Swiss watch brand
Epos: history, models and value
Epos is a small, family-owned Swiss brand that makes mechanical watches with modified standard movements. Here is what you should know if you own one.
- Founded
- 1983
- Founder(s)
- Peter Hofer, Erna Hofer
- Headquarters
- Lengnau
- Owner / group
- Independent (Chonge-Forster family)
Epos: origins and founding
Epos traces its roots to James Aubert SA, a watch company founded by James Aubert in the Vallée de Joux in 1925. That firm went bankrupt during the quartz crisis. In 1983 Peter Hofer and his wife Erna used its remaining assets to start Epos. At a time when much of the industry turned to quartz, they chose to focus on mechanical watches.
Founders and family
Peter Hofer led the company until 2002, when Ursula Forster and her husband Tamdi Chonge took over as owners and directors. In 2014 their son Singi Chonge became chairman of the board. Epos is still run by the Chonge-Forster family.
Epos history and milestones
- 1925: James Aubert founds his company in the Vallée de Joux.
- 1970s: James Aubert SA goes bankrupt in the quartz crisis.
- 1983: Peter Hofer starts Epos with the remaining assets.
- 2002: the Chonge-Forster family takes over.
- 2010: the Epos 3400, using two separate mechanical movements to show a second time zone with a reversed 24-hour display.
- 2017: the 3435 "Verso", built on a Unitas 6497 hand-wound movement turned around so the movement shows on the dial side.
Famous Epos models
Epos sorts its watches into collections:
- Originale: skeleton watches that show decorated automatic movements.
- Oeuvre d'Art: complications such as large moon phases and jumping hours.
- Sportive: dive and sports watches, some rated to 500 meters with helium valves.
- Emotion, Passion, Sophistiquée: classic and dress watches.
- Pocket watches: Epos still makes mechanical pocket watches.
Movements and technique
Epos does not make its own base movements. It uses calibres from ETA, Sellita and Unitas and modifies, decorates or skeletonizes them, sometimes adding its own complications. This keeps prices accessible while still offering mechanical watches with visible, finished movements.
Epos today
Epos Uhren AG is based in Lengnau, near Biel, and all watches are made there. It is independent and family-owned, and sits in the accessible mid-price segment for mechanical watches.
Epos prices on the pre-owned market
Epos is a niche brand, so used watches usually sell well below their original price. Models with interesting complications or skeleton movements, such as the 3400 or the Verso, attract more interest than simple three-hand watches. Mechanical condition, a recent service, and box and papers matter for resale.
How to recognise a genuine Epos
Epos is rarely faked. Check that the movement visible through the caseback or dial matches the model description, that the finishing is clean, and that the caseback engravings and papers fit the watch. See our guide on how to spot a fake watch for more checks.
What is your Epos worth?
Take a few clear photos of the dial, caseback and papers to get a free watch value estimate. If you need a written document for an estate or insurance, ask for a watch appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Epos a good watch brand?
Epos is a small, independent Swiss maker based in Lengnau. It uses ETA, Sellita and Unitas movements that it modifies and decorates, and sells mechanical watches at accessible prices.
Does Epos make its own movements?
No. Epos uses base calibres from ETA, Sellita and Unitas, then modifies, decorates or skeletonizes them and sometimes adds its own complications.
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