in 1922, initially navigating unfavorable economic conditions that led to name changes to Fabrique d'Horlogerie Jorin in 1927 and Finora in 1929.1922 – onwardLondon · United KingdomVertexThe firm originated in 1912 when Claude Lyons founded the Dreadnought Watch Co. in London's Hatton Garden district.1912 – 1972Not recorded · SwitzerlandDaniel RothThe company was founded in 1988 by the French watchmaker Daniel Roth following his departure from Breguet, where he had contributed significantly to the brand's technical and aesthetic development.1988 – 2015La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandCorumRené Bannwart had previously developed his skills working for Patek Philippe and Omega, where he led the design department.1955 – onwardParis, London · France, United KingdomGregsonJean-Pierre Gregson was an English-born watchmaker who established himself in Paris at Rue Dauphine in 1776.Not recorded – onwardPlan-les-Ouates · SwitzerlandLaurent FerrierThe company was founded in 2009 by Laurent Ferrier, a former technical director at Patek Philippe who had spent thirty-seven years with that firm.2009 – onwardLondon · United KingdomParkinson & FrodshamThe firm Parkinson & Frodsham was established in London in 1801 by the chronometer makers William Parkinson and William James Frodsham.1801 – 1947Paris · FranceHermèsThierry Hermès founded the company in Paris in 1837, originally operating as a specialist in the saddlery and harness-making trade.1837 – onwardLiverpool · Not recordedLitherland Davies & Co.The company was established in 1790 by Peter Litherland in Liverpool, initially operating under his own name.1790 – 1877Geneva · SwitzerlandGolay Fils & StahlThe firm originated as Golay-Leresche & Fils before being succeeded by Golay Fils & Stahl.Not recorded – onwardMeissen · GermanyMeissenThe porcelain manufactory was established in 1710 at Albrechtsburg castle under the authority of Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, following experiments by Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and Johann Friedrich Böttger.1710 – onwardLondon · EnglandBarwiseThe firm was founded in 1790 by John Barwise at 29 St. Martin's Lane, London.1790 – onwardGlashütte · GermanyGlashütte OriginalThe company was founded in 1994 after Heinz W. Pfeifer acquired the state-run VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB).1994 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandCzapek & CieThe firm Czapek & Cie was established in 1845 by the Czech-born watchmaker François Czapek and his partner Juliusz Grużewski following the dissolution of Czapek's previous partnership with Antoni Patek.1845 – onwardNot recorded · Not recordedMontblancThe company was founded in 1906 in Berlin by engineer August Eberstein, banker Alfred Nehemias, and stationer Claus Johannes Voss.1906 – onwardHong Kong, Shanghai, Tientsin, Fleurier, La Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandJ. Ullmann & Co.Jacques Ullmann founded the firm in Hong Kong around 1871, establishing a secondary office in Fleurier.1871 – 1932Philadelphia · United StatesJ. E. Caldwell & Co.The firm was established in 1839 by watchmaker James Emmot Caldwell in Philadelphia.1839 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandRaymond WeilThe company was established in 1976 by Raymond Weil and Simone Bédat during a period of crisis for the watchmaking industry.1976 – onwardNot recorded · SwitzerlandBergeonThe company was founded in 1837 by Louis-François Bergeon, who had established a trading house in Livorno and Genoa.1837 – onwardMontreal · CanadaHenry Birks & SonsHenry Birks founded his jewellery business in 1879 on Saint James Street in Montreal after gaining experience as a clerk at the established firm of Savage and Lyman.1879 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandSarcarThe company was established in 1948 by Carlo Sarzano in Geneva after he gained experience representing prestigious Swiss brands in Italy and Spain.1948 – onwardLondon · EnglandRundell, Bridge & RundellThe firm was established in London by Philip Rundell and John Bridge, who had previously operated as a partnership following Rundell's time at Theed & Pickett.Not recorded – 1843Not recorded · Not recordedBoucheronFrédéric Boucheron established his jewelry business in 1858, opening