News LVMH Acquires Swiss Clockmaker L’Épée 1839

LVMH announces the acquisition of L’Epée 1839, a prestigious Swiss manufacturer of high-end clocks and authentic ‘objets d’art’. and the winner of Mechanical Clock Prize In GPHG 2023, L'Epée 1839, Time Fast II Chrome

In a move taken by the CEO of the Watch Division of the LVMH Group, Frédéric Arnault, to strengthen the group’s share in the field of watchmaking. The French group announced its acquisition of Swiza, the parent company of the L’Epée 1839 factory.

When it was founded by Auguste L’Epée in the 19th century, the company initially specialised in the manufacture of watch components and was a pioneer in the production of music boxes. It then evolved to develop a range of cutting-edge timepieces, firstly by producing carriage clocks appreciated by travelling officers, and then, over the course the 20th century, by expanding its range of exclusive clocks. This evolution has enabled the company to distinguish itself through its many technical and technological innovations.

Based in Delémont, in the Swiss Jura, L’Epée 1839 has been perpetuating exceptional watchmaking expertise for 185 years, crafting creations that have been conceived, developed and produced in-house. Now specialising in clocks, the company is recognised for its unrivalled expertise and its unique creative vision in combining form and function.

More recently, L’Epée 1839 has forged prestigious and creative partnerships with several luxury and watchmaking Maisons with a view to creating exceptional timepieces. Numerous projects have been launched with LVMH Group Maisons, including Tiffany, which presented a carriage clock in the shape of the first Formula 1 cars from the 1950s, to mark the reopening of its historic boutique on 5th Avenue in New York in 2023. Louis Vuitton also called on the expertise of the craftsmen at L’Epée 1839 to create a hot-air balloon, a symbol regularly used by the Maison.

Today, the production of these unique timepieces brings together a wide range of professions, craftsmen and savoir-faire: more than 80 designers, engineers, watchmakers, mechanics and employees work alongside Arnaud Nicolas, CEO and Creative Director, and will continue to bring their skills, know-how and motivation to all our current and future customers.

LVMH's strategy, initiated years ago to become a leader in the luxury watch industry, is clearly advancing. We have also discussed management changes and numerous previous acquisitions, the latest of which have been fueled by rumors about the French group’s attempt to acquire the watch division of the Richemont Group.

This strategic approach is achieving significant results so far, as evidenced by the success of Louis Vuitton watches. The notable return of the Tambour collection, and Louis Vuitton's latest release, was the Escale collection, which received great acclaim due to its distinctive design and craftsmanship that the company demonstrated in these watches. Waiting for what the group will do in the coming days.

For more information, please visit the official LVMH website.