Swiss watch brand
Emile Chouriet: history, models and value
Emile Chouriet is a young Geneva watch brand that borrows the name of an old Geneva watchmaker. Here is what you should know if you own one.
- Founded
- 1997
- Founder(s)
- Jean Depéry
- Headquarters
- Geneva
Emile Chouriet: origins and founding
The brand was founded in Geneva by Jean Depéry. Sources give the founding year as 1997 or 1998. It is a modern company: it does not continue an old firm, but takes its name from a historical watchmaker.
That historical Emile Chouriet was, according to the brand's story, a watchmaker who left France for Geneva for religious reasons and set up a workshop there. Depéry's ancestor François Dagobert Depéry, a master watchmaker in Challex just across the French border, supplied parts to that workshop.
Founders and family
Jean Depéry was born in Geneva in 1949 and trained as an engineer in microtechnology. Before starting the brand he worked on micro-motors for quartz watches. His family's watchmaking roots go back to around 1700. Patrick Jaton later joined as CEO.
Emile Chouriet history and milestones
- Late 1990s: brand founded in Geneva.
- 2011: new premises in the Zimeysa industrial area outside central Geneva, bringing operations under one roof. China was by far the largest market at the time.
- Mid-2010s: the brand presented a minute repeater, the Wisdom, and developed its first in-house calibres.
Famous Emile Chouriet models
Many Emile Chouriet watches have stepped, wing-shaped lugs inspired by the brand's winged emblem. Collections and models include:
- Les Ailes du Temps: the line built around the wing-shaped lugs.
- Catch The Moon: moon and day/night displays.
- Lac Léman: classic men's watches, including a COSC-certified chronometer from 2020 with calibre EC9312, based on the ETA 2892.
- Royal Pearl, Fair Lady and Lady Tahiti: women's watches.
Emile Chouriet today
Emile Chouriet is based in Geneva, with its manufacture in the canton of Geneva. It sits in the entry-to-mid luxury segment, selling mechanical and quartz watches, and China has long been its most important market.
Emile Chouriet prices on the pre-owned market
Emile Chouriet is little known on the Western second-hand market, so demand is limited and resale prices are usually well below retail. Mechanical models, chronometers, gold cases and complications such as the minute repeater are the most interesting. A complete set with box, papers and warranty card helps a lot, because buyers know the brand less well.
How to recognise a genuine Emile Chouriet
Look for the winged lug design, clean dial printing, and engravings on the caseback that match the model and reference. Ask for the warranty card. General advice is in our guide on how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Emile Chouriet worth?
Photograph the dial, caseback and papers and you will get a free watch value estimate within minutes. For an estate or an insurance policy, you can order a signed watch appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emile Chouriet an old watch brand?
No. The brand was founded in Geneva in the late 1990s by Jean Depéry. It takes its name from a historical watchmaker whose workshop Depéry's ancestor supplied with parts.
Where are Emile Chouriet watches made?
Emile Chouriet is based in Geneva and has its manufacture in the canton of Geneva.
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