Swiss watch brand
Charles Girardier: history, models and value
Charles Girardier is a small Geneva brand founded in 2018 that makes tourbillon watches with enamel dials. It takes its name from a Geneva watchmaker of the early 19th century, but it is a new company, not a continuation of his workshop.
- Founded
- 2018
- Founder(s)
- Patrick A. Ulm
- Headquarters
- Geneva
- Owner / group
- Independent
Charles Girardier: origins and founding
The brand was created in Geneva in 2018. Its name comes from Charles Girardier "the Elder", a Geneva watchmaker who became a master watchmaker in 1809. He made elaborate pocket watches, and his dials with finely painted scenes became his trademark. The modern brand honours that work, but it has no direct link to his original business.
Founders and family
The founder is Patrick A. Ulm, a Swiss private banker. According to the brand, a Girardier pocket watch he saw at a museum in London inspired him to revive the name.
Charles Girardier history and milestones
- 2018: the brand is founded in Geneva.
- 2020: the Tourbillon Signature Mystérieuse "Fleur de Sel" wins the Ladies' Complication Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
- 2021: the 1809 collection follows, first in 37 mm, then the 41 mm 1809 Cobalt Blue. A unique piece, the 1809 Tribute to Jackson Pollock, is offered at the Only Watch charity auction.
Famous Charles Girardier models
The brand makes only a few models, all built around the same idea: the 1809 collection, with a flying tourbillon, a grand feu enamel dial and the "Signature Mystérieuse". This is a small automaton at 12 o'clock that moves the interlaced initials C and G in a medallion. The brand name itself does not appear on the dial. Clients can order their own initials instead.
Movements and technique
The CG 1809 calibre is an automatic movement with a flying tourbillon and a peripheral winding rotor that runs around the edge of the movement. A separate small weight drives the automaton. The movement is developed and made by the Geneva specialist Timeless.
Charles Girardier today
Charles Girardier is a young, independent brand from Geneva in the haute horlogerie segment, with small production and a focus on enamel and tourbillons.
Charles Girardier prices on the pre-owned market
Charles Girardier watches rarely appear on the pre-owned market, so there are few public reference prices. As with other young independent brands, value depends on the exact model, the precious metal, the condition of the enamel dial, and whether the original box and papers are present. Unique pieces and award-winning models attract the most interest.
How to recognise a genuine Charles Girardier
Genuine pieces have the CG automaton at 12 o'clock and a finely finished grand feu enamel dial. The caseback carries the master's hallmark and the initials CG. Because so few watches exist, ask the brand to confirm the serial number and buy only with full papers. More tips: how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Charles Girardier worth?
Send us photos of the dial, the caseback and the papers for a free watch value estimate. If you need a signed document for insurance or an estate, order a watch appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Charles Girardier an old watch brand?
No. The brand was founded in Geneva in 2018. It is named after Charles Girardier the Elder, who became a master watchmaker in Geneva in 1809, but it is a new company.
Why is there no brand name on a Charles Girardier dial?
The brand uses its "Signature Mystérieuse" instead: a small automaton at 12 o'clock that moves the initials C and G. Clients can also choose their own initials.
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