The smaller watch brands: BWC

BWC (Buttes Watch Company) is a small but important watch manufacturer. It was founded in 1924 by Mr. Arthur Charlet in his birthplace, Buttes, found in canton Neuchâtel, Switzerland.The company remains in existence and continues making its presence known with new watches. You can read all about BWC on their website: www.bwc-swiss.de

1980's Valjoux 7733 Chronograph

Charlet’s son-in-law, Mr. Edwin Volkart, took over the company in 1953 and continued to operate it with great attention until 1991. This period in BWC history is its most interesting, at least in regard to vintage chronographs. BWC made made good-quality watches in great stainless steel cases with movements from Lemania, Landeron (48,148,248) and Valjoux (7733, 7734).

1970's Automatic Lemania 1340 Chronograph

At the moment, a BWC is for sale at www.sometimeago.com (item 1671): It is a 1970's Valjoux 7734 chronograph with date in a solid steel case. Once of the reasons BWC survived the 'quartz crisis' would be its ability to quickly adapt to changing trends and fashions. There are many types of BWC watches in all kinds of shapes and colors, always produced with above-average quality. This high quality helps make BWC watches collectible.

After 1991, BWC's commercial activities were moved to Germany; there were also several changes in ownership. In 2004, BWC was successfully presented at Baselworld, and in 2009, BWC celebrated its 85th anniversary. Below is one of their recent models.

BWC XXL 47mm Aviator 2001 automatic

This watch is currently for sale at www.sometimeago.com (item 1667). It demonstrates BWC once again following current fashion trends with its extra-large case, quality ETA movement, and aviator-style design. It is finished with a high quality strap and wooden box. If they keep this up, the BWC brand will be viable for many years to come!