Claude Meylan
L'Abbaye, Switzerland · Est. 1988
Founded by Claude Meylan
Claude Meylan is a family-owned watchmaker based in L'Abbaye, in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux, continuing a watchmaking lineage tracing back to the 18th century. The house is renowned for pushing the art of skeletonisation to new heights, with exquisitely decorated and openworked movements.
- Founded
- 1988
- Headquarters
- L'Abbaye, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Tortue — Signature tortoise-shaped cases with skeletonised movements, a hallmark of the brand since the 1980s.
- Répétition — Minute repeater watches showcasing traditional haute horlogerie craftsmanship from the Vallée de Joux.
- Squelette — Skeletonised timepieces revealing intricate hand-engraved movements through open dials.
Timeline
- 1860 — Claude Meylan family begins watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.
- 1920 — Establishes reputation for skeleton watchmaking and complications.
- 1982 — Launches the iconic Tortue collection with its distinctive tortoise-shaped case.
- 2000 — Develops in-house minute repeater movements, cementing haute horlogerie credentials.
- 2015 — Continues as a small independent manufacture specialising in skeletonised and complicated watches.
Frequently Asked Questions about Claude Meylan
- What is Claude Meylan known for?
- Claude Meylan is renowned for skeleton watches and complications, particularly minute repeaters, handcrafted in the Vallée de Joux tradition.
- Is Claude Meylan an independent brand?
- Yes, Claude Meylan remains a small, family-owned independent manufacture in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.