Paul Berner
Paul Berner (1858-1942) was watchmaker born and died in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
After an apprenticeship at the watchmaking school in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Paul Berner perfected his skills with the best watchmakers in La Sagne, Le Locle and Geneva. In 1882, he became a teacher of watchmaking theory at the Watchmaking School in Bienne, as well as work supervisor in the field of escapements. Two years later, he was appointed director of the watchmaking school of La Chaux-de-Fonds. He remained at the school for over four decades, retiring in 1928.
Berner studied spring force, the effects of temperature, barometric pressure, and magnetism on watches. He authored numerous historical and technical publications and several watchmaking courses.
Paul Berner's son Charles Berner also studied watchmaking, moving to Peseux in 1923 and founding Fabrique d'Ebauches de Peseux.