Aerowatch: history, models and value

Founded

1910

Founder(s)

Gutmann family

Headquarters

Saignelégier

Owner / group

Independent (Bolzli family)

Aerowatch: origins and founding

Aerowatch was founded in 1910 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, according to WatchTime by the Gutmann family. The name was chosen in the early days of aviation. The company started with pocket watches and pendant watches, not wristwatches. Early advertising showed flat pocket watches with a biplane circling the Eiffel Tower.

Founders and family

In 1942 Maxime Crevoisier took over the company and moved it to Neuchâtel. His son Georges Crevoisier led Aerowatch for decades before handing it over to Denis Bolzli in 2001. Today the Bolzli family runs the business: Adeline, Fred-Eric and Jean-Sébastien Bolzli share administration, product development and sales.

Aerowatch history and milestones

• 1910: founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
• World War I: the young company struggled to survive.
• 1942: takeover by Maxime Crevoisier, move to Neuchâtel, focus on pocket and pendant watches.
• 2001: Denis Bolzli takes over; wristwatch production is expanded.
• 2005: move to Le Noirmont.
• 2008: move to Saignelégier, into a 19th-century building with a modern workshop.

Famous Aerowatch models

• Pocket watches: Lépine (open face) and Savonnette (hunter) models, including skeleton versions.
• 1942: retro-styled watches inspired by the brand's historical pieces, including chronographs and a moon phase chronograph.
• Les Grandes Classiques: dress watches and the Pilote chronograph.
• Renaissance: skeleton watches.
• Streamline: tonneau-shaped cases.

Movements and technique

Aerowatch uses Swiss movements from outside suppliers and decorates many of them itself, especially for skeleton models. Typical calibres are the hand-wound ETA 6497/6498 (Unitas type), Sellita SW200 and SW500 automatics, the ETA/Valjoux 7750 chronograph and quartz movements from Ronda or ETA.

Aerowatch today

Aerowatch is independent and family-owned, based in Saignelégier in the canton of Jura. It positions itself in the accessible mid-range: Swiss Made mechanical watches, many of them skeletonized, at moderate prices. It is one of the few brands that still makes a full range of pocket watches.

Aerowatch prices on the pre-owned market

Pre-owned Aerowatch pieces usually sell well below their original retail price. Mechanical models, especially skeleton watches, hand-wound pocket watches and chronographs with the Valjoux 7750, are easier to sell than quartz models. Limited editions, a complete box and papers and an untouched condition help. Older pocket watches signed Aerowatch are valued mostly by condition, case metal and movement.

How to recognise a genuine Aerowatch

Aerowatch is not a frequent target for counterfeiters. Check that dial, caseback and movement are consistent: the brand name and "Swiss Made" on the dial, a reference number on the caseback, and the expected movement type behind the display back. On skeleton models, look for even, clean decoration. For general checks see how to spot a fake watch.

What is your Aerowatch worth?

Take photos of the front, back and movement and use our free watch value estimate to get a first idea. For an estate, a divorce or insurance, you can also get a written watch appraisal.

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