his first store in the Galerie de Valois at the Palais-Royal.1858 – onwardHenley-on-Thames · United KingdomBremontBremont was founded by brothers Nick and Giles English following the tragic death of their father, Euan English, in a 1995 aircraft crash.Not recorded – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandDe GrisogonoDe Grisogono was founded in Geneva in 1993 by the Lebanese-Italian black diamond specialist Fawaz Gruosi.1993 – 2020Le Noirmont · SwitzerlandPaul PicotThe company operates as Société des montres Paul Picot SA and is based in Le Noirmont, Switzerland.Not recorded – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandHaas Neveux & CieHaas Neveux & Cie. originated from the company B. Haas Jeune & Cie., which was founded by Benjamin Haas and located in Geneva.Not recorded – 1939Neuilly-sur-Seine · FranceChanelThe company was established in 1910 by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, who initially opened a millinery shop in Paris.1910 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandÉcole d'horlogerie de GenèveThe school was formally inaugurated on October 13, 1824, by the industrial class of the Société des Arts de Genève to provide structured horological training.1824 – onwardParis and Faverges · FranceS.T. DupontSimon Tissot-Dupont founded the company in 1872 in Paris, originally establishing a carriage business that was later replaced by a high-quality leather goods workshop.1872 – onwardNot recorded · GermanyDugenaThe company emerged from a general agency of the Swiss watch brand Alpina that was established in Berlin in 1899.1917 – onwardLe Sentier · SwitzerlandRomain GauthierBorn in 1975, Romain Gauthier is a Swiss businessman and watchmaker who specialized in precision mechanics before working at François Golay.2005 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandUrwerkUrwerk was established in 1997 by master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner and artist Martin Frei.1997 – onwardBiel · SwitzerlandConcordConcord was established in 1908 in Biel, Switzerland, to create high-quality watches for the American market.1908 – onwardLondon and Liverpool · United KingdomM. I. Tobias and CompanyThe firm was founded by Meyer Isaacs Tobias, who was born to Isaac Isaacs and a sister of the watchmaker Morris Tobias and later adopted by his uncle.circa 1803 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandHenry CaptFollowing Henry Daniel Capt's death, the workshop was managed from 1844 by his son Charles Henri Samuel Capt.1822 – onwardNot recorded · United StatesTimexTimex was founded in 1941 by Norwegian immigrants Thomas Olsen and Joakim Lehmkuhl after they purchased the bankrupt Waterbury Clock Company.1941 – onwardNew York, New York · United StatesHelbros Watch Co.The company was founded in 1913 by the Helbein brothers, and William Helbein served as a long-time president.1913 – onwardLondon · United KingdomEureka Clock Company LtdThe company originated from the inventions of American electrical engineer Timothy Bernard Powers, who filed his first patent for an electromagnetic balance wheel design in 1906.1908 – 1914London · United KingdomCWCThe company was established in 1972 by Ray Mellor after he left his position as the UK Managing Director for Hamilton.1972 – onwardLondon · United KingdomGoldsmiths & Silversmiths CompanyThe Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company was established in 1880 at 112 Regent Street, London, by partners William Gibson and John Lawrence Langman.1880 – 1952Bombay and Poona · IndiaC. Marcks & Co.The company maintained a significant presence in Bombay and Poona, serving as a primary importer for high-quality horological goods.Not recorded – onwardLancaster · United StatesAdams & Perry Watch Co.The Adams & Perry Watch Manufacturing Co. was established in 1874 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with a factory built specifically for watch production.1874 – 1876Hollinwood, Oldham · United KingdomFerranti LimitedSebastian Ziani de Ferranti established his first business in 1882, eventually forming S. Z. de Ferranti Limited in 1889.1882 – 1993Frankfurt · GermanyWolf, Jahn & Co.The company was established in 1887 and earned a reputation for its high-quality engineering in the production of precision machinery.1887 – onwardLondon and Sheffield · United KingdomMappin & WebbThe business originated from a silver workshop established in Sheffield by Jonathan Mappin in 1774, which eventually grew into Mappin Brothers.Not recorded – onwardFrankfurt · GermanyLorch, Schmidt and CompanyLorch, Schmidt & Co. was established in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1885 with Fritz Lorch as the owner.1885 – 1979Biel / Bienne · SwitzerlandBuèche-GirodThe company was established by Vital Buèche, who combined his own surname with the maiden name of his wife, Edwige Girod.1946-1947 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandA. Golay-Leresche & FilsThe company was founded in 1837 in Geneva by David-Auguste Golay, who initially named the firm Aug. Golay-Leresche à Genève after himself and his wife, Susanne-Henriette Leresche.1837 – onwardLondon · United KingdomGarrard and Company LimitedThe firm was established by George Wickes in 1735, originally operating from Threadneedle Street in London.1735 – onwardChicago · United StatesSpaulding & Co.Henry Abiram Spaulding founded the firm in 1888 in Chicago after purchasing the business of N. Matson & Co.1888 – 1989Not recorded · United StatesForestville Manufacturing CompanyThe Forestville Manufacturing Company was established in 1835 as the successor to Bartholemew, Brown & Co., with its factory located in Forestville, Connecticut. The company was led by Jonathon Clark Brown, a cabinetmaker who was responsible for a diverse and imaginative range of clock case styles.1835 – 1855Geneva and Paris · Switzerland and FranceB. Haas Jne & CieThe watchmaking house B. Haas Jne & Cie was founded in Geneva in 1848 by Benjamin Haas.1848 – onwardLondon · Not recordedDutton and CompanyThe firm originated as a partnership between Thomas Mudge and William Dutton, who were established as watch and clock makers.Not recorded – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandBordier FrèresThe firm was established in Geneva around 1725 as "Les Frères Denis et Isaac Bordier" by founders Denis and Isaac Bordier.circa 1725 – onwardSaignelégier · SwitzerlandAero Watch S.A.The company was established in 1910 in La Chaux-de-Fonds by Jacob Gutmann of Fédéral Watch Co.1910 – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandIsaac Soret et FilsIsaac Soret established a watchmaking manufactory in Geneva during the early eighteenth century.Not recorded – onwardLa Chaux-de-Fonds · SwitzerlandImhofThe company was established in 1924 by Arthur Imhof, building upon his father Frédéric's earlier dial-making business.1924 – 2001London · United KingdomHunt and RoskellThe firm originated from the workshop established by Paul Storr in 1819, which underwent a series of partnerships including Storr & Mortimer and Mortimer & Hunt.Not recorded – 1965Neuchâtel · SwitzerlandÉcole d'Horlogerie NeuchâtelThe École d’Horlogerie Neuchâtel was established in 1871 within the Swiss city of Neuchâtel to advance the training of horologists.1871 – onwardSitzendorf · Not recordedSitzendorfThe porcelain manufactory in Sitzendorf was established in 1850 by Wilhelm Liebmann after he received permission from the Prince.1850 – onwardRoxbury · United StatesSimon Willard and SonsSimon Willard, an inventor and clockmaker, established his business in Roxbury, Massachusetts, between 1777 and 1780 after initially working in Grafton.1777–1780 – onwardNot recorded · SwitzerlandMontandonThe company Montandon Frères was established around 1850 and operated from Le Locle, Switzerland.1850 – 1903Chicago, Illinois · United StatesJ.H. Rosberg Manufacturing Co.John Henry Rosberg, a Swedish-born cabinet maker, established a partnership with Hans Jessen in Chicago known as Jessen & Rosberg.Not recorded – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandChevalier et Comp.The firm Chevalier & Cie, also known as Chevalier & Comp., was established in Geneva during the 1790s.1790s – onwardGeneva · SwitzerlandAntoine PreziusoAntoine Preziuso, born in Geneva in 1957 and the son of a watchmaker, trained at the Geneva watchmaking school and graduated at the top of his class in 1978.1996 (own brand) – onwardDelémont · SwitzerlandMatthew NormanMatthew Norman is a carriage-clock brand of the Swiss clock manufacturer Swiza SA in Delémont, in the canton of Jura.Not recorded – onward