Swiza S.a.

Allgemeine Informationen

1904 – COMPANY FOUNDATION

The Swiza clock factory was established by Louis Schwab in Moutier, in the heart of the

Bernese Jura Mountains. At the time, Louis Schwab chose to specialize in mechanical

clockmaking components and movements, particularly mechanical alarm clocks with 1-day movements.

1918 – LEVTOI

The company designed and launched the highly-successful “Levtoi” bell-type alarm clock,

which sold all over the world and made the Jura watchmaking industry famous.

1935 – INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

After the death of Louis Schwab, his sons Pierre, Samuel and Willy took over the factory and

soon afterwards officially registered Swiza as a brand name.

1959 – MECHANICAL EVOLUTION

The launch of the first-ever 8-day, 15-jewel mechanical movement – an exclusive Swiza

innovation – led to the firm’s significant international development.

1965 – COMPANY TRANSFER

The company moved their headquarters to Delémont and opened a new factory.

1972 – FIRST AWARD

Swiza received the Gold Mercury European Award in recognition of the quality of its alarm

clocks and its significant number of sales throughout the world.

1976 – INTRODUCTION OF QUARTZ MOVEMENTS

Like almost every other Swiss watchmaker, Swiza began integrating quartz movements into

its alarm clocks.

1979 – A THIRD GENERATION OF CLOCKMAKERS

The company came under the direction of Louis Schwab’s grandchildren, who oversaw the

creation of the luxury 8-day baguette movement with 19 jewels.

1984 –SWISS QUARTZ BY SWIZA

SWIZA began production of its first Swiss Quartz movements, which are still made today and

are used in many collections.

1985 - 2000 – THE GOLDEN YEARS

The last fifteen years of the 20th century were prosperous ones, with significant developments

and numerous creations. During this period, the firm employed over 300 people and produced

over 30,000 table clocks and movements a year. In 1991, the company integrated a new brand

specializing in travel clocks: Matthew Norman.

2006 – NEW OWNERSHIP

For the first time, the Schwab family relinquished ownership and ceded its share in the factory

to Bedonna Holdings.

2008 – NEW BRAND

Swiza opted to acquire “L’Epéé 1839”, an upscale French brand specializing in complex

mechanical table clocks.

2009 – MECHANICAL & QUARTZ

The Swiza family firm was acquired by the Swiss holding Mecap, who progressively re-

oriented production and developed new lines of luxury products. The Swiza collection thus

began to specialize exclusively in table and alarm clocks with full quartz mechanisms.

2014 – 110 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Over the years, Swiza has become the largest table clock manufacturer, producing collections

for its three brands, but also for other prestigious, world-renowned clockmakers. With its

strong vision of the future, Swiza is supported by a dynamic team whose passion for

innovation and excellence perpetuates the creative genius that has made the firm so

successful.

2015 - SWIZA, 111 years.

The opening of the Baselworld 2015 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the SWIZA brand.