Duchess Sophia Frederica of Mecklenburg- Schwerin, pocket watch collector. Circa 1765.

BRENZIKOFER, Circa 1830.

In the history of horology, watchmakers first located in Germany, France and Switzerland - areas with wealthy princes, aristocrats and merchants who were prepared to pay for the precious timepieces. To come up with business trend, The BRENZIKOFER Family relocate their production line from Niederhūnigen to Tavannes, Switzerland in 1682.

Due to shortages of natural resources, high altitude and cold weather, Tavannes was poorly suited for agriculture. On the contrary, it attracted more and more watchmakers to move in and turned this little town into watch manufacturing center. Business went through and The BRENZIKOFER Family became one of the biggest names in Switzerland in 18th century - they even engaged in local politics.

The break out of World War I in 1914 causing economy collapsed all across Europe. People were exhausted and the countries were devastated. In the wake of the end of World War I, although the economy was broken, people found hope and courage for a better future.

Like many other businesses, The BRENZIKOFER Family restarted the watch business after the war. Due to the improvements in cost-saving production, as well as the culture of accurate time keeping, watches changed from being luxury items into everyday essentials. In view of this, BRENZIKOFER's descendants brothers Robert and René started to work together, founded a new company by using their family name: "BRENZIKOFER FRERES". The company had its location near the train station at rue du Quai 8, Tavannes in 1918.