Blancpain | WatchDNA

“INNOVATION IS OUR TRADITION” Marc A. Hayek – CEO Blancpain
Blancpain is the oldest watch company in the world, having been founded in 1735. After all these years, the Maison is still as dedicated to innovation as it was when it was first established, and it continues to push the boundaries of what a watch can do. The Blancpain motto, “Innovation is our tradition,” expresses the company’s commitment to continuous improvement.

1859

A watchmaking workshop is established in Vallée de Joux by Louis-Elysée Piguet. He renovates a mill in Le Brassus into a hub for Blancpain Artistic Crafts and high-end watchmaking, which exists to this day.

1932

When Frédéric-Emile Blancpain, the 7th generation of his family to operate the firm, passes away, he leaves the company to his longtime assistant, Betty Fiechter. She is the first woman to run a major watchmaking firm as CEO.

1961

Along with Omega, Tissot, and Lémania, Blancpain has joined the Swiss watchmaking conglomerate known as the Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère (SSIH). Blancpain no longer only makes watches under its own brand, but it also becomes the center for producing movements for the SSIH family of brands.

1983

Jean-Claude Biver become the vice-chairman of Blancpain's executive committee.

1992

The SMH (Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries), which would evolve into the Swatch Group, purchased the brand.