Alfio Pennisi, Luxury Watch Retail Made in Bienne

April 7, 2023

When walking in front of Jacques Tissot, on Bienne’s pedestrian Rue de Nidau, you could think for a moment you are strolling down the Champs-Elysées or 5th Avenue.

Continue Reading

Charles-Louis Muri, 40 Years Selling Watches, from Bienne to the World

March 11, 2023

25 years ago today, Charles-Louis Muri opened his magnificent vintage watch and clock boutique, in the Bienne Old Town. 15 years before that, he had started his trade on the same street, Rue Basse, just a few meters away. Even if Mr Muri

Continue Reading

Celebrating 40 Years of Swatch with the Author of “Stay Tuned To Swatch”

March 1, 2023

As Swatch's 40th birthday was approaching, I started to think of what to do on this blog. I knew I had to do something. I almost felt pressured to, with people asking me what I was planning. Of course, I didn't mind, on

Continue Reading

A Week in the Pocket with the New Hamilton Railroad Watch

January 30, 2023

I usually don't write watch reviews on this blog for a number of reasons. The main one is that Made in Bienne is first and foremost about what's "behind the watch": the people, the places, the history. Today though, I'm making an exception.

Continue Reading

JFK’s Inauguration Watch at the Omega Museum

January 20, 2023

When writing a new blog post, I always try to look for a catchy title. Not clickbait, of course, but something that briefly summarizes why, in my humble opinion, it’s worth taking a few minutes to read it. That usually implies correlating the

Continue Reading

From Bienne to Your Dream Watch with Miguel Bolea

January 8, 2023

Every time I think I’ve just about seen it all in the world of Bienne watchmaking, someone proves me wrong. Miguel Bolea did just that. He is the founder of DYW Bespoke. DYW stands for “Develop Your Watch”.

Continue Reading

From Lancaster to Bienne, Hamilton Turns 130

December 15, 2022

In Switzerland, Biel/Bienne is known for its diversity. A German and French bilingual town, within commute distance to Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and Bern, it hosts people from all across the country. Walking down the streets

Continue Reading

From Rolex Hairsprings to French Pastries, Charlotte Ernandez Shows a Delicate Taste of Bienne

November 23, 2022

“Charlotte’s” quickly became my go-to bakery in Bienne when it opened 2 years ago. And while the fantastic St Honorés and pear tarts are the reasons I keep coming back, I must confess I was often intrigued

Continue Reading

How It Took Rolex a Century to Own Its Movement Manufacture

November 17, 2022

I know, it sounds odd: Rolex is renowned for doing just about everything in-house. Yet, the brand with the crown only acquired the company that makes all its movements in 2004. This post, itself based on

Continue Reading

Vintage Speedmaster Trends: an Interview with Julien Vallon

November 15, 2022

Julien Vallon likes to fly under the radar. But those who know Swiss watchmaking circles are well aware of his role as one of its important players. Like both sides of the Moon, but without a dark one, Vallon runs two distinct

Continue Reading