From the cobblestone streets of 18th-century Swiss villages to modern-day production centers around the globe, the story of watchmaking is an intricate tapestry woven over centuries. Each brand brings its own heritage, innovations, and icons that continue to captivate collectors, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike. Below, we’ll explore a chronological tour of some of the most influential watch brands—both independents and those under major groups like Richemont and Swatch—shedding light on their founding dates and current ownership.

1700s: The Birth of an Industry

Blancpain (1735) – Swatch Group

Widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating watch brand, Blancpain was established in the Swiss village of Villeret. From ultra-thin calibers to the famous Fifty Fathoms dive watch, Blancpain has maintained a deep respect for handcraftsmanship.

Favre-Leuba (1737) – Independent

Though now part of the Titan Company (an Indian conglomerate), Favre-Leuba traces its Swiss origins back to 1737. Its reputation rests on robust, practical watches, including the famed Bathy diving range.

Vacheron Constantin (1755) – Richemont

As one of the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin boasts centuries of uninterrupted production. Known for complications and exquisite finishing, they strike a balance between tradition and innovation.

Breguet (1775) – Swatch Group

Abraham-Louis Breguet revolutionized watchmaking with the invention of the tourbillon and many other features. Today, the brand continues that legacy with intricate designs and technical mastery.

Girard-Perregaux (1791) – Kering

Best recognized for their iconic Three Gold Bridges design, Girard-Perregaux has consistently pushed the boundaries of haute horlogerie, blending heritage with technical craftsmanship.

Early to Mid-1800s: Expansion of Swiss Excellence

Bovet (1822) – Independent

Originally famous for ornate pocket watches made for the Chinese market, Bovet stands out for its lavish, hand-painted designs and intricate movements.

H. Moser & Cie (1828) – Independent

Renowned for its minimalist dials and in-house movements, H. Moser & Cie is a connoisseur’s favorite, merging classical silhouettes with contemporary flair.

Baume & Mercier (1830) – Richemont

With roots extending back to the Baume family’s watchmaking heritage, Baume & Mercier later formalized under its current name in 1918. Today, it offers accessible luxury and timeless design.

Longines (1832) – Swatch Group

Distinguished by the winged hourglass logo, Longines combines rich history with reliability and value. Sporty, elegant, and deeply involved in equestrian sports, it remains a global staple.

Jaeger-LeCoultre (1833) – Richemont

Nicknamed “La Grande Maison,” Jaeger-LeCoultre is the watchmaker’s watchmaker. From the Reverso to countless in-house calibers, it stands as a pillar of technical prowess.

Patek Philippe (1839) – Independent

Another member of the “Holy Trinity,” Patek Philippe embodies the apex of Geneva watchmaking. Family-owned, it’s revered for its perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and Nautilus sports watch.

A. Lange & Söhne (1845) – Richemont

Hailing from Glashütte, Germany, A. Lange & Söhne is best known for its beautifully hand-finished movements and instantly recognizable dial layouts, like the Lange 1.

Ulysse Nardin (1846) – Kering

Rooted in marine chronometers, Ulysse Nardin has expanded into haute horlogerie with unique complications—famed for both nautical inspirations and innovative use of silicon parts.

Cartier (1847) – Richemont

Synonymous with French elegance, Cartier gained prestige through iconic jewelry and watch designs such as the Santos, Tank, and Ballon Bleu.

Omega (1848) – Swatch Group

Whether on the wrist of astronauts during the Apollo missions or swimmers in the Olympics, Omega’s legacy is one of precision, from its origins as La Générale to modern Co-Axial movements.

Tissot (1853) – Swatch Group

Founded in Le Locle, Tissot is widely praised for its affordable Swiss-made watches—offering a broad range from sporty chronographs to classic dress pieces.

Eterna (1856) – Citychamp

Eterna’s innovations include the invention of the ball-bearing mounted rotor. A pioneer in automatic movements, Eterna gave birth to the modern ETA movement brand as well.

Late 1800s: The Age of Innovation and Diversification

Chopard (1860) – Independent

Initially known for high-quality pocket watches and chronometers, Chopard now spans haute joaillerie and haute horlogerie, remaining family-owned under the Scheufele family.

Panerai (1860) – Richemont

Born in Florence, Panerai originally supplied instruments to the Italian Navy. Its bold designs and luminous dials have made the brand a contemporary icon.

TAG Heuer (1860) – LVMH

Originally “Heuer,” the brand gained fame through motorsport chronographs like the Carrera and Monaco. Today it remains an innovator in sports timing and avant-garde design.

