Watchatlas

Phenix Watch Co

Porrentruy, Switzerland · Fondée en 1873

Fondée par Charles Kleiber

Phenix (ou Phoenix) était un fabricant suisse de montres actif dans les années 1950-1970, connu pour ses montres de plongée et ses chronographes robustes.

Fondée en
1873
Siège social
Porrentruy, Switzerland
Groupe
Other
Segment de prix
Entrée de gamme
Statut
Disparue

Cessation: 1960

Phenix cessa ses activités lors de la crise du quartz.

Phenix renaissait de ses cendres — jusqu'à ce que le quartz rende toute renaissance inutile.

Collections phares

  • Phenix Chronograph — Manual-wind chronographs produced from the 1940s onwards, often featuring Landeron or Valjoux movements and distinctive two-register dials.
  • Rollamatic — Automatic watches from the 1950s featuring rotor-wound movements, representing Phenix's adoption of self-winding technology.
  • Phenix Broadarrow — Military-styled watches with characteristic broad arrow hands, produced for both civilian and potential military contract purposes.
  • Phenix Dress Watches — Elegant thin-cased timepieces produced throughout the company's history, showcasing traditional Swiss craftsmanship in precious metal cases.

Chronologie

  • 1873 — Charles Kleiber established Phenix Watch Co in Porrentruy, in the Jura region of Switzerland.
  • 1920 — Phenix expanded production capabilities, becoming a significant employer in Porrentruy during the interwar period.
  • 1945 — Post-war production increased with demand for chronographs and robust tool watches across European and American markets.
  • 1955 — Phenix joined MSR (Manufactures des Montres Rolex SA), a holding company unrelated to the Geneva-based Rolex brand.
  • 1960 — The Phenix brand was discontinued as MSR consolidated operations, ending nearly ninety years of independent watchmaking.

Questions fréquentes sur Phenix Watch Co

When did Phenix Watch Co stop making watches?
Phenix ceased production around 1960 following its absorption into MSR and subsequent industry consolidation. The brand had operated continuously from 1873.
Are Phenix watches still valuable?
Vintage Phenix watches hold moderate collector value, particularly chronographs with Landeron or Valjoux movements. Condition and originality significantly affect prices, with well-preserved examples attracting interest from enthusiasts of lesser-known Swiss marques.
Can I still buy a Phenix watch today?
Phenix watches are only available on the secondary market through vintage dealers, auction houses, and online platforms. No new production exists as the brand remains defunct.
Was Phenix Watch Co related to Rolex?
No. Phenix was merged into MSR (Manufactures des Montres Rolex SA), a Swiss holding company that shared no connection with the prestigious Geneva-based Rolex SA despite the confusingly similar name.
Where were Phenix watches manufactured?
Phenix watches were manufactured in Porrentruy, a town in the Jura canton of Switzerland with a long tradition of watchmaking dating to the 18th century.

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