Moeris
Saint-Imier, Switzerland · Est. 1893
Founded by Henri Blanc
Moeris was a Swiss watch manufacturer from Saint-Imier, founded in 1893. Part of the SSIH group, Moeris was known for alarm watches and solid mid-range timepieces before being absorbed during the creation of the Swatch Group.
- Founded
- 1893
- Headquarters
- Saint-Imier, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1983
Moeris was absorbed into the SSIH group and effectively ceased to exist as an independent brand during the restructuring that created the Swatch Group.
Saint-Imier's quiet craftsman — Moeris made alarm watches that woke you gently, then was itself put to sleep by corporate consolidation.
Key Collections
- Alarm — Mechanical alarm wristwatches that became Moeris's signature product, featuring reliable cricket-style movements that competed with the likes of Vulcain and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
- Pointer Date — Elegant dress watches featuring a centre-mounted date hand pointing to numerals around the dial periphery, popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
- Chronograph — Sporting chronographs produced during the mid-twentieth century, typically featuring two-register layouts with reliable hand-wound movements.
- Military — Robust field watches supplied to various armed forces, characterised by luminous hands, clear legibility and durable cases built for active service.
Timeline
- 1893 — Henri Blanc establishes Moeris in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, initially producing pocket watches.
- 1930 — Moeris transitions to wristwatch production and develops its first alarm calibres, establishing a market niche.
- 1950 — The brand gains recognition for its Pointer Date models and expands exports to European and Asian markets.
- 1971 — Moeris becomes part of SSIH (Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère), joining the conglomerate alongside Omega and Tissot.
- 1983 — Following the merger of SSIH and ASUAG to form the Swatch Group, Moeris ceases independent production and the brand becomes dormant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moeris
- When did Moeris stop making watches?
- Moeris effectively ceased production in 1983 when SSIH merged with ASUAG to create the Swatch Group, and the brand was discontinued during the subsequent rationalisation of marques.
- Are Moeris watches still valuable?
- Vintage Moeris timepieces, particularly the alarm watches and chronographs, hold modest collector value. Well-preserved examples with original dials and functioning alarm complications command higher prices among enthusiasts of mid-century Swiss watchmaking.
- Can I still buy a Moeris watch today?
- Moeris watches are only available on the secondary market through vintage dealers, auction houses and online platforms. No new production has occurred since the brand's absorption into the Swatch Group.
- What was Moeris best known for?
- Moeris earned its reputation primarily for mechanical alarm wristwatches, offering a more accessible alternative to premium alarm watches from Vulcain or Jaeger-LeCoultre whilst maintaining Swiss quality standards.
- Where were Moeris watches made?
- All Moeris watches were manufactured in Saint-Imier, a traditional watchmaking town in the Bernese Jura region of Switzerland, home to several historic horological firms.