With roots going back to 1924, Cimier watches have always embodied the spirit of sharing and democratising the passion for fine mechanical timepieces. As the brand releases the new Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph to celebrate its 100-year heritage in Swiss watchmaking, we delve into Cimier’s history
Genesis
Cimier’s heritage can be traced back to 1924 when Swiss watchmaker Joseph Lapanouse founded his company in Hölstein, Switzerland and later began selling watches under the brand “Cimier”. The name “Cimier” comes from the French word for the decoration that forms the top part of a helmet. It symbolises the alliance between elegance and stability.
Lapanouse specialised in making pin-pallet escapement watches, similar to the “Prolétaire”, the robust, accurate and affordable timepiece invented by German watchmaker Georges-Frédéric Roskopf. In 1920, the Prolétaire, or “Roskopf” watch, began to be manufactured on an industrial scale. It became Switzerland’s most exported movement with nearly 35 million pieces during the 1970s. In the early 1970s, the business employed more than 500 people in Bubendorf, and its annual production totalled up to 1.5 million timepieces.
“Cimier Sport” – a groundbreaking watch
In the 1960s, Cimier sent shockwaves through the watchmaking industry by industrialising the production of pin-pallet escapement chronographs. This simplified approach to chronographs allowed users to measure short-time intervals by starting and stopping the independent central second hand. The demand for chronograph-style watches at an affordable price propelled this model to commercial success, with 20 million of these legendary calibres sold.
Revival
Following a challenging period due to the rise of quartz watches, Cimier was revived in 2003 and was subsequently acquired by the QI Group in 2006. The brand entered a phase of dynamic activity, developing an automatic module for the ETA 6497 movement, known as the Big Matic 16½’’. In 2010, Cimier launched the Watch Academy by Cimier – a watchmaking experience where participants can customise and assemble their own watch with the assistance of the brand’s Master Watchmakers. Since then, Cimier has shared its knowledge and expertise with hundreds of participants in its workshops in Biel, Switzerland, each proudly wearing their own masterpiece.
Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph
In celebration of this significant milestone, the brand is now unveiling the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph. Inspired by the Cimier Sport of the 1960s, this watch pays homage to the brand’s most iconic timepiece. Balancing vintage allure with contemporary innovation, it embodies a seamless blend of retro inspiration and modern craftsmanship. Far from merely replicating its predecessor, this timepiece captures the essence of classic charm, reimagined for today.
The Cimier Sport, a simplified take on the chronograph only, allowed users to measure short-time intervals by starting and stopping the independent central second hand. The demand for affordable chronograph-style watches made this smart technical solution a huge commercial success. Far from being a reproduction of the original model, this nod to the past harmoniously blends retro inspiration and modern ingenuity. It captures the essence of classic charm, reimagined for today.
The dial of the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph stands out with the unusual layout of the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters at 11 and 7 o’clock. Typical of a 1960s Cimier Sport, a telemetric scale is also placed on the outer edge of the dial and a tachymetric scale is coiled at the centre to bring an additional vintage touch. The first allows users to measure distance based on the time it takes for sound to travel and the second is to measure speed based on time and distance.
The dial is made of two plates comes in three different colours: sunray-brushed British Green for the limited 100-piece Cimier 100th anniversary edition; sunray-brushed Dark Blue, and sand-blasted Panda for the non-limited versions. The voluminous markers are made of Super-Luminova that is meticulously hand-applied. As with the faceted hands, C1 X1 grade Super-Luminova is used for optimal readability in all conditions.
The watch features an ergonomic 39.5mm barrel-shaped case with a flat brushed surface and polished bevels framing a round dial opening. The large crown operates easily and is flanked by a pair of pump-style pushers delivering plenty of personality. With usability in mind, the watch offers a water resistance rating of 10 ATM / 100 meters, providing owners with peace of mind.
Different bracelet and strap options are available, including an original steel bracelet that provides the perfect elegant pairing with the watch and a mesh steel bracelet adding a dash of vintage charm. Light and flexible, these have been developed for optimal wearing comfort and both bracelets are secured to the wrist with a safety folding clasp. Additionally, an elegant black calf leather option with a pin buckle is available. All three options feature quick release spring bars allowing owners to switch bracelets and change the personality of the watch in seconds.
The Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph is powered by the automatic calibre CIM 100. Based on the tried and tested Valjoux 7750, it incorporates a bespoke module to allow for this unique “7-11” chronograph counter positioning. Visible via the exhibition case back, the winding rotor is engraved with a vintage version of the Cimier logo. Running at 4 HZ, it offers a power reserve of 48 hours. Chic yet relaxed, Cimier watches are a nod to tradition in a sleek, modern package.
