EB-Bettlach Watch Co.: Swiss Legacy in Ebauche Movement Manufacturing Since 1888
EB-Bettlach Watch Co. (originally Fabrique d’Horlogerie Ed. Kummer SA) is a historic Swiss watch movement manufacturer founded in 1888 by Eduard Kummer in Bettlach, Switzerland, near Grenchen. The company played a pivotal role in producing reliable mechanical watch movements (ébauches) and parts, contributing extensively to Swiss watchmaking across the 20th century.
Key Highlights
Founded: In 1888 by Eduard Kummer in Bettlach, Switzerland, initially specializing in manufacturing rough movements (ébauches) such as pin-lever and Roskopf calibers designed for affordable watches.
Early Production: Began producing parts primarily for pocket watches and gradually expanded into wristwatch components by the 1920s.
Brand Development: Registered multiple brand names (e.g., Ariston in 1897, Inventic in 1915, and Atlantic in 1932). Atlantic became one of their most successful and enduring brand lines for finished watches.
Growth and Workforce: At its peak during World War I (1914-1918), the factory employed over 700 workers, indicating significant production scale and importance.
Financial Challenges and Acquisition: Faced financial difficulties in the late 1920s and early 1930s, leading to acquisition by ASUAG (Allgemeine Schweizerische Uhrenindustrie AG) in 1931.
Division and Legacy: Post-acquisition, the company split into two divisions:
The movement manufacturing side became Ebauches Bettlach by 1937, marked by the EB-shield stamp found on many watch movements thereafter.
The watch production branch continued as Ed. Kummer SA, focusing on the Atlantic brand watches.
Industry Integration: Ebauches Bettlach became a key movement supplier within the Swiss watch industry and was eventually integrated into larger conglomerates like ETA.
Modern Legacy: The Bettlach factory site remains influential as a production site within the ETA ecosystem under the Swatch Group umbrella, continuing a tradition of movement manufacturing.
Why EB-Bettlach Matters
Historic Swiss Ebauche Producer: A cornerstone in producing accessible, reliable Swiss mechanical movements, especially pin-lever and Roskopf calibers.
Innovative Brand Portfolio: Produced both movement blanks and finished watches under multiple trademarked names, most notably Atlantic watches, which continue today.
Industrial Impact: The sizeable factory workforce and production capacity significantly supported Swiss watchmaking through turbulent periods including world wars and economic crises.
Enduring Symbol: The EB-shield hallmark remains a visible legacy on many vintage mechanical watch movements, signifying Bettlach’s influence in Swiss horology.
EB-Bettlach Watch Co. represents over a century of Swiss watch movement craftsmanship, balancing industrial scale with technical precision, and maintaining a lasting heritage in the heart of Swiss watchmaking.