Among all watchmaking legends, Blancpain is the pioneer, the Gaia of Swiss watchmaking or even the whole industry. Yet, its origin is still unlearnt by most. Started in 1735, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain registered himself as a watchmaker in the Villeret village. What started out as a humble business has turned into the largest watch manufacturer within the village, and soon enough, …
Rise of Seiko – Brand’s Origin
Whenever I decided to do an origin story that is Japan-related, I get very hyped up. Maybe it’s due to the fact that I’ve been to Japan enough to fall in love with it. Or maybe it’s because every Japanese brand that became an international sensation always has a legendary backstory to it? Who knows? However, Seiko is no ordinary …
A Franck Muller Story – Brand’s Origin
Perhaps one of the brands with the most complicated watch ever seen, some may even call Franck Muller “The Master of Complications”. Despite such an impressive resume, it’s hard to believe that Franck Muller was only established in 1991, a mere 25 years ago. When comparing age with others, Franck Muller is way too young to even be mentioned with …
Breitling: Aviation Watch Mastermind – Brand’s Origin
Whenever I see the name “Breitling”, all I can think about is their sweet Navitimer 01. I mean, look at that beast, on point with its dial complication with a sleek combination of black, white, yellow and a hint of red. But, what made Breitling? Founded in 1884, Léon Breitling started his modest watchmaking business in the Jura Mountains of …
A. Lange & Söhne: One Above All
Founded by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, being one of the first to set up shops in the now-iconic town Glashütte in Germany in 1845 is now one of the most respected, reputable and prestigious watch brands in the world. What was it like to go from 0 to the best of the best? Humble Beginning Lange studied Horology and graduated in …