Cattin Watch Co.: A Historic Swiss Family Legacy in Watchmaking

The Cattin Watch Company, formally known as Cattin & Cie SA and branded as Montres CATOREX, is a distinguished Swiss watch manufacturer with roots dating back to 1858. Founded by Constant Cattin in Les Breuleux, Switzerland, the company represents six generations of watchmaking heritage deeply embedded in the Jura Mountains, a cradle of Swiss horology.
Key Highlights

Founded: 1858 by Constant Cattin in Les Breuleux, Jura, Switzerland

Family Legacy: Origin traces to Georges Ignace Cattin (born 1785), a master watchmaker and farmer who initiated the watchmaking tradition in the family

Continuity: Owned and managed by the Cattin family for over 160 years across six generations, with Guy Albert Cattin as the current owner

Traditional Craftsmanship: Early generations focused on handmade pocket watches and movements, maintaining artisanal skills despite industrial advances

Location: The company remains headquartered in Les Breuleux, a historic Swiss watchmaking center

Brand Identity: Introduced the CATOREX trademark in 1957

Innovations:

Developed the smallest skeleton watch in 1979 and the world’s smallest pendant watch in 1985

Expanded product range beyond watches to include accessories like bags, glasses, and jewelry

Historical Development:

19th-century pocket watch production transitioned to wristwatch manufacturing by the early 20th century under Armand Cattin’s guidance

Adapted to the quartz revolution in the 1970s with the creation of quartz watches, ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly changing market

Artisanal Philosophy: Despite industrialization, the family maintained a blend of traditional handcraftsmanship and precision technical innovation

Legacy Products: Known for robust, precise mechanical watches that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Swiss Jura craftsmanship

Why Collectors and Watch Enthusiasts Value Cattin Watches

Authenticity: One of the few Swiss watch companies continuously family-owned and operated since the mid-19th century

Craftsmanship: Combines artisanal hand-finishing with practical mechanical and quartz technologies

Historical Significance: Represents the evolution of Swiss watchmaking from handmade pocket watches to modern luxe-accessory timepieces

Distinctive Legacy: Products such as CATOREX embody innovative miniaturization and elegant design rooted in Swiss tradition

In summary, the Cattin Watch Co. stands as a venerable symbol of Swiss horology—an enduring family enterprise that marries centuries-old craftsmanship with modern watchmaking innovation. Its watches offer collectors a piece of Swiss history laden with authenticity, tradition, and technical expertise.