The story behind Gigandet

About Us

we want to develop and manufacture

the most technically advanced

and beautiful watches at an affordable price.

Foundation

The story of the Charles Gigandet brand begins on February 2, 1926, with the official registration of the RIGI trademark in the Swiss trademark register. Founded by Charles Gigandet and Rieger in the Jura town of Tramelan, RIGI was a reflection of its founders’ deep connection to the long-standing Swiss watchmaking tradition. Registered under the name Rieder & Gigandet / Gigandet-Rieder & Cie. SA, the brand became part of the Rigis watch factory, which specialized in crafting high-quality timepieces and precise watch movements. The original registration documents are preserved at the Archives de l’Horlogerie in Biel/Bienne.

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Gigandet: traditionsreiche Marke heute!

Die Firma Charles Gigandet S.A. wurde nach dem 2. Weltkrieg in der Schweiz gegründet. Der Vertrieb der Uhren war vor allem in den USA und Europa erfolgreich. Um die Jahre 1970/80 ist der Markt für mechanische Uhren zusammengebrochen, bedingt durch die erfolgreiche Einführung auch hochwertiger Quarzuhren.

In der Folge musste Gigandet die Produktion einstellen und die Firma wurde aufgegeben. Seit dem Jahr 2009 lassen Hans Meeder und Christian Schmitt die Traditionsmarke Gigandet wieder aufleben.

Heute werden die Philosophie und die Formensprache der früheren Uhren von Gigandet fortgeführt und behutsam und mit Detailkenntnis für die Zukunft weiter entwickelt.

Gigandet: traditional brand today!

The company Charles Gigandet S.A. was founded in Switzerland after World War 2. The distribution of the watches was successful, especially in the USA and Europe. Around 1970/80 the market for mechanical watches collapsed, due to the successful introduction of high quality quartz watches as well.

As a result, Gigandet had to stop production and the company was abandoned. Since the year 2009 Hans Meeder and Christian Schmitt let the Traditional brand Gigandet revive.

Today, the philosophy and design language of Gigandet's earlier watches are continued and carefully developed for the future with attention to detail.

A coincidence? the story!

For more than 30 years, everything for the founders Christian Schmitt and Hans Meeder has revolved around their passion UHR. As chance would have it, Hans Meeder got his hands on a gift from his uncle from 1976, complete with the original invoice, at just the right time: It was a beautiful Gigandet sports watch with the typical design of the 70s.

The discovery did not let Hans Meeder go. Subsequent research revealed that Gigandet watches had disappeared from the market.

A coincidence? the story!

For more than 30 years, everything for the founders Christian Schmitt and Hans Meeder has revolved around their passion UHR. As chance would have it, Hans Meeder got his hands on a gift from his uncle from 1976, complete with the original invoice, at just the right time: It was a beautiful Gigandet sports watch with the typical design of the 70s.

The discovery did not let Hans Meeder go. Subsequent research revealed that Gigandet watches had disappeared from the market.

Passion watches: Made in Germany!

Her flair for brands, fashion and trends, her passion for timepieces, together with her experience for technology and distribution led her to the decision to revive the Gigandet brand.

Their mission: the development of away from the masses - authentic lifestyle included.

Passion watches: Made in Germany!

Her flair for brands, fashion and trends, her passion for timepieces, together with her experience for technology and distribution led her to the decision to revive the Gigandet brand.

Their mission: the development of Quality watches with character away from the masses - authentic lifestyle included.