Freco

Freco was the most popular brand of the Frey Watch Co (formerly Frey & Co) of Madretsch near Bienne.

Frey & Cie. was founded on September 1, 1912 by Emile Frey (also called "Emil"), Gottlieb Ruh, and Giacomo Trümpy. The company was located in Madretsch near Bienne, which had previously been the location of Frey's Sigma factory, which was taken over by Péry after it failed in 1905. Emile Frey remained on at Péry until his new company was established. Frey & Cie. focused on watch manufacturing and was located at Nidau-strasse 37. Trümpy, a minor shareholder, died the following year.

The firm registered the brand name Freco almost immediately, along with an irregular four-sided shape that would remain the company's symbol for decades.

Frey & Co. (Frey Watch Co.) was organized as an Aktiengesellschaft on February 12, 1920. Emil Frey and Gottlieb Ruh remained directors of the firm. Ruh resigned from Frey & Co. and his own Roo Watch Co in June 1923, with Emil Frey taking his place in both firms.