Milus
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland · Est. 1919
Founded by Paul William Junod
Since 1919, Milus has captured the essence of time with refined watches blending traditional Swiss watchmaking with forward-thinking design innovation. The brand is particularly celebrated for its Tirion Tri-Retrograde display — a signature technical achievement — and continues to produce mechanical timepieces that reward collectors who seek the unconventional.
- Founded
- 1919
- Headquarters
- Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Snow Star — Flagship reissue of the mid-century field watch once included in US Navy pilot survival barter kits, combining heritage military provenance with modern construction.
- Archimèdes — Modern successor to the 1960s Super Compressor dive watch, featuring a dual-crown design and bold proportions inspired by the original model.
- LAB 01 — Contemporary collection showcasing Milus's forward-looking design philosophy with innovative materials and dial treatments.
Timeline
- 1919 — Paul William Junod founds Milus in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
- 1950 — The Snow Star watch is selected for inclusion in US Navy pilot survival 'barter kits' — items that could be traded for safe passage if shot down.
- 1960 — Launch of the Archimèdes Super Compressor dive watch, which gains a cult following among collectors.
- 2006 — Introduction of the TriRetrograde Seconds, a signature Milus complication displaying seconds across three retrograde sub-dials.
- 2022 — Milus relaunches the Snow Star as a modern reissue, attracting significant attention from the watch enthusiast community.
- 2025 — Releases the Archimèdes Wild Life series featuring hand-painted enamel dials depicting endangered species, partnering with conservation charities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Milus
- What is the Snow Star's military connection?
- During the mid-20th century, US Navy pilots carried 'life barter kits' containing tradable valuables. The Milus Snow Star was included as a reliable, desirable timepiece that could be exchanged for safe passage.
- Is Milus still independent?
- Yes. Milus remains an independent Swiss watch brand based in Biel/Bienne, producing mechanical watches with a strong focus on heritage reissues.