Eska is a watch brand with a history spanning over a century, originally founded in 1918 by Sylvan Kocher in Selzach, Switzerland. The brand name itself is a phonetic representation of the founder’s initials, “S.K.” (S. Kocher & Co.). In its early decades, the company established a strong reputation for producing elegant dress watches and sophisticated complications, such as triple calendar chronographs and artistic cloisonné enamel dials. By the mid-20th century, Eska had become a respected name in international markets, including the United States and Brazil, before eventually ceasing operations in 1987 during the quartz crisis.
In 2024, the brand was revived by watch enthusiasts Christophe Chevreton and Sinicha Knezevic. While the brand’s origins are Swiss, this modern iteration is based in France, with timepieces being assembled, regulated, and inspected in the traditional watchmaking hub of Besançon. This revival focuses on a “neo-vintage” philosophy, which seeks to honor the brand’s extensive historical archives while integrating contemporary technical standards and materials.
Collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to Eska for its commitment to reviving rare and “mythical” designs that had largely disappeared from the market. The brand’s focus on heritage-driven aesthetics combined with accessible pricing and modern reliability makes it appealing to those who appreciate vintage watchmaking but desire a durable, everyday timepiece. The move to French assembly also resonates with supporters of regional craftsmanship and transparent manufacturing.
The cornerstone of Eska’s modern lineup is the Amphibian 250, a contemporary reinterpretation of the rare 1959 Amphibian 600 diving watch. The original is considered a “unicorn” in the vintage world, with very few surviving examples known to exist. The new Amphibian 250 maintains the signature aesthetic of its predecessor, featuring a 40mm case and a distinctive countdown bezel, but upgrades the water resistance to 250 meters. Other notable pieces include the Heritage Chronograph SK25, a 38mm manual-wind bi-compax model powered by a La Joux-Perret column-wheel movement, and the Heritage SK25 three-hand watch, both of which emphasize the brand’s roots in mid-century elegance and precision.
