Milestones in West End Watches’ history

Milestones in West End Watches’ history

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Join us as we delve into the rich history of watchmaking, exploring how a passion for craftsmanship can evolve into a lasting legacy.

Our star today is West End Watch Co. with its long and distinguished history in the world of Swiss watchmaking, particularly marked by innovation, craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to quality. Established in the late 19th century, West End has evolved into a prominent player among Swiss watch brands, known for its waterproof and luxury sports watches.

West End Watch Co. represents a rich legacy in Swiss watchmaking. From its early days in the 1880s to its current status as a leader in high-end watches, the brand has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation. 

This blog post delves into the significant milestones that have shaped West End Watches, highlighting its remarkable journey in the watch industry.

The roots of West End Watches

In the 1880s, the roots of West End Watches can be traced back to the establishment of Alcide Droz & Sons in St-Imier, Switzerland. This company developed the first attested waterproof watch, "L’Imperméable," which can be seen today at the International Watch Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Major milestones

1880s-1900s: West End Watch Co. was founded by Alcide Droz & Sons, becoming known for producing waterproof watches like “L’Imperméable” and distributing watches for Indian railways.

1910s-1920s: During World War I, West End provided wristwatches for the British Indian Army. The sub-brand "Sowar" was registered, and by the 1920s, West End was the largest Swiss watch brand in India.


1930s-1950s: The brand introduced key innovations such as the Incabloc® anti-shock system and Taubert-Borgel steel cases. West End watches accompanied explorers like Ella Maillart and reached the top of Mount Everest in 1960.


1970s-1990s: The company reached peak production, celebrating 100 years of activity and launching the "Sowar 2000" model in 1996


2000s-Present: West End was relocated to the Swiss Alps, celebrated 75 years in Kuwait, expanded its production capabilities, and introduced luxury collections such as the "Queen Anne" and the "New Impermeable."

So this is the tale of this remarkable watchmaking legacy. This dedication is still going strong today, as West End Watch Co. continues to innovate and produce luxury Swiss watches, proudly reflecting its rich heritage while appealing to modern watch enthusiasts. The brand remains a symbol of quality and precision in the competitive watch market.

In summary, West End Watch Co. boasts a remarkable history filled with significant milestones that have established it as a leader in the Swiss watch industry. From its pioneering waterproof designs to its contributions during global events, West End remains committed to excellence. Explore the exquisite collection of West End watches to find a timepiece that embodies this rich legacy.