Schwarz Etienne was founded in 1902 by Paul Arthur Schwarz and his wife Olga Etienne. The company was established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a place it continues to call home. It was originally a manufacturer of movements, supplying watchmaking luminaries such as Chanel, Dunhill, Mauboussin and Caran d’Ache, and became renowned for making high quality, reliable calibres.
Although Schwarz Etienne has now become a watch brand in its own right, it continues to supply movements to several companies. Moreover, it offers a ‘private label’ service, making complete timepieces for various luxury marques.
Unlike many watch companies, Schwarz Etienne not only makes most movement components, it is also a specialist in making ‘assortiments’. The assortiment includes the
escapement, the balance wheel and the hairspring. This latter component is made by only a few specialist firms.
This prestigious company is also known for endowing several of its watches with artisanal crafts and the skilful application of semi-precious stones. The limited production capacity of this firm confers a welcome degree of exclusivity often prized by watch collectors.