Cimier
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland · Est. 1924
Founded by Joseph Lapanouse
Founded in 1924, Cimier embodies a warm and accessible Swiss watchmaking spirit where tradition meets contemporary style. Based in Biel/Bienne, the brand produces refined mechanical and quartz timepieces with a strong vintage sensibility, offering authentic Swiss heritage at accessible price points.
- Founded
- 1924
- Headquarters
- Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- QualityMatic — Core automatic collection featuring Swiss mechanical movements in classically styled cases at accessible price points.
- Seven Seas — Sport-diver line with robust water resistance and bold design, reflecting Cimier's heritage of durable watchmaking.
- Big Matic — Collection featuring Cimier's proprietary automatic module for the Unitas 6497-1, a large-format mechanical watch.
Timeline
- 1924 — Joseph Lapanouse founds the company in Hölstein, Switzerland, manufacturing pin-pallet escapement watches.
- 1929 — Armand Lapanouse patents a movement frame for Roskopf watches, improving robust movement production.
- 1960 — Cimier becomes the first to industrialise pin-pallet chronograph production, selling 20 million calibres of the 'Cimier Sport.'
- 1970 — Peak production reaches 1.5 million pieces per year with over 500 employees in Bubendorf.
- 1985 — The Lapanouse family discontinues Cimier during the quartz crisis.
- 2003 — Cimier is revived, re-entering the market with a focus on affordable Swiss mechanical watches.
- 2011 — Develops the Big Matic automatic module for the Unitas 6497-1 movement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cimier
- What happened to Cimier during the quartz crisis?
- Cimier invested heavily in quartz development but the Lapanouse family ultimately pulled out in 1985. The brand was revived in 2003 with a renewed focus on mechanical watches.
- What was the Cimier Sport?
- A groundbreaking affordable chronograph from the 1960s using a simplified pin-pallet escapement. It was a massive commercial success, with 20 million calibres sold worldwide.