Jean François Bautte
1772 - 1837
Jean François Bautte
Swiss clockmaker.
The founder, in Geneva, of the most complete factory at the time (300 workers): production of movements, watchcases, dials, jewellery and automatons.
With Europe’s Royal Families among his clientele, this self-made man opened a branch in Paris and a sales outlet in Florence, and also did business with Turkey, India and China.
One of the first to make extra-flat watches.
His son Jacques Bautte (1806-1885) and is son-in-law Jean-Samuel Rossel (1799-1881) ensure the continuity of the factory, then run by his grandson, jacques Rossel (1824-1896).
Key dates
1906
The succession of the Ancient Maison is bought by Girard-Perregaux.