Genève
1919
Niton embarks on a journey to revive its exceptional legacy
300 million years ago
Two glacial erratics originating from the Alps formed and later found their way to the Geneva Lake harbor. These enigmatic stones were named “Pierres du Niton” and soon became the national landmark for the Swiss topographic height measuring system.
1919
In their early 30s, three gentlemen founded “Jeannet, Morel & Bourquin” and registered the brand “Niton” the same year. Morel and Bourquin were watchmakers and former Vacheron Constantin employees, Jeannet was a watchmaker.
Niton supplied movements to the most prestigious manufactures. One of the highlights of their creation is this triple calendar with moon phase made for Patek Philippe. (© PATEK PHILIPPE)
Their production of high quality movement was rather important for the time, with 72% of their known production stamped with the Geneva Seal – allowing them to rank 1st or 2nd from 1921 to 1929 for the number of movement officially controlled by the state of Geneva
1922
The name of the company was officially changed to ”Manufacture des Montres Niton SA“ manifesting the ambition to become a manufacturer of finished watches.
Specializing in « rocket stick » movements, or « baguette » movements, they were able to push the enveloppe in terms of creativity like with this brooch movement which is now on view at the Art History Museum in Geneva. (© MUSEE d’ART ET d’HISTOIRE DE GENEVE)
1928
A patent for a very unusual jump hour display was registered, which has effectively turned Niton from movement manufacturer to a brand creating its own path and identity through a distinctive product.
There are said to be less than 30 pieces produced with this unusual jump-hour display, making them a very rare sight. (© HOTEL DES VENTES PIGUET)
1932
Amongst its illustrious employees, Louisa Vuille, considered a pioneer for women’s rights in the watch industry, joined the company. Previously working for Rolex, she recalled: “I worked for a few years at Niton. It was on Rue du Stand. It was fine work. These were ‘Montres de Genève’, Geneva Seal watches. Very expensive watches. We put them in high jewelry cases. Whereas Rolex, no, it didn’t have the Geneva Seal. Now they say it’s high-end. To me, it’s not high-end. High-end is Patek and Vacheron. Only those two brands, and Niton.”
1938
The right for the production was sold to ébauches SA, more widely known as ETA today, and its commercial name disappeared.
2025
Over a century after its creation, a new team plans to carry the vision of the original founders to new levels while keeping the same philosophy of producing rare objects of desire.
