Jean Flegenheimer

Jean Flegenheimer (1909-1968) was chairman of Pierce, after working for the firm founded by his grandfather Léon Lévy for 40 years.

Jean Moritz Flegenheimer was born in 1909. His mother was Margot Lévy, daughter of Léon Lévy, founder and namesake of the watchmaking company known later as Pierce. His father was Geneva silk merchant Lucien Flegenheimer, son of Clara Nordmann and close friend of Lévy's father Gaspard. Thus, the two families were very close.

Following his studies, Jean Flegenheimer went to work for his mother's Moutier and Bienne based watchmaking firm, Léon Lévy & Frères. He became familiar with all aspects of watchmaking, overseeing production of ebauches, cases, and assembly, as well as sales and customer service. He often traveled abroad to represent the firm, meeting its wide international network of dealers.

Flegenheimer married Margrit Piccard on January 17, 1936.

In 1936 the young Flegenheimer was elevated to management of the firm, and he rapidly rose to be responsible for sales. 10 years later, in 1946, he became a member of the board. He replaced his uncle Henri Lévy as chairman of the board in 1966.

Jean Flegenheimer became ill by 1964 and was increasingly bedridden. He died on December 1, 1968.