1873–1890: Founding and Rise
1873 – Colonel Johann Viktor Kottmann converts a former chicory and tobacco factory in Langendorf, Switzerland into a watch-ébause (movement parts) manufacturing facility.
1880 – The factory faces near collapse due to poor workforce conditions, alcoholism, and absenteeism among workers.
1880–1890 – Under Karl Kottmann, the company introduces major welfare reforms — worker housing, schools, electric lighting in streets — improving morale and productivity.
By 1890 – Langendorf employs around 1,000 workers, making it likely the largest watch manufacturer in the world at that time.
1873–1890: Founding and Rise
1873 – Colonel Johann Viktor Kottmann converts a former chicory and tobacco factory in Langendorf, Switzerland into a watch-ébause (movement parts) manufacturing facility.
1880 – The factory faces near collapse due to poor workforce conditions, alcoholism, and absenteeism among workers.
1880–1890 – Under Karl Kottmann, the company introduces major welfare reforms — worker housing, schools, electric lighting in streets — improving morale and productivity.
By 1890 – Langendorf employs around 1,000 workers, making it likely the largest watch manufacturer in the world at that time.
914: Expansion and Modernization
Late 1890s – Management transitions to Lucien Tièche, who officially renames the enterprise Langendorf Watch Company and upgrades production facilities.
Early 1900s – Langendorf expands output and improves technical quality, gaining international export markets.
1910s – The company integrates more automated processes, increasing efficiency without sacrificing craftsmanship.
914: Expansion and Modernization
Late 1890s – Management transitions to Lucien Tièche, who officially renames the enterprise Langendorf Watch Company and upgrades production facilities.
Early 1900s – Langendorf expands output and improves technical quality, gaining international export markets.
1910s – The company integrates more automated processes, increasing efficiency without sacrificing craftsmanship.
1914–1918: World War I Era
During World War I, Langendorf shifts part of its manufacturing to support military needs — including robust timepieces and precision instruments for armed forces.
The factory remains operational throughout the war, maintaining its large workforce and international export capacity.
1914–1918: World War I Era
During World War I, Langendorf shifts part of its manufacturing to support military needs — including robust timepieces and precision instruments for armed forces.
The factory remains operational throughout the war, maintaining its large workforce and international export capacity.
1916–1939: Peak Production
1916 – Under Ernst Kottmann, steam power is replaced with electric power, modernizing operations.
By this time, Langendorf is producing around 3,000 timepieces per day, an unprecedented scale for a Swiss manufacturer.
1920s–1930s – The company strengthens its reputation for precision and durability, supplying both civilian and institutional clients.
1916–1939: Peak Production
1916 – Under Ernst Kottmann, steam power is replaced with electric power, modernizing operations.
By this time, Langendorf is producing around 3,000 timepieces per day, an unprecedented scale for a Swiss manufacturer.
1920s–1930s – The company strengthens its reputation for precision and durability, supplying both civilian and institutional clients.
1939–1945: World War II Period
During World War II, Langendorf continues operations, with portions of production adapted for military-grade watches and timing devices required by various armed forces.
Despite wartime material shortages, the company maintains consistent quality and export relationships.
1939–1945: World War II Period
During World War II, Langendorf continues operations, with portions of production adapted for military-grade watches and timing devices required by various armed forces.
Despite wartime material shortages, the company maintains consistent quality and export relationships.
Post-War Era: 1945–1960s
Post-1945 – Langendorf benefits from the post-war economic boom, expanding production and investing in more modern machinery.
1950s – The factory becomes one of the few in Switzerland still capable of producing a full watch in-house, from movement to casing.
Post-War Era: 1945–1960s
Post-1945 – Langendorf benefits from the post-war economic boom, expanding production and investing in more modern machinery.
1950s – The factory becomes one of the few in Switzerland still capable of producing a full watch in-house, from movement to casing.
1964–1973: Corporate Transition
1964 – Langendorf joins the Société Suisse des Garde-Temps SA (SGU), a consortium of Swiss watchmakers aiming to consolidate resources and compete internationally.
1965 – The company is acquired by SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère), one of Switzerland’s largest watch groups.
1973 – Production at the Langendorf factory ends; the historic building is later converted into a Migros shopping center.
1964–1973: Corporate Transition
1964 – Langendorf joins the Société Suisse des Garde-Temps SA (SGU), a consortium of Swiss watchmakers aiming to consolidate resources and compete internationally.
1965 – The company is acquired by SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère), one of Switzerland’s largest watch groups.
1973 – Production at the Langendorf factory ends; the historic building is later converted into a Migros shopping center.
2025 – The Langendorf name returns to
Swiss watchmaking. This revival continues the tradition of precise, disciplined craftsmanship, with production carried out in deliberate restraint.
Each piece is created for those who value substance, heritage, and enduring standards — a continuation of the name’s legacy into the modern era.
2025 – The Langendorf name returns to
Swiss watchmaking. This revival continues the tradition of precise, disciplined craftsmanship, with production carried out in deliberate restraint.
Each piece is created for those who value substance, heritage, and enduring standards — a continuation of the name’s legacy into the modern era.