History
Allow yourself to travel into White Star's past.
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Since the beginning of the 17th century, La Chaux-de-Fonds has established itself as an internationally renowned watchmaking centre. It was in the heart of its mountains that the art of watchmaking was born, initially practiced by peasants who worked in the fields during the summer months and devoted themselves to making watches during the long winter months.
© Library of the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Audiovisual Department (DAV), Iconographic collection
Watchmaking capital
La Chaux-de-Fonds has seen the emergence of some of the greatest watchmakers in history, such as Daniel Jeanrichard in 1665 and Pierre Jaquet-Droz in 1721. Watchmaking really took off at the beginning of the 18th century, thus propelling the dazzling development of La Chaux-de-Fonds and its surroundings. In 1895, the city was experiencing an exceptional boom, marked by numerous watchmaking innovations and the creation of many companies, including White Star Watch.
© Library of the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Audiovisual Department (DAV), Iconographic collection
Henri Weiss
From the beginning, in the midst of a period rich in technical and cultural innovations, Henri Weiss recognized the importance of global expansion. He took advantage of new communication channels to access international markets, thus propelling the brand internationally. Henri Weiss, filed several patents on his revolutionary inventions, introducing new functions and ingenious technical concepts. Through several generations, White Star continued its development, perpetuating a history marked by passion, innovation and success.
© Library of the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Audiovisual Department (DAV), Iconographic collection
The Weiss family
Tragically, in 1927, Henri Weiss died prematurely at the age of 41. His son, also named Henri, then took over the management of the company. Fortunately, Henri Jr. had been trained by his father, which allowed him to guide the White Star Watch through a special period that lasted until the end of the Second World War. In 1942, Philippe-Joseph Weiss, Henri's son, took over the management of the company, which would continue until the 1980s.
© Library of the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Audiovisual Department (DAV), Iconographic collection
Weiss family: Watchmaking innovators
Example of a patent filed by Philippe Joseph Weiss and registered in 1931.
White Star contributed to the invention of the broken winding stem and the reverse screwing of the bezel, caseback and caseband. This idea provided a reliable solution to waterproofing.
Chronograph function. This additional indicating device includes a rotating graduation device mounted under the dial, part of the graduation of which can be read through an opening in the dial. The dial can also be used to display additional information.
Watch with time zone display. The principle is characterized by the combination of a ring with a time circle, which can be rotated relative to a dial, with indications corresponding to the twelve time zones displayed on the watch dial in the area adjacent to the ring. No need to calculate the different time zones, they are displayed.
Racket whose piton is fixed to a support rotatably mounted on the cock, the racket being rotatably mounted around this support. This is the heart of the watch. Precision is improved and adjustment of the amplitude of the balance wheel is made easier.
Year of creation of the legendary Diagrafic model, presenting a day of the week indicator disc and a day/night indication, supplemented by 4 other functions.
Watch with adjustable weekly calendar.
Watch with a painted glass decentering the visible part of the dial. A new aesthetic dimension to adapt the dial to the shape of the case and bracelet.
Innovative watchmaker's workbench. Designed to provide those who must assemble the constituent parts of the movement with comfort and a position that gives both hands unparalleled stability.
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