Sandoz
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1870
Founded by Henri Sandoz
Since 1870, SANDOZ has been a watchmaking house rooted in craft, precision and uncompromising integrity. One of Switzerland's most enduring independent names, Sandoz produces refined mechanical and quartz timepieces that honour over 150 years of Swiss horological tradition with elegant, understated design.
- Founded
- 1870
- Headquarters
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Dominator — Sport-luxury collection with robust cases, automatic Swiss movements, and a versatile design suitable for everyday wear.
- Heritage — Classic collection celebrating the brand's 150+ year history with traditional Swiss dial designs and mechanical movements.
Timeline
- 1870 — Henri Sandoz founds a watchmaking workshop in Tavannes, in the Swiss Jura, beginning a long tradition of Swiss-made timepieces.
- 1930 — Sandoz establishes itself as a respected mid-range Swiss brand with wide international distribution.
- 1985 — The brand navigates the quartz crisis and continues production, maintaining its identity as an accessible Swiss watchmaker.
- 2020 — Relaunches with renewed focus on heritage and direct-to-consumer sales under the Sandoz 1870 banner.
- 2025 — Heritage Swiss brand continues producing affordable Swiss-made watches, primarily for Asian and Latin American markets through traditional distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandoz
- Is Sandoz watches related to the pharmaceutical company?
- No. Sandoz watches (founded 1870 by Henri Sandoz) and Sandoz pharmaceuticals (now part of Novartis) are completely unrelated companies that happen to share a common Swiss surname.
- What is Sandoz 1870?
- Sandoz 1870 is the modern relaunch of the historic Sandoz watch brand, emphasising its founding year and Swiss watchmaking heritage.