Blancpain is the world’s oldest Swiss watch brand, founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the Swiss Jura. The company has remained innovative and surprising over the years, consistently reinventing itself and making countless contributions to the field of watchmaking.

With an eye on the traditions of the past and the other firmly on the future, Blancpain continues to suppose expectations and delight collectors worldwide.

In 1932, the Blancpain family ceased involvement with the company bearing their name. The Blancpain company was then sold to Betty Fiechter and André Léal, two former members of staff at Blancpain. At the time, legal requirements dictated that companies had to change their names when there was no longer any family involvement. Thus was born the Rayville brand.

In 1962, Blancpain joined SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère), a group of watchmakers that included Lemania, Omega and Tissot. During this time, Blancpain produced significant volumes of watches with annual sales reaching 220,000 units in 1971.

However, quartz watches spelled the end of mechanical watches. Many companies suffered financially and had to dispose of assets. It was during this time that SSIH reduced the production capacity and disposed of assets.

In 1982, Fréderic Piguet, who was already a prominent manufacturer of high-quality movements, acquired the name Rayville-Blancpain from SSIH. The following year, under the direction of Jacques Piguet (who was not related to Fréderic), Blancpain was established as a separate company.