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.
October 21, 2015
A legend reborn: SWIZA reinvents the Swiss Knife
Switzerland has a new knife! The legendary Swiss Knife has been given a redesign for the first time in decades. The result is a unique creation manufactured and assembled in the Jura, restoring the status of the local cutlery industry.
