Cortebert Watch Co
Cortébert, Switzerland · Fondée en 1862
Fondée par Numa Jeannin-Simonin
Cortébert Watch Company était une manufacture suisse fondée en 1790 à La Chaux-de-Fonds, l'une des plus anciennes manufactures horlogères suisses. Connue pour ses calibres fiables de milieu de gamme, Cortébert a été absorbée par des grands groupes lors de la restructuration de l'industrie.
- Fondée en
- 1862
- Siège social
- Cortébert, Switzerland
- Groupe
- Swatch Group
- Segment de prix
- Milieu de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 1970
Cortébert a été progressivement absorbée dans les structures du groupe SSIH avant de disparaître lors des grandes fusions de l'industrie horlogère suisse des années 1970-80.
Fondée en 1790, Cortébert a traversé des siècles d'histoire suisse — les révolutions, les guerres et la paix — avant de succomber à la crise du quartz.
Collections phares
- Railway Chronometer — Precision timekeepers supplied to state railways including Turkish State Railways (TCDD), Swiss Federal Railways, and various European and Middle Eastern railway operators, renowned for their accuracy and durability.
- Grand Prix — Elegant dress watches that showcased Cortebert's ability to produce refined timepieces alongside their industrial chronometers, featuring clean dials and reliable movements.
- Military Watches — Robust field watches supplied to various armed forces during the early-to-mid twentieth century, valued for their legibility and dependable movements.
Chronologie
- 1862 — Numa Jeannin-Simonin establishes a watch manufacturing operation in the village of Cortébert in the Bernese Jura.
- 1880 — The company is reorganised as Cortebert Watch Co and begins expanding production of precision movements.
- 1920 — Cortebert secures major contracts to supply railway chronometers to Turkish State Railways and other European railway operators.
- 1932 — The firm joins Ebauches SA, the Swiss movement manufacturing conglomerate, whilst retaining its brand identity.
- 1960 — Cortebert is absorbed into ETA SA as part of industry consolidation; movement production continues but branded watch output declines.
- 1970 — The Cortebert brand name is officially retired as operations are fully integrated into ETA's industrial movement manufacturing.
Questions fréquentes sur Cortebert Watch Co
- Cortébert est-elle vraiment l'une des plus anciennes manufactures suisses ?
- Oui, avec des origines remontant à 1790, Cortébert est l'une des plus anciennes manufactures horlogères suisses documentées, précédant la plupart des grandes marques genevoises.
- Are Cortebert watches still valuable?
- Vintage Cortebert watches, particularly railway chronometers and military pieces, are sought after by collectors for their historical significance and movement quality. Values vary considerably based on condition and provenance, with railway-issued examples commanding premiums.
- Can I still buy a Cortebert watch today?
- Cortebert watches are only available on the vintage market, through specialist dealers, auction houses, and private sales. The brand has not been revived for new production.
- Why were Cortebert railway watches so highly regarded?
- Cortebert developed a reputation for producing exceptionally accurate and robust chronometers that met the stringent timing requirements of railway operations. Their movements, particularly the Calibre 616 family, were prized for reliability in demanding conditions.
- What is the connection between Cortebert and ETA?
- Cortebert joined Ebauches SA in 1932 and was eventually absorbed into ETA SA during the 1960s consolidation of the Swiss watch industry. The Cortebert name was retired, but the manufacturing expertise contributed to ETA's movement production.