History

1911

• Foundation of EBEL by Eugène Blum and his wife Alice Lévy in La Chaux-de-Fonds on July 15, 1911.

1912

• Launch of the first EBEL wristwatch.

1914

• Gold medal at the National Exhibition in Bern for patented EBEL ring watches with lever escapement and hidden time-setting.
• From the very beginning, Alice Lévy takes EBEL into the universe of Haute Joaillerie.

1925

• “Diplôme Commémoratif de Grand Prix” in the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” in Paris for Haute Joaillerie Art Déco wristwatches made in platinum with onyx, baguette-cut diamonds and emeralds.

1929

• Charles-Eugène Blum, the founder’s son, joins the company. He will be instrumental in developing the brand’s excellence in quality and precision.
• Diploma of honor at the Barcelona World Exposition.

1935

• EBEL becomes the first Swiss watchmaker to introduce the “Western Electric” precision and quality control standards. Heir to the Western Electric System, the Vibrograph accurately tests and measures a movement’s precision.

1937

• “Diplôme d’Art et technique” in Paris.

1939-45

• EBEL serves as official watch supplier to the Royal Air Force (Bristish Army).

1952

• Videomatic watch, one of the first automatic “à retort” movements.

1954

• Châtelaine watch, splendid watch inspired by the original design of the “Châtelaine” belt.

1957

• Creation of the “Communauté d’Horlogerie de Précision”, of which Charles Blum was a key promoter.

1964

• “Premier Prix” at the Swiss National Exhibition in the jewelry watch category with a creation called Lune Etoilée.

1970

• Pierre-Alain Blum, Charles’ son, joins the company. Under his charismatic leadership, EBEL becomes a world reference in watch-making.

1977

• Launch of the emblematic Sport Classic collection.

1980's

• EBEL introduces its emblematic signature: “The Architects of Time”.

1982

• EBEL revives the trend for automatic chronograph with the Chrono-Sport.

1980-90

• Convinced of the powerful impact of sports on brand image, EBEL enlists the endorsement of well-known brand ambassadors from the world of sport such as Andre Agassi, Stefan Edberg, Colin Montgomerie, Boris Becker, Yannick Noah, Pirmin Zurbriggen and Alain Prost.
• EBEL is the title sponsor of many sport competitions such as the EBEL European Masters in Crans-Montana, the Davis Cup and various other ATP tournaments.
• Demonstrating a commitment to the arts, represented by such talented figures as Leonard Bernstein and Barbara Hendricks, EBEL established a distinguished presence in cultural circles.

1984

• Launch of the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph driven by Caliber 136
• Launch of the Discovery

1985

• Launch of the Beluga collection exclusively in gold.

1986

• Launch of the 1911 line.
• 75^th Anniversary of EBEL: EBEL acquires and renovates the Villa Turque, built in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1917 by Le Corbusier.
• EBEL obtains a patent for the double folding clasp on leather strap.

1989

• Launch of the Voyager

1991

• Launch of the Beluga Lichine
• Advertising campaign – Sharon Stone
• Advertising campaign – Michael Stich

1992

• Advertising campaign – John Malkovitch

1993

• Launch of the Sportwave
• Launch of the Lichine Tonneau

1995

• Launch of the Automatic Chronograph EBEL proprietary movement Caliber 137
• Launch of the Beluga Carrée

1996

• Launch of the Sport Classic
• Launch of the Dresswave / Launch of the Shanta

1997

• Launch of the Sportwave

1998

• Launch of the Beluga Manchette
• Advertising campaign – Madonna
• Advertising campaign – Harrison Ford

1999

• Launch of the Satya
• Launch of the E-Type

2001

• Launch of the Classic Wave.

2002

• Launch of the “Gems of the Ocean” Haute joaillerie collection (EBEL re-launches its activities in the Haute Joaillerie segment, offering a glittering universe of precious materials and exclusive refinement)
• Launch of the Beluga Tonneau.

2003

• Launch of the "Gems of the Night" Haute joaillerie collection
• Launch of the 1911 La Carrée
• Launch of the Tarawa.

2004

• Movado Group, chaired by Mr. Efraim Grinberg acquires EBEL.
• Advertising campaign featuring Claudia Schiffer, the new face of EBEL (launch in September 2004).

2005

• Launch of the Ebellissimo.
• Launch of the New EBEL Classic

2006

• Reviving and reinforcing its historically proven competence in the field of mechanical horology, EBEL develops two new proprietary movements within its workshops: The Perpetual Calendar Caliber 288 and GMT Caliber 240.
• Twenty years after introducing their emblematic 1911 collection, EBEL presents 1911 BTR, embodying its mastery of design and technology.
• Launch of the Brasilia, a youthful and spontaneous watch brimming with positive energy and joie de vivre.
• 1911 BTR Perpetual Calendar wins the watch of the Year Public Prize organized in Lausanne by Montre Passion magazine.
• Advertising campaign with Gisele Bundchen, the new face of EBEL.

2007

• Launch of the 1911 BTR Chronograph EBEL proprietary movement Caliber 139
• EBEL receives the Special Prize for Technology for its Caliber 137 at the "Goldene Unruh" awards on March 1^st in Stuttgart, Germany.
• Launch of the EBEL Classic Hexagon
• Launch of the 1911 Discovery, the naturally born sports watch

2008

• Launch of the new Beluga, the quintessence of femininity.
• Launch of the Tekton collection, the most prestigious and engineered 1911 models.
• EBEL becomes the official Timing Partner for the Arsenal FC Bayern Munich, Ajax Amsterdam and Glasgow Rangers football clubs.

2009

• EBEL becomes the official Timing Partner for Olympique Lyonnais and Real Madrid.
• Launch of the new Beluga Tonneau.

2010

• Launch of the “imprint of time” advertising campaign
• launch of the EBEL Classic Sport