Medana
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland · Fondée en 1900
Medana était un fabricant suisse de montres fondé à Bienne, connu pour ses montres automatiques robustes des années 1950-1970.
- Fondée en
- 1900
- Siège social
- Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
- Groupe
- Independent
- Segment de prix
- Milieu de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 1980
Medana cessa ses activités lors de la crise du quartz.
Medana de Bienne construisait avec la rigueur de l'ingénieur — précis, fiable, discret.
Collections phares
- Medana Automatic — The brand's core automatic line featuring reliable Swiss movements, representing solid mid-range craftsmanship typical of Biel-based manufacturers.
- Day-Date — A practical complication series offering both day and date displays, aimed at the everyday wearer seeking functional elegance.
- Incabloc — Models featuring the Incabloc shock protection system, marketed for their durability and resistance to everyday wear.
Chronologie
- 1900 — Medana established in Biel/Bienne, joining the dense cluster of Swiss watchmaking firms in the region.
- 1934 — Like many Swiss manufacturers, Medana adapted to new industry regulations following the formation of protective cartels during the economic depression.
- 1950 — Post-war expansion saw Medana produce increased volumes of automatic movements for export markets.
- 1970 — The arrival of Japanese quartz movements began eroding the market for mid-priced Swiss mechanical watches.
- 1980 — Medana ceased operations, unable to withstand the combined pressures of the quartz crisis and industry consolidation.
Questions fréquentes sur Medana
- When did Medana stop making watches?
- Medana ceased production around 1980, a casualty of the quartz crisis that devastated smaller Swiss mechanical watch manufacturers during the late 1970s.
- Are Medana watches still valuable?
- Medana watches hold modest value among vintage collectors, appreciated for their honest Swiss craftsmanship rather than commanding premium prices. Well-preserved automatic examples may fetch reasonable sums.
- Can I still buy a Medana watch today?
- Medana watches can only be purchased on the vintage market through dealers, auction houses, and online platforms specialising in discontinued Swiss brands.
- Where were Medana watches manufactured?
- Medana was based in Biel/Bienne, the heart of Swiss watchmaking and home to numerous manufacturers both large and small throughout the twentieth century.
- What movements did Medana use?
- Medana primarily used Swiss ébauche movements, sourcing calibres from established suppliers common to mid-range Biel manufacturers of the period.