INSIDE SWIZA
Foundation of SWIZA
1904
In 1904, after gaining experience in various regional industries, Louis Schwab founded his own manufacture in Moutier, specialising in stamping and the production of components for the watchmaking industry. This first site marked the beginning of SWIZA’s industrial development and laid the foundations for the expertise that would shape the company for decades to come.
LEVTOI Alarm clocks
1918
Louis Schwab focused on developing his own collection of alarm clocks, equipped with in-house manufactured movements under the LEVTOI brand. Between 1918 and 1935, the collection steadily expanded, reflecting a creative originality that would later contribute to the commercial growth of the manufacture under the SWIZA name.
Establishing the SWIZA identity
1935
In 1935, following the death of Louis Schwab, his heirs officially registered SWIZA as the company’s brand name. Already used on certain collections in previous years, SWIZA replaced LEVTOI and became the identity under which the company would continue its development.
Structuring the company
1937
In 1937, the family business became Louis Schwab S.A., a public limited company bringing together the founder’s fifteen heirs. This evolution marked a new organisational structure designed to support the company’s continued growth.
Introduction of the 8-Day calibre
1959
In 1959, Louis Schwab S.A. strengthened its watchmaking expertise by becoming a fully integrated manufacture, mastering the production of its own movements, dials and finished products. The launch of the 8-day mechanical calibre represented a major innovation, offering a power reserve far superior to traditional alarm clocks limited to one day of autonomy.
Moving to delémont
1965
Following its industrial expansion, the manufacture gradually moved from its historic facilities in Moutier to Delémont. This new location supported the modernisation of production tools and the company’s growth ambitions.
International expansion
1960s
During the post-war economic boom, under the leadership of Pierre Schwab, SWIZA accelerated its international expansion and gradually established a presence across all five continents. At the height of its growth, the company produced and sold up to 400,000 timepieces per year and employed around 400 people, including nearly one hundred home-based workers dedicated to the assembly of mechanical movements.
International Recognition
1972
In 1972, SWIZA received the European Award Gold Mercury in recognition of its industrial development and international economic influence.
The quartz transition
1976
In 1976, Pierre Schwab Jr. became Managing Director of the company. In response to market developments and emerging technologies, SWIZA gradually integrated quartz movements into its collections, marking an important turning point in the company’s evolution.
Integration of Matthew Norman
1991
In 1991, SWIZA acquired the activities of Matthew Norman, aSwiss manufacture renowned for its luxury mechanical clocks. This acquisition enriched the brand portfolio and further strengthened the group’s watchmaking expertise.
Change of ownership
2006
In 2006, the Schwab family sold SWIZA to Bedonia Holding. Pierre Schwab Jr.remained Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during a three-year transition period.
Acquisition of l'épée 1839
2008
To further strengthen its watchmaking expertise, SWIZA acquired L’Épée 1839, a brand renowned for its mechanical clocks, particularly its sophisticated carriage clocks. This acquisition reinforced SWIZA’s position as a leading name in the high-end mechanical table clock market.
New governance
2009
In 2009, SWIZA S.A. entered a new phase of governance following the departure of Pierre Schwab Jr. at the end of his mandate. The company was acquired by Merse S.A. in Biel/Bienne, which appointed a new management team to support its continued development.
Diversification into Swiss Pocket Knives
2013
In 2013, SWIZA diversified by entering the Swiss pocketknife market, drawing on the expertise of former Wenger employees following thea cquisition of the brand by Victorinox.
Red dot award
2016
The SWIZA Swiss pocket knife gained recognition for its design, which broke away from traditional conventions. Developed in collaboration with Estragon Design, it combines avant-garde aesthetics with practical functionality and received the prestigious Red Dot Award "Best of the Best" for its outstanding design quality and innovation.
120th anniversary of the Swiza brand
2024
To celebrate its 120th anniversary, SWIZA unveils the LEGACIES and URBEX collections. These two premium Swiss pocket knife ranges pay tribute to the brand’s watchmaking heritage and craftsmanship through the use of exceptional materials and refined finishes.
A new chapter for Swiza
2024
In June 2024, the watchmaking activities of SWIZA, L’Épée1839 and Matthew Norman joined the LVMH Group. SWIZA Swiss pocket knives, meanwhile, continue their development within the MERSE Group.
a new way to discover swiza
2025
In 2025, SWIZA entered into a partnership with Initium Swiss to showcase its expertise through an immersive Swiss pocket knife assembly experience. This collaboration allows participants to build their own knife while discovering the craftsmanship and manufacturing processes behind its creation.
MADE IN JURA
Our products, manufactured by our specialists in Switzerland, are the result of a partnership with the leading experts. Our focus is on precision and a local approach to guarantee products for our customers, without compromising on quality, safety or durability. The satisfaction of our customers and stakeholders is at the heart of our day-to-day activities. We strive for continuous improvement and innovation.