Dubey & Schaldenbrand
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Fondée en 1946
Fondée par Georges Dubey, René Schaldenbrand
Dubey & Schaldenbrand était une manufacture horlogère suisse fondée à La Chaux-de-Fonds, spécialisée dans les chronographes avec affichages rétrogrades et les complications horaires distinctives.
- Fondée en
- 1946
- Siège social
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Groupe
- Independent
- Segment de prix
- Milieu de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 2014
Dubey & Schaldenbrand a cessé ses activités dans les années 2000, incapable de maintenir une production viable dans un marché très concurrentiel.
Dubey & Schaldenbrand affichait l'heure autrement — l'aiguille rétrograde ne reculait jamais, mais la marque, elle, disparut.
Collections phares
- Spiral — Chronographe emblématique de Dubey & Schaldenbrand avec affichage rétrograde des secondes, représentant le savoir-faire technique de la manufacture dans les complications d'affichage.
- Aerodyn — A collection characterised by aerodynamic case designs with flowing lines, including the notable Aerodyn Duo featuring dual time zones.
- Index — Classic dress watch collection including complications such as the Réserve de Marche power reserve indicator, aimed at traditional watch enthusiasts.
- Grand Dôme — Collection featuring prominently domed crystals and vintage-inspired aesthetics, paying homage to 1940s watchmaking design.
Chronologie
- 1946 — Fondation de Dubey & Schaldenbrand à La Chaux-de-Fonds.
- 1950 — The brand gained recognition for producing affordable split-seconds chronographs, a complication typically reserved for high-end manufacturers.
- 1995 — Cinette Robert acquired the dormant brand and relaunched it with distinctive designs including the spiral-cased models.
- 2006 — The company changed hands again, with new ownership attempting to reposition the brand in the competitive Swiss watch market.
- 2014 — Dubey & Schaldenbrand ceased production after failing to establish a sustainable market position following years of ownership instability.
Questions fréquentes sur Dubey & Schaldenbrand
- Qu'est-ce qui rendait les montres Dubey & Schaldenbrand si distinctives ?
- Dubey & Schaldenbrand était connue pour ses affichages horaires rétrogrades — des aiguilles qui progressent sur un arc et reviennent brusquement à leur position de départ — donnant à ses montres une présentation du temps radicalement différente des montres conventionnelles.
- Are Dubey & Schaldenbrand watches still valuable?
- Dubey & Schaldenbrand watches retain modest collector interest, particularly the distinctive Spiral collection and their split-seconds chronographs. Values remain relatively accessible compared to mainstream Swiss brands, though pristine examples of unusual models command premiums.
- Can I still buy a Dubey & Schaldenbrand watch today?
- New Dubey & Schaldenbrand watches are no longer available as the brand ceased production in 2014. Pre-owned examples can be found through specialist dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces at reasonable prices.
- What made Dubey & Schaldenbrand watches distinctive?
- The brand was known for offering complicated movements, particularly split-seconds chronographs, at more accessible price points than competitors. Under Cinette Robert's ownership from 1995, they also became recognised for unconventional case designs, most notably the spiral-shaped cases.
- Who designed the iconic Spiral watches?
- The distinctive Spiral collection was developed following Cinette Robert's acquisition of the brand in 1995, representing a bold departure from traditional Swiss watch design with its sculptural, spiral-shaped cases.