Aerowatch is a respected Swiss independent watch brand with a history stretching back over a century, tracing its origins to the founding year of 1910. As one of the few original family-owned companies in Swiss watchmaking to maintain continuous production, its philosophy is defined by independence, adherence to tradition, and a commitment to providing quality mechanical timepieces. This longevity and refusal to merge with larger groups stands as a core part of its identity in the modern industry.
The company was originally established on January 21, 1910, in the historic watchmaking city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The initial founding is attributed to businessman Jacob Guttman, or the Gutmann family, who established the Fédéral Watch firm. The name ‘Aerowatch’ was chosen to reflect the modernity of the era, containing a direct reference to aviation and the record-breaking flights taking place at the time, signaling an international and forward-looking ambition.
A significant shift occurred in 1942 when Maxime Crevoisier acquired the company and relocated it to Neuchâtel, where it focused on becoming a specialist in the production of high-quality pocket and pendants. Under Crevoisier’s stewardship, the brand solidified its position, building a strong international export market that reached up to 15 countries. In 1959, Maxime passed the leadership to his son, Georges Carlos Crevoisier, who further expanded the brand’s reach to over 30 countries while remaining dedicated to high-quality mechanical solutions.
The second major chapter began in 2001 when Georges Crevoisier retired, handing the reins of the family-owned manufactory to Denis Bolzli, who had already been associated with the brand for 25 years. This transition maintained the company’s family character and ensured the continuity of its traditional Swiss watchmaking principles, preventing a break in its century of uninterrupted production.
Under the new ownership of the Bolzli family, the brand underwent a strategic modernization. By 2005, Denis Bolzli and his children—Jean-Sébastien, Fred-Eric, and Adeline—presented the company’s first full collection of wristwatches. This new direction was inspired by the vintage aesthetic of their classic pocket, resulting in the creation of the now-iconic ‘1942’ model, which successfully bridged the gap between historical elegance and contemporary wearability.
Today, Aerowatch is proudly managed by the Bolzli siblings: Jean-Sébastien as the Director of Sales & Marketing, Fred-Eric as the Master Watch-Constructor, and Adeline handling administration. The company operates from modern workshops located in Saignelégier, within the heart of the Jura mountain region. This location reinforces its status as an independent, family-run company committed to perpetuating Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship.
Enthusiasts and customers are drawn to Aerowatch primarily for its unique value proposition: the company offers ‘bold mechanical watchmaking’ at extremely competitive and affordable prices. By focusing on efficient internal development and a human-scale operation, Aerowatch makes fine mechanisms and traditional Swiss quality accessible, allowing it to stand out significantly from many luxury competitors in the market.
Aerowatch has a diverse and technically interesting portfolio, but one of its signature product lines remains the traditional pocket watch. As an original specialist in this field, the brand has one of the largest collections of pocket in Europe and continues to innovate this classic format, even developing modern designs alongside its traditional pieces.
Among the key wristwatches that define the brand are the “1942” collection, which serves as its timeless foundation, and its popular “Skeleton” models, which showcase the mechanical movements with meticulous, hand-decorated craftsmanship. Furthermore, their Regulator models are well-known for referencing functional time display, and a more recent notable piece is the ‘7 Time Zones’ watch, designed by Fred-Eric Bolzli with a focus on superior legibility for a mechanical world-timer.
In summary, Aerowatch represents a successful and rare blend of enduring tradition and modern accessibility. Founded in 1910 and continuously managed by a succession of dedicated families, the brand maintains its Swiss independence and quality standards. By offering beautifully crafted, high-specification timepieces, from its heritage pocket to its contemporary mechanical wristwatches, at highly competitive prices, Aerowatch earns its respected place among independent watchmakers.