Swiss watchmaking is often seen as the embodiment of precision, quality and elegance. Among the many brands that maintain this image of excellence, we have decided today to open the doors of Ebel, a discreet but no less iconic house in this big league. Since its creation at the beginning of the 20th century, it has established itself as one of the most emblematic watch brands.
Let's discover its history and its models together to better understand why, more than a hundred years after its founding, Ebel continues to captivate watch lovers around the world.
In 1911, Eugene Blum and his wife Alice Lévy founded Ebel in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name they chose for their brand is no coincidence since it combines their initials: “Eugène Blum Et Lévy”.
From its beginnings, the manufacture has distinguished itself by its innovative approach, combining Eugène's technical expertise and Alice's aesthetic sense. This complementarity allows it to create timepieces combining cutting-edge performance and elegance.
Ebel quickly gained attention and, in 1914, won a gold medal at the National Exhibition in Bern for a ring watch (ring watch), already testifying at the time to his spirit of innovation.
In 1925, she was awarded the Grand Prix Commemorative Diploma for the High Jewelry watches presented at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris.
In the 1930s, the brand became the first Swiss watch company to adopt the “ Western Electric » (ancestor of the vibrograph) to ensure the precision of its creations.
Pierre-Alain Blum, grandson of Eugène and Alice, took the reins of the company in the 1970s. Ebel is making great strides and establishing itself on the international watchmaking scene, notably thanks to emblematic creations such as the collection Sport Classic launched in 1977, recognizable by its integrated bracelet with wavy mesh, now iconic. Its watches mark a break with the codes of the time, reflecting a strong visual identity that appeals to a wide audience.
The brand develops its own mechanical movements and launches the Caliber 137 in 1978, its very first chronograph movement entirely manufactured in-house.
In 1986, she bought Le Corbusier's Turkish Villa which became Maison Ebel. A way of blending the art of watchmaking with culture and architecture with panache.
Towards the end of the 21st century, the House passed into the hands of the giant LVMH and was finally bought in 2004 by the American group Movado.
Ebel is definitely positioning itself as a luxury watch brand. His creations are highly technical, extremely precise, and extremely meticulous aesthetically, with an overall sporty look but always dressed to the nines. The Ebel watch never departs from its elegance and classic origins. A luxury brand therefore, but whose models still remain relatively accessible given their quality.
Regarding its audience, Ebel is aimed at both men and women. It mainly attracts customers who appreciate premium watches and refinement without ostentation.
Faithful to its Swiss watchmaking heritage, Ebel equips its watches with high-quality movements. If there is one thing that the House does not compromise on, it is precision and reliability! Some of its models are automaticothers to quartzwhich allows it to adapt to the different needs of its customers.
In terms of design, Ebel is characterized by harmonious shapes. His pieces often feature cases with fluid and clean lines, for a discreet elegance. Most watches are in steelwith sometimes a few touches ofgold. The dials are generally simple, with well-proportioned indexes and hands, facilitating readability. They can, however, be decorated with small, more sophisticated details, such as small diamonds or mother-of-pearl. These are all elements that give Ebel watches this chic and sporty look.
What makes it possible to recognize the brand's watches at first glance? Their hexagonal-shaped case with an integrated bezel attached using five screwsand their bracelet always worked.
Launched in 1986 to celebrate the brand's 75th anniversary, the Ebel 1911 collection embodies Ebel's heritage and innovation. Inside, we find a wide choice of models ranging from elegant pieces with diamonds and mother-of-pearl dials, to other more technical ones equipped with several watch complications such as the chronograph or a GMT function.
The very different models that populate this collection show the Maison's ability to create timepieces with a decidedly different look while retaining its signature style.
This collection was launched in 1977. No sports pieces full of complications here, but rather urban watches, with just the right amount of refinement and casualness, to wear every day or for special occasions. The dials are refined, sometimes colorful, with Roman numerals and small diamonds. Sport Classic presents timeless watches for people looking for a refined and versatile watch.
After more than a century of existence, Ebel has gone from a brand imagined by an inspired couple to a major Swiss luxury manufacturer; a House known to all watchmaking experts and enthusiasts. The one also nicknamed “The Architects of Time” retains its values, continuing to combine craftsmanship, high technicality and discreet luxury on the wrist.
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