French luxury goods giant LVMH strengthens its watchmaking division with the acquisition of Swiza SA, owner of the Swiss manufacture L’Épée 1839, specialized in high-end clocks. This strategic move aims to consolidate LVMH’s position in the luxury watch market. At the same time, Bernard Arnault has acquired a stake in Richemont, prompting speculation about a possible future acquisition in fine jewelry.
French luxury goods giant LVMH has announced the acquisition of Swiza SA, owner of the Swiss manufacture L’Épée 1839, specialized in high-end clocks. This strategic acquisition aims to strengthen LVMH’s presence in the luxury watch market.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Renowned for the high quality of its clocks, L’Épée 1839 offers a range of products from classic pieces to more creative models, such as a clock in the shape of a grenade priced at over 10,000 Swiss francs ($11,135 ) and a miniature clock in the shape of a car priced at 43,500 Swiss francs ($48,438).
Initially specializing in watch components and pioneering music boxes, L’Épée 1839 has since concentrated on clocks, collaborating with numerous luxury and watchmaking Houses, some of which are part of the LVMH group.
“We will maintain and develop the many watchmaking partnerships,” said Frédéric Arnault, CEO of LVMH’s watch division since January 2024.
A unique brand
Based in Delémont, in the Swiss Jura, L’Épée 1839 has been perpetuating exceptional watchmaking expertise for 185 years. The company employs “more than 80 designers, engineers, watchmakers, mechanics and collaborators”, according to the press release.
The Maison has attracted attention in recent years thanks to its collaborations with renowned watchmakers, including Maximilian Büsser, founder and creative director of Geneva-based MB&F. Their joint creations, such as clocks in the shape of spiders, robots and rockets, have fetched prices in excess of $30,000 each.
“L’Épée 1839 is a mechanical objets d’art brand with unrivalled and unique know-how with the ability to develop and design objects, and in particular the unique ability to interpret horological subtleties in three dimensions,” Frédéric Arnault emphasized.
LVMH’s Watches and Jewelry division generated sales of 2.5 billion euros in the first quarter of 2024, and nearly 11 billion euros in 2023, contributing to the group’s total sales of 86.2 billion euros.
Bernard Arnault takes a stake in Richemont
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Featured photo : © Épée 1839
