In a strategic move that further solidifies its commitment to haute horlogerie, LVMH has acquired Swiza, the parent company of L’Epée 1839, the renowned Swiss manufacturer celebrated for its high-end clocks and exquisite objets d’art. This acquisition marks another key step in LVMH’s ongoing strategy to nurture and preserve the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional watchmaking, securing the heritage of horological savoir-faire for future generations.
L’Epée 1839, headquartered in Delémont in the Swiss Jura region, has an illustrious history stretching back 185 years. Originally founded by Auguste L’Epée in the 19th century, the company started as a producer of watch components and quickly made a name for itself with its pioneering innovations, such as music boxes and carriage clocks. Over the years, L’Epée evolved, transitioning from pocket watches to exclusive high-end clocks, becoming a symbol of quality among royalty, heads of state, and high-level officials.
Specialising in the creation of intricate clocks, L’Epée 1839 distinguishes itself through its dedication to both technical mastery and creative design. Each clock produced by the brand is a fusion of art and engineering, incorporating sophisticated horological complexities such as perpetual calendars, tourbillons, and retrograde hands. The clocks are further notable for their unique aesthetic appeal, often integrating playful or poetic design elements. An impressive hallmark of the brand is the extended power reserves, with some models capable of running for up to 8,760 hours—an entire year—without needing to be rewound.
The union between LVMH and L’Epée 1839 is particularly significant as it brings a wealth of creativity, technical expertise, and historical heritage to the French luxury conglomerate. As one of the world’s leading luxury groups, LVMH has a long-standing tradition of acquiring and enhancing storied Maisons, ensuring that their artistry and craftsmanship continue to thrive under its stewardship.
“L’Epée 1839 is a brand of mechanical objets d’art with an unrivalled and unique expertise. Its creations span the ages; from officer’s carriage clocks, to space rockets, to the automotive inspirations of the 1950s, its products appeal to a public of enthusiasts for fine mechanics. L’Epée is also a renowned manufacturer, with the capacity to develop and design objects, and in particular the unique ability to interpret horological intricacies in three dimensions. Most of the company’s components are produced in-house demonstrating its strong creative prowess. L’Epée has initiated a number of watchmaking partnerships that we will maintain and develop with Arnaud Nicolas, and I am excited by the untapped creative potential of the various LVMH Group Maisons associated with this exceptional expertise,”
Frédéric Arnault – Chairman and CEO, LVMH Watches Division
L’Epée 1839 has built a reputation as a creative force, frequently collaborating with luxury brands and watchmakers to produce limited-edition, bespoke timepieces. Notably, the Maison partnered with Louis Vuitton to create an exceptional hot-air balloon clock, symbolising one of the brand’s iconic emblems, and collaborated with Tiffany & Co. on a unique Formula 1-inspired carriage clock to celebrate the reopening of its flagship boutique in New York in 2023. These collaborations serve as a testament to L’Epée’s enduring appeal and ability to innovate while remaining true to its heritage.
Leading L’Epée 1839 through this new chapter is Arnaud Nicolas, CEO and Creative Director, who heads a talented team of over 80 designers, engineers, watchmakers, and mechanics. Together, they continue to elevate the brand’s offerings, merging tradition with innovation to meet the evolving expectations of luxury consumers worldwide. Under Nicolas’ leadership, L’Epée 1839’s craftsmen have consistently pushed the boundaries of horology, while maintaining a commitment to the impeccable craftsmanship that has defined the Maison for nearly two centuries.
For LVMH, the acquisition of L’Epée 1839 adds a prestigious name to its ever-expanding portfolio of luxury brands, particularly within the watchmaking sector. The move signals the group’s ambition to deepen its presence in the world of haute horlogerie, while simultaneously reinforcing its broader mission of fostering artistry and safeguarding historic expertise. This acquisition not only ensures the continuity of L’Epée’s rich legacy but also positions the Maison for further growth, innovation, and influence in the luxury timepiece market.
As LVMH continues to enhance its watches and jewellery division, the addition of L’Epée 1839 will undoubtedly contribute to the group’s reputation for offering the finest, most innovative creations to its discerning clientele. With this acquisition, LVMH reaffirms its dedication to elevating the craft of horology, while bringing new creative opportunities to one of the world’s most prestigious clockmakers.
