Fabriques de Balanciers Réunies

Les Fabriques de Balanciers Réunies S.A. (FBR) was a holding company in Bienne including many Swiss balance manufacturers from the foundation of ASUAG in 1932 until the formation of Swatch Group in the 1990s.

By 1961, FBR included about 800 employees working in 14 factories in the Cantons of Berne, Neuchâtel, Soleure, and Vaud. These were managed by local managers but technical and commercial direction was focused on the Bienne headquarters. The group then produced 30 to 35 million balance wheels. FBR was also involved in the development of the Beta 21 quartz watch movement at the CEH, though this would not use a balance wheel.

In the 1970s, FBR was involved in the marketing and promotion of high-frequency watches and Glucydur balance technology. By 1977, FBR was down to 210 workers and had relocated to Les Ponts-de-Martel and accounted for just 0.7% of revenue of ASUAG.

In 1984, FBR was merged with Fabriques d'Assortiments Réunies (FAR) and Fabriques de Spiraux Réunies (FSR) to become Nivarox-FAR, a subsidiary of ETA within Swatch Group.