The Oldest company in the world that still operates today is Kongo Gumi, a construction company that was founded in 578 AD in Japan. Since then it was a family owned business for 1400 years, and today still exists, but part of a larger group.
And I thought about watches, 100 years of existence is pretty much normal in this industry. That’s why I started to do a little research and see the oldest watch manufacturers and what they are doing today. Initially I did this just for my curiosity, but then I thought it’s a cool piece of information that I can share with you as well.
Blancpain 1735
It is officially the oldest surviving watch company in the world. They have made watches for nearly three centuries. Blancpain is renowned for their contribution to diving watches with their legendary Fifty Fathoms which set the standard for professional diving watches.
They are active today as well and now are a part of Swatch Group.
Favre-Leuba 1737
It’s the second-oldest watch company in the world, after Blancpain. It was a family business, like almost all watch companies. With great history and innovations, the first Swiss watch brand to enter the Indian market in 1865. But the quartz crisis almost killed the company.
It was sold in 1985, and after that the company’s legacy and name was passed through several hands like LVMH or Benedom SA.
In 2007 they returned to the watch industry with fresh forces and launched the Mercury Collection. Then it was sold again in 2011 to Titan Company, which is owned by Tata Group.
Then, yet again, in 2023 it was sold to Silvercity Hands.
So a history of struggling and passed from one conglomerate to another. I really hope they will find stability. It will be sad to lose one of the Old Watch Company that still exists.
Vacheron Constantin 1755
They recently celebrated their anniversary with two amazing pieces. La Quete du Temps and Tribute to the Quest of Time. Part of the Holy Trinity of the watches there is not much to say in short paragraphs when it comes to VC.
I will dedicate a full article because it is a truly amazing watch manufacturer and one of the oldest watch companies.
Breguet 1775
I don’t think that there is a person that likes watches and haven’t heard about Breguet or the founder Abraham-Louis Breguet.
They revolutionized watchmaking multiple times, contributing with numerous mechanical innovations including the tourbillon. It was the favorite brand for people like Napoleon Bonaparte or Marie Antoinette.
They recently release Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5555 to celebrate their anniversary.
Girard-Perregaux 1791
I wouldn’t expect that , not a lot of people know about Girard Peregaux, even though they have 2 centuries of existence.
Now they are part of the same company as Ulysse Nardin. I was at their museum, and one thing that I liked was the fact that they make their own honey. I still have a jar from them. Good stuff.
Throughout their history they earned numerous awards and patents and they are best known for their racing chronographs.
A little bit too expensive for me honestly, I don’t know if I will ever own one. Maybe if I received one as a gift.
Baume & Mercier 1830
Now this is a surprise for me. I obviously heard about them, but I always believed that they are a newer company, it gives me a 80’s or 90’s vibe.
In reality they started as a watch dealership in the early 19th century and evolved into a watch company. They create accessible luxury timepieces. I honestly don’t have a favourite model from them.
Longines 1832
It’s one of the best brands out there, hands down. You can’t go wrong with Longines watches. They have been the official timekeeper for world championships and famous aviators and explorers have worn their watches.
A great company under the Swatch Umbrella.
Jaeger-LeCoultre 1833
It was founded in Vallee de Joux, Switzerland by Antoine LeCoultre and they are renowned for their mechanical innovations and exceptionally complex watches. The manufacturer created more than 1200 calibers and holds hundreds of patents.
They are also nicknamed “the watchmaker’s watchmaker”. The most famous creation is Reverso, in my opinion one of the best watches money can buy.
Patek Philippe 1839
Clearly the most prestigious luxury watch brand in the world and one of the oldest watch companies. Part of the Holy Trinity they created some of the most complicated and expensive watches ever made, including the Henry Graves Supercomplication.
Patek is one of the few independent watch manufacturers having complete control on their production.
Omega 1848
Omega is one of the most prestigious brands in the world. Their Innovations are spectacular in the horology industry. Founded in 1848,m they partnered with Tissot to form SSIH which later will became Swatch Group.
Also, Omega is the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932.
They are known for Omega Seamaster 300 Professional watches worn by James Bond and Omega Speed Master, the first watch that went to the Moon.
Omega vs Rolex is a hot topic for watch enthusiasts, usually the subject is who is better.
TAG Heuer 1860
It was founded by Edouard Heuer and the name was HEUER. Then TAG company acquired them and changed the name to TAG Heuer. Known for their sports chronographs, TAG Heuer have deep connections with motorsports having partnered with Formula 1. Also they made one of the watches that is on my list for my complete collection, TAG Heuer Monaco.
These companies are not just the oldest in the world of watchmaking, but they also represent innovations and contributions to watches as we know them today.
Next time I will create a list of the oldest Watch companies that don’t exist anymore. Stay tuned!
Why TAG from 1860 is in the list and not Omega from 1848?
Fair point. Somehow I missed it when I created the article. I will update, thank you!