Zenith (1865) – LVMH

Renowned for the legendary El Primero high-frequency chronograph movement, Zenith’s precision and heritage remain admired by watch aficionados.

IWC (1868) – Richemont

Founded by an American in Schaffhausen, IWC (International Watch Company) exemplifies a blend of Swiss craftsmanship and American entrepreneurial spirit, celebrated for pilot and Portuguese lines.

Piaget (1874) – Richemont

Famed for ultra-thin movements and gem-set high jewelry timepieces, Piaget merges watchmaking prowess with elegant, luxurious design.

Audemars Piguet (1875) – Independent

The third member of the “Holy Trinity,” Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak reshaped the luxury sports watch segment. Still family-owned, it remains a paragon of Swiss prestige.

Seiko (1881) – Independent

A true Japanese powerhouse, Seiko pioneered quartz technology and remains key to the evolution of accessible yet highly innovative watches (e.g., Spring Drive, Kinetic).

Breitling (1884) – Independent

Heralded for its aviation-inspired models, particularly the Navitimer, Breitling stands at the intersection of functionality and style.

Bulgari (1884) – LVMH

Originally an Italian jeweler, Bulgari has cemented its place in haute horlogerie with the ultra-thin Octo Finissimo line and grand complications.

Hamilton (1892) – Swatch Group

Once a quintessentially American brand—famed for railroad watches—it’s now under Swiss ownership but retains a vintage American aesthetic in many collections.

Early 1900s: Modern Icons Take Shape

Oris (1904) – Independent

Focused on mechanical movements and value-driven offerings, Oris stands out for in-house innovations and robust designs, especially in dive and pilot watches.

Rolex (1905) – Independent

Perhaps the most recognized luxury watch brand globally, Rolex revolutionized wristwatch technology with innovations like the Oyster case and Perpetual rotor.

Montblanc (1906) – Richemont

Originally renowned for high-end writing instruments, Montblanc expanded into fine watchmaking. They now craft timepieces inspired by historical Minerva movements.

Glycine (1914) – Independent

Known primarily for pilots’ watches (notably the Airman), Glycine continues to offer rugged tool watches with competitive pricing.

Rado (1917) – Swatch Group

Initially Schlup & Co., renamed Rado in 1957, the brand is recognized for using innovative materials like ceramic to produce scratch-resistant, design-forward watches.

Mido (1918) – Swatch Group

Celebrated for its water-resistant Multifort and understated elegance, Mido successfully blends reliability, classic style, and value.

Citizen (1918) – Independent

A Japanese giant in watchmaking, Citizen is a leader in eco-friendly solar technology, exemplified by their Eco-Drive range.

Tudor (1926) – Owned by Rolex

Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, established Tudor as a more affordable alternative that shares the same spirit and reliability. It has since forged its own identity with models like the Black Bay.

Mid–Late 1900s & Beyond: Innovation Meets Modernity

Grand Seiko (1960) – Independent (Seiko Group)

Initially a high-end line under Seiko, Grand Seiko is now a standalone luxury brand known for razor-sharp case finishing, in-house movements, and impeccable accuracy.

Frédérique Constant (1988) – Citizen Group

A relatively young Swiss brand, Frédérique Constant has carved a niche for accessible luxury with in-house calibers and classic aesthetics.

Parmigiani Fleurier (1996) – Independent (Sandoz Foundation)

Michel Parmigiani’s workshop in Fleurier rapidly gained acclaim for haute horlogerie complications, showcasing handcrafted finishing and modern interpretations of classic forms.

Richard Mille (2001) – Independent

Hyper-modern, ultra-light, and unabashedly futuristic, Richard Mille timepieces often incorporate advanced materials borrowed from racing and aerospace industries.

MB&F (2005) – Independent

Standing for “Maximilian Büsser & Friends,” MB&F is a creative lab that defies conventional watchmaking, producing “horological machines” that are as much art sculptures as timekeepers.

Key Watch Groups at a Glance

  • Richemont: Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Panerai, Piaget, Cartier, Baume & Mercier, Montblanc.
  • Swatch Group: Blancpain, Breguet, Omega, Longines, Tissot, Rado, Hamilton, Mido, and more.
  • LVMH: TAG Heuer, Zenith, Hublot, Bulgari.
  • Kering: Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin.

Final Thoughts

The watch industry is an ever-evolving art form steeped in history, craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of precision. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of an 18th-century manufacture or the bold expression of contemporary independents, each brand offers a gateway into the fascinating world of horology. By appreciating their stories, we gain insight into the innovation and creativity that make the watch world tick—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.