For more than a century, Schwarz-Etienne has figured prominently among the movement makers in luxury watchmaking. Today, under the impetus of its new manager, Marc Barrachina, the brand has decided to go even further.
There is a place in luxury watchmaking, where the sun never sets. It is La Chaux de-Fonds, in Switzerland. Great families have been responsible for building up watchmaking and turning La Chaux–de-Fonds into the capital of prestigious timekeepers. Schwarz-Etienne is one of the most famous. Its workshops have been manufacturing movements and watches since 1902.
History of Schwarz-Etienne watch brand
Founded by Paul Arthur Schwarz and his wife Olga Etienne, the company quickly established itself. True forerunners of the watch industry, Schwarz-Etienne operated several factories involved in design and assembly. Its know-how and mastery in watch design became a real benchmark. Schwarz-Etienne thus obtained the concession to continue producing movements, even when they were subject to quotas and controlled by Ebauche SA. Its complications were to be found in brands such as Venus, Levrette, Glorys, Alpha and Astin, which were all part of its customer circle.
During the Second World War, Schwarz-Etienne, then in the hands of the sons of Paul Arthur and Olga, also produced small series.Its customers were mostly French, who came with specifications that only the larger watchmakers could fulfil.Through its industrial capacity, SE was among the first to open branches abroad. In the 60s, the Schwarz-Etienne brands enjoyed a growing success. Its clients came from all over the world and its products were generally acclaimed : from the Vatican – which placed a special order for watches made in white gold – to the President of the Supreme Soviet (ex URSS), Leonid Brejnev – who wore a Venus on his wrist. As a patron of the art world, Schwarz-Etienne created the Venus de Milo and, during a memorable evening, presented it as a gift to the American actress, Jane Mansfield.As a pioneer of watchmaking communications, the company launched the slogan : « Venus, the watch of the stars, the star of watches ». Its catalogues grew and one of its 1966/67 collections offered no less than 75 watches of tradition, elegance and precision.
Thanks to the know-how of its watchmakers, its competence acquired over the years and its impeccable after sales service, Schwarz-Etienne was able to market its creations even when, between 1974 and 1983, the quartz invasion and the petroleum crisis caused the manufacturing of watches and movements to fall by almost 65%. Furthermore, its reputation for quality also enabled it to supply movements to famous private labels such as Dunhill (for whom Schwarz-Etienne was the exclusive supplier for 25 years), Jaguar Coventry, Chanel, Mauboussin and many others.
Schwarz-Etienne Becomes SCHWARZ ETIENNE
In 1992, Schwarz-Etienne heralded a new era. The company decided to give a Schwarz Etienne body to the Schwarz-Etienne heart. What had until then been one of the most refined designers and manufacturers of movements, assumed the status of a brand. Its workshops were modernized and became computerized, a logo was created and its name was written as two separate words. New movements and complications were developed, such as the fly-back chronometer.
C. Wilhelm & Cie SA
In 2003, the La Chaux-de-Fonds watch manufacturer C. Wilhelm & Cie SA acquired SCHWARZ ETIENNE. Its products became increasingly complicated, incorporating power reserve, GMT, Flyback and tourbillons ! Its prestige collections were numbered and produced in several versions. Steel models rubbed shoulders with yellow, pink and white gold and jewelled watches embellished the catalogue. New markets opened all over the world.
Schwarz Etienne SA
Since may 2008 the Brand and the company wear again the name : SCHWARZ ETIENNE SA
Manufacture
Today, SCHWARZ ETIENNE is working in its own unique way, respecting its century-old tradition and exploiting its strengths :creativity, inventiveness, competence and know-how. The brand is notable for its innovative mechanical complications, especially thanks to its amalgamation of the technical with the handcrafted. Its workbenches, where the master watchmakers go about their business, are equipped with the most powerful computers and the most advanced software. Schwarz Etienne is progressively refining each step in the manufacturing process, in order to become a manufacture in its own right.
A Future Based Upon Tradition
The SCHWARZ ETIENNE brand, attentively nurturing the company and its tastes, is working for its customers, who are true partners. Whether it’s New York – the quartet, Olympia – the sportive - London - the stylish or La Chaux-de-Fonds – la haute horlogerie (to mention but a few), its collections evolve without being tyrannized by ephemeral fashion trends. The brand always emphasizes the quality of its products and its creations are born to last.
Philosophy
SCHWARZ ETIENNE respects its staff and distributors, and their commitment and their families. All its products are made in Switzerland, where labour is paid at its true value. Its staff know how to match its customers’ expectations, with their competence and their smile, which have always been their trademark.Elegance, precision, ethics, uniqueness. SCHWARZ ETIENNE products are designed for a clientele made up of passionate enthusiasts and connoisseurs, people who respect the world we live in and all of its inhabitants. They reach beyond the basic necessities and transform dreams into reality. They are a poetic creation, providing pleasure at watching the passage of time.
Official website:www.schwarz-etienne.ch
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