Editorial A Journey Through Time, Armand Nicolet

In the realm of luxury timepieces, Armand Nicolet emerges as an iconic brand synonymous with high quality. Boasting a rich legacy spanning over a century, this Swiss watchmaker has cemented its reputation as a purveyor of extraordinary watches that seamlessly marry traditional artistry with contemporary innovation. Originating in Tramelan, Switzerland, in 1875—a quaint town nestled in the Bernese Jura region—Armand Nicolet was born from the vision of a watchmaker's son, established his Atelier d'Horlogerie.

In 1902 he affirmed his technical maturity by producing a pocket watch with a beautiful guilloché rose gold case, enamel dial, single button chronograph function, complete calendar, and a minute repeater for the hours, quarter hours and minutes.

During this period, Armand Nicolet honed his technical prowess through significant studies on design, which would profoundly shape his subsequent endeavors. The enduring hallmark of quality and precision found in Nicolet SA's museum serves as a testament to his legacy. Upon his passing in 1939, his son Willy assumed stewardship of the family enterprise, propelling its growth into one of the foremost production facilities in the region.

In 1987, serendipity brought Willy Nicolet and Mr. Rolando Braga together, an Italian entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the watch industry. This fateful encounter marked the genesis of a strategic collaboration, merging Switzerland's exceptional technical prowess with Italian creativity. The brand gained a good reputation for producing high-quality timepieces, and by the early 20th century, it had become a respected name in the world of Swiss watchmaking.

The O.H.M. (Original Historical Movement) process epitomizes Armand Nicolet's distinctive approach to watchmaking, distinguishing it from other brands in the industry. This technique involves restoring and enhancing vintage or historical watch movements. By blending the elegance of the past with cutting-edge technology and quality craftsmanship, Armand Nicolet creates exceptional timepieces that embody the perfect fusion of heritage and innovation. 

The process begins with the acquisition of old movements (such as UNITAS, Venus, ETA, Peseux, FHF etc…) and bringing them back to a new life, often sourced from old Swiss watchmakers or collectors. These movements are then carefully disassembled, cleaned, and inspected to ensure they are in good condition. Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with new components, and the movement is reassembled by skilled watchmakers.

Once the movement has been restored to its former glory, it is paired with a new case, dial, and hands to create a fully functional watch. The result is a timepiece that combines the charm of a vintage movement with the reliability and precision of modern watchmaking. The O.H.M. Process not only allows Armand Nicolet to create unique and limited-edition timepieces but also helps to preserve the heritage and history of Swiss watchmaking. Each O.H.M. watch is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, and each timepiece is delivered with its individual International Warranty Certificate and also a Certificate of Authenticity.

For more information please visit Armand Nicolet’s website.