Nacar
Istanbul, Turkey · Est. 1921
Founded by Ohannes Nacaroglu, Kevork Nacaroglu
Founded in 1921 by Turkish-Armenian brothers Ohannes and Kevork Nacaroglu, Nacar is one of Turkey's most storied watch brands. With Swiss roots in Bienne and a commercial legacy stretching across nearly a century in Istanbul, the brand gained renewed global attention when Olympic silver medallist Yusuf Dikec wore a $40 Nacar at the 2024 Paris Games.
- Founded
- 1921
- Headquarters
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Classic — Heritage-inspired dress watches that pay tribute to Nacar's century-long legacy, featuring clean dials and timeless proportions.
- Sport — Durable everyday timepieces combining Turkish identity with modern quartz reliability, built for active wear at accessible price points.
Timeline
- 1921 — Brothers Ohannes and Kevork Nacaroglu establish the Zila Watch company in Bienne, Switzerland, creating the Nacar brand.
- 1929 — Kevork begins selling Swiss-made Nacar watches in Turkey, quickly establishing the brand as a household name.
- 1970 — Nacar sold to Konyali Saatcilik, which continues production and distribution across Turkey.
- 2024 — Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec wears a Nacar at the Paris Olympics, sparking worldwide interest in the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nacar
- Where are Nacar watches made?
- Nacar's quartz models are manufactured in the Far East, while mechanical watches are produced in Switzerland. The brand is headquartered in Istanbul.
- What is the significance of the Nacar name?
- Nacar derives from the surname of founders Ohannes and Kevork Nacaroglu, Turkish-Armenian brothers who pioneered watchmaking between Bienne and Istanbul.