Charles Girardier
Zurich, Switzerland · Est. 1809
Founded by Patrick Ulm
Charles Girardier is a revived Geneva watchmaking house with roots dating to 1809, a fine maison that lay dormant since the death of its founder in 1839 and has been reawakened with exceptional in-house calibres. The Signature Mysterieuse and Synchronaut GMT collections honour the timeless tradition of Genevan haute horlogerie.
- Founded
- 1809
- Headquarters
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- 1809 (2020) — Core Charles Girardier collection built around the revived house’s signature mysterious monogram and flying-tourbillon craftsmanship, expressed through Geneva-made haute horlogerie references with guilloché and Grand Feu enamel work. Key references: CG SM-1809 41/1WG, CG 1809 37/1WG, CG 1809 37/2RG.
- Terre de Lumière — Art-focused pieces combining stone and enamel dials inspired by natural landscapes and light.
Timeline
- 1809 — Charles Girardier, a Genevan watchmaker, establishes his workshop, earning renown for precision pocket watches.
- 2020 — Patrick Ulm revives the Charles Girardier name as a modern independent brand based in Geneva.
- 2022 — Debuts at Watches & Wonders Geneva, presenting the 1809 collection with guilloché and stone dials.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Girardier
- Is Charles Girardier a historical or modern brand?
- Both. The original Charles Girardier was an 1809 Geneva watchmaker. The brand was revived in 2020 by Patrick Ulm, combining historical heritage with contemporary independent watchmaking.
- Where are Charles Girardier watches made?
- In Geneva, Switzerland. The brand emphasises traditional Genevan craftsmanship including hand-guilloché dials and artisanal finishing.
Other independent Switzerland watch brands
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