Swiss watch brand
Delma: history, models and value
Delma is an independent, family-owned watch company from Lengnau near Biel, best known for its dive watches. Here is a short guide for owners.
- Founded
- 1924
- Founder(s)
- Adolf and Albert Gilomen
- Headquarters
- Lengnau
- Owner / group
- Independent (Wüthrich family)
Delma: origins and founding
The company was founded in 1924 by the brothers Adolf and Albert Gilomen as A. & A. Gilomen S.A. in Lengnau, a village near Biel/Bienne. Delma was the name of one of its first four models.
Founders and family
After the Gilomen brothers, the company was taken over by Ulrich Wüthrich and a partner, and in 1966 it was renamed Delma Watch Ltd. Today the brand says it is run by the second and third generations of the Wüthrich family.
Delma history and milestones
- 1946: first chronograph, the Midland, in 18k gold.
- 1954: a steel racing chronograph with Valjoux 7736 movement.
- 1969: the Periscope, Delma's first watch with increased water resistance.
- 1975: the Shell Star and Quattro professional dive watches.
- 1981: the Shark, with a rectangular case and octagonal dial.
- 1991: the Klondike, later remade in steel (2004).
- 2011 onward: the Blue Shark divers; the Blue Shark IV (2023) is rated to 5,000 meters.
- 2024: 100th anniversary.
Famous Delma models
- Shell Star – the classic Delma diver since 1975, updated in 2016 with a helium valve and 500 m water resistance.
- Blue Shark – extreme-depth divers.
- Quattro – a 1970s diver relaunched in 2022 with an automatic movement.
- Periscope, Midland chronographs, Klondike and the sailing-themed Oceanmaster.
Delma today
Delma is still independent and family-owned, based in Lengnau. It makes Swiss Made automatic and quartz watches, with movements from Swiss suppliers, assembled in its own workshop. The range covers diving, racing, aviation, dress and ladies' watches.
Delma prices on the pre-owned market
Most pre-owned Delma watches sell well below their retail price. Automatic divers such as the Shell Star and Blue Shark are the easiest to sell; quartz and dress models fetch less. Vintage Delma pieces, such as old chronographs or 1970s divers, interest some collectors, but value depends heavily on originality and condition. Box, papers and the original bracelet help.
How to recognise a genuine Delma
Delma is not a common target for fakes. Check that the dial says "Swiss Made", the printing is clean, and the caseback shows the Delma name, a model reference and water-resistance rating. On vintage pieces, a watchmaker can confirm that the movement and dial are original. More tips: how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Delma worth?
Curious about your Delma? Upload a few photos for our free watch value estimate. If you need a signed document for an estate or insurance, ask for a watch appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Delma a good watch brand?
Delma is a long-established, family-owned Swiss brand from Lengnau, founded in 1924. It is known especially for its dive watches, such as the Shell Star and Blue Shark.
How much is a Delma Shell Star worth?
It depends on the version, movement and condition. Automatic Shell Stars with box, papers and the original bracelet sell best, but most pre-owned pieces go for well under retail.
Who owns Delma?
Delma is independent and family-owned. The Wüthrich family took over the company from the founding Gilomen brothers and renamed it Delma Watch Ltd. in 1966.
Find out what your watch is worth
Upload a photo and get a free estimate in about a minute. No sign-up needed.