Encyclopaedia

A compilation of references, information and expertise. Discover key dates, legendary timepieces, a glossary of watchmaking terms, museums, and the watchmakers who helped shape the history of time measurement.

Watches

Legendary watches

Polo

Piaget - 1979

Lange 1

A. Lange & Söhne - 1994

Tank

Cartier - 1919

Oyster

Rolex - 1926

Happy Diamonds

Chopard - 1976

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Complication watches

From the alarm watch to the perpetual calendar, the world of complication watches.

Precious watches

The history of the jewellery watch, from the 16th century to today.

Mechanical watches

Do you know what a mechanical watch is ?

Quartz Watches

History: from the electric watch to quartz

Emblematic Models

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New products

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History of watchmaking

History

1929

History: LeCoultre revealed the world's smallest movement, the 101 calibre. It comprised 74 parts, measured 14 x 4.85 x 3.4 mm and weighed less than one gram. Invention of the perpetual motion Atmos,...

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Famous watchmakers

Jean Antoine Lépine

French clockmaker. Clockmaker to Louis XV, Louis XVI and Napoleon I. Son-in-law of André Charles Caron. Associated with his father-in-law between 1756 and 1769. Technical director of Voltaire's workshops circa 1770. Handed over his business...

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