The Zentler brothers, Jules and Paul, were French born but raised in Geneva. They began their life of horology by apprenticing at Sordet, an escapement maker in the Vallee du Joux and grew to appreciate fine movements with amazing complications. With the experience they each gained at Sordet, they soon founded an association with Jean Etienne Dufour which later led to founding their own manufacture: “Zentler Freres” in 1874.
Zentler Freres quickly grew to become a celebrated Swiss manufacture when in only 3 years, they won their first prestigious awards, a silver medal and a second bronze medal at the 1877 Geneva Observatory Chronometer Contest. The following year, in 1878, Zentler Freres won a silver medal for Horology at the Paris universal Exhibition. Zentler Freres continued to prove their reputation for fine watches (both simple and complicated) by winning the following awards:
1882: First Prize: Geneva Observatory (for a group of 5 watches presented)
1883: First Prize: Geneva Observatory (pocket chronometer)
1885, 1887: First Prize: Geneva Observatory
1891: First Prize: Geneva Observatory (pallets/lever made of aluminum-bronze, Palladium hairspring and nickel-steel balance)
1892: First Prize: Geneva Observatory (watch with balance made of aluminum alloy)
Soon after the passing of Jules Zentler, the company became “Zentler & CIE” with Charles Barbier. Paul Zentler retired in 1909, just a year prior to his passing.
2007: One of the most prestigious auction houses in the world sold an 18k pink gold, Hunter case pocketwatch for a staggering $48,000, which was $36,000 more than their highest pre-auction estimation. This elegant pocketwatch displayed complications such as: two-train minute repeating chronograph, keyless-lever with both Grande and Petite Sonnerie (two gongs). Time was displayed on an elegant white enamel dial.
2015: Zentler Freres has been revived, and while the focus remains on creating fine timepieces both simple and complicated, we are breathing new life into the designs. The Swiss quality remains and we are proud to re-introduce the brand to the world with a collection of classic statements.