Pierce: Difference between revisions
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By [[1896]], Léon Lévy et Frères had established an operation in [[Moutier]], and this would grow to become the focus of the company. Although the company's official address remained in Bienne for another decade at least, the "Usine a Moutier, G. V." (Moutier steam-powered factory) was increasingly important to the company and the large factory was even featured in advertisements in the 1940s. The factory remained the center of production for Lévy and Pierce through at least [[1958]]. | By [[1896]], Léon Lévy et Frères had established an operation in [[Moutier]], and this would grow to become the focus of the company. Although the company's official address remained in Bienne for another decade at least, the "Usine a Moutier, G. V." (Moutier steam-powered factory) was increasingly important to the company and the large factory was even featured in advertisements in the 1940s. The factory remained the center of production for Lévy and Pierce through at least [[1958]]. | ||
Lévy | Lévy moved to a new office at Faubourg du Lac 103a in Bienne by [[1902]]. Located in the "Rockhall" complex opposite the main post office, it was situated on a rocky outcrop known as Jägerstein. This villa complex is on the hills above the city and is a short distance from [[Rolex Bienne|Aegler's Rolex factory]] but is not suited for large-scale production. This office would be the official office of the company through [[1965]], at which time the company (known called Pierce) moved to a modern office building at Quai du Bas 92. | ||
It is widely reported in modern times that Lévy employed 1,500 people by [[1910]], and this is often compared to the 23,000 inhabitants of Bienne at that time. But this number likely also included the Moutier workers, which likely made up the majority of it. | It is widely reported in modern times that Lévy employed 1,500 people by [[1910]], and this is often compared to the 23,000 inhabitants of Bienne at that time. But this number likely also included the Moutier workers, which likely made up the majority of it. | ||
Revision as of 15:28, 28 August 2022
Pierce is the 20th century brand of Swiss watch manufacturer Léon Lévy Frères of Bienne and Moutier.
Léon Lévy Frères
Léon Lévy and his brother founded a watch company in Bienne Switzerland in 1883 under the name Léon Lévy et Frère. The company was located at Rue Neuve 22. Another firm known Lévy Frères already existed in the city at Place de Moulin 7 and had been in operation since at least 1867. By 1890 Léon Lévy's firm was known as Léon Lévy et Frères and had moved to Quartier-Neuf 29. It moved to Rue Centrale 6 by 1893, just as the continuing firm of Lévy Frères moved a short distance down that same street.
By 1894, Léon Lévy et Frères had grown again and had returned to Rue Neuve 20.
In Moutier
By 1896, Léon Lévy et Frères had established an operation in Moutier, and this would grow to become the focus of the company. Although the company's official address remained in Bienne for another decade at least, the "Usine a Moutier, G. V." (Moutier steam-powered factory) was increasingly important to the company and the large factory was even featured in advertisements in the 1940s. The factory remained the center of production for Lévy and Pierce through at least 1958.
Lévy moved to a new office at Faubourg du Lac 103a in Bienne by 1902. Located in the "Rockhall" complex opposite the main post office, it was situated on a rocky outcrop known as Jägerstein. This villa complex is on the hills above the city and is a short distance from Aegler's Rolex factory but is not suited for large-scale production. This office would be the official office of the company through 1965, at which time the company (known called Pierce) moved to a modern office building at Quai du Bas 92.
It is widely reported in modern times that Lévy employed 1,500 people by 1910, and this is often compared to the 23,000 inhabitants of Bienne at that time. But this number likely also included the Moutier workers, which likely made up the majority of it.
From the 1930s Pierce produced in series the first self-developed calibre. The Royal Air Force awarded the contract for the development and construction of the pilot's watch Flight Calendar. In 1956 Pierce presents the mechanical alarm wristwatch Duofon. The name refers to its ability to deliver the alarm signal in two volumes, loud or silent. A window in the dial indicates the selected setting.
Because of their reliability and robustness the watches of the brand with the well-known logo, the Greek "Pi", enjoy a good reputation.
Even during the quartz crisis in 1970, the company remains faithful to the principle of the purely mechanical watch and sees no need for a change.
The temporarily shut brand has been revived in 2005. The current models can be described as low-priced. They are named Arabesque, Observer, Commander, Air Command, Calendar Flight and Ocean Drive. Their design is inspired by the well-known historical models of the brand. Today still Swiss movements are used, while the final assembly and regulation of the watches takes place in Germany.
Address
Pierce 1883 Repräsentanzkontor Europe
Demminer Str. 23
D-17159 Dargun
Tel. (+49) 039959-173-00