Dufaux Lutz
The Geneva balance spring factory of Dufaux Lutz et Fils was originated by J.-S. (or J.-C.) Lutz (1800-1864) who invented a method of quenching steel to make it more durable and better for use in springs. It was continued by his daughter Emma Dufaux (1824-?), first as Lutz & Fils and later as Dufaux Lutz & Fils. The company would take the name of Charles Dufaux in the 1890s and was a founding member of the FSR cartel in 1895.
Timeline
- 1851 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the London exposition
- 1855 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris
- 1856 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the Geneva exposition
- 1857 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the Berne exposition
- 1860 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the Besançon exposition
- 1867 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the Paris exposition
- 1871 - Gentil-Lutz, maker of balance springs, is listed at Nant 433, Servette, Geneva
- 1873 - Lutz springs receive a medal at the Vienna exposition
- 1875 - Dufaux Lutz et Fils, maker of balance springs, is listed at Route de Lausanne in Geneva; an advertisement shows "Spiraux Lutz" and claims that the company is the successor to Lutz & Fils
- 1878 - Lutz springs receive top recognition at the Universal Exposition in Paris and is the spring used by the top winners at the Geneva Observatory
- 1883 - The company is known as "Charles Dufaux Successeur de Dufaux Lutz & Fils"; Charles Henri Dufaux of Geneva, living in Prieuré, is the head
- 1885 - Lutz springs win at Concours Chronométrique in Geneva
- 1892 - The Lutz brand is officially registered by Charles Dufaux
- 1895 - The company is merged into FSR with Charles Dufaux joining the board
- 1898 - Charles Dufaux and Louis-Georges Sandoz found a company to sell velocipedes
- 1907 - The firm of Charles Dufaux is officially deleted
- 1912 - The Lutz brand is officially registered by FSR