Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest and most renowned Swiss watch manufacturers with an impressive history dating back to 1791. Here are some special aspects of the company's history:
#1 Early Foundation (1791)
Jean-François Bautte founded a watchmaking workshop in Geneva, which later merged with that of Constant Girard-Perregaux. Girard-Perregaux itself was officially established in 1856.
#2 Pioneer of Haute Horlogerie
The company was known early on for its innovative strength. One of the greatest milestones was the development of the legendary tourbillon with three gold bridges (1867), which is still considered a trademark of Girard-Perregaux today.
#3 Influence on the Wristwatch
In 1880, Girard-Perregaux received an order from the German Navy to manufacture wristwatches for officers – one of the first industrial productions of wristwatches ever.
#4 Technological Innovations
In the 1960s, Girard-Perregaux was a leader in the development of quartz technology. In 1970, the brand presented the first quartz movement with 32,768 Hz, a frequency that is now the standard for quartz watches worldwide.
#5 Exclusive and Limited Models
Girard-Perregaux remains to this day one of the few true watch manufactures that produce almost all components themselves. Their models, such as the Laureato collection or the Bridges Tourbillon, are highly coveted by collectors.
#6 Independence and Tradition
Despite belonging to the Kering Group (until 2022), the brand has preserved its independence and traditional craftsmanship.
Girard-Perregaux stands for exclusive craftsmanship, technical innovation, and a deep-rooted history in watchmaking.
Mimo Watch is a historic Swiss watch brand founded in the early 20th century. Here are some special aspects of the brand:
#1 Foundation and Tradition
Mimo was founded in 1919 in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) and quickly established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality yet affordable watches. The name Mimo stands for "Manufacture Internationale de Montres Or."#2 Connection to Girard-PerregauxA decisive moment in Mimo's history was the takeover by Girard-Perregaux in the 1940s. After the acquisition, Girard-Perregaux used the Mimo brand to launch innovative models, especially in the post-war years.#3 Famous Models & Innovations
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Mimo-Meter: A functional wristwatch with an additional display for various time zones – ideal for travelers.
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Waterproof Models: Mimo was known for robust and waterproof wristwatches aimed at adventurers and athletes.
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Military & Professional Use: During World War II, Mimo supplied watches for the military, which further increased the brand's recognition.#4 Integration into Girard-PerregauxOver time, Mimo was increasingly integrated into Girard-Perregaux. In the 1950s, the name Mimo was gradually replaced by Girard-Perregaux, and the brand largely disappeared. Today, vintage Mimo watches are highly sought after by collectors.
#5 Significance for Watchmaking ArtMimo represents an important transitional period in the history of Swiss watchmaking, when brands developed innovative technologies and adapted to new markets. Many of their models are now considered collectibles.