Bifora
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany · Est. 1919
Founded by Josef Bidlingmaier
Bifora was a major German watch and movement manufacturer based in Schwäbisch Gmünd. At its peak it produced over a million movements annually, supplying both its own brand and dozens of smaller German watchmakers.
- Founded
- 1919
- Headquarters
- Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1992
Bifora, once one of Germany's largest watch and movement manufacturers, gradually wound down operations through the 1980s as Asian quartz production undercut its entire business model.
Bielefeld's ticking factory — Bifora gave Germany affordable precision when Swiss prices were out of reach.
Key Collections
- Bifora 115 — Featuring the renowned calibre 115, these watches represented Bifora's pinnacle of in-house movement production with reliable, robust construction.
- Bifora 934 — Watches powered by the calibre 934, a workhorse movement widely used across German watchmaking and noted for its durability and serviceability.
- Sport — A range of robust timepieces designed for active wear, showcasing Bifora's ability to produce practical, affordable German watches.
- Automatic Collection — Self-winding watches featuring Bifora's own automatic movements, demonstrating the company's full vertical manufacturing capability.
Timeline
- 1919 — Josef Bidlingmaier founded Bidlingmaier & Fornoff (Bifora) in Schwäbisch Gmünd, initially focusing on movement production.
- 1930 — Bifora expanded significantly, becoming a major supplier of movements to numerous German watch brands.
- 1950 — Post-war reconstruction saw Bifora reach peak production, manufacturing over one million movements annually.
- 1970 — The quartz crisis began impacting German mechanical watchmaking, forcing Bifora to adapt its production.
- 1985 — Continued pressure from Asian quartz competition led to substantial workforce reductions and declining output.
- 1992 — Bifora ceased all watchmaking operations after seven decades, unable to compete with mass-produced quartz movements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bifora
- When did Bifora stop making watches?
- Bifora ceased production in 1992 after struggling throughout the 1980s to compete with inexpensive Asian quartz movements that fundamentally disrupted the traditional German watchmaking industry.
- Are Bifora watches still valuable?
- Vintage Bifora watches remain modestly collectible, particularly models featuring in-house movements like the calibre 115. Their value lies primarily in representing quality German industrial watchmaking rather than commanding premium prices.
- Can I still buy a Bifora watch today?
- Bifora watches are only available on the vintage market through dealers, auction houses, and online platforms. The brand has not been revived and no new production exists.
- Why was Bifora important to German watchmaking?
- Bifora was crucial as a major movement supplier, providing calibres to dozens of smaller German brands that lacked their own manufacturing capability, essentially forming the backbone of mid-tier German watch production.
- What does the name Bifora mean?
- Bifora is a contraction of the founders' names: Bidlingmaier and Fornoff, combined to create the company's trademark.