Henry Moser. Omega. Longines. Doxa.
Henry Moser
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
In 1826, Swiss watchmaker Henri Moser opened a workshop and sales office in St. Petersburg. While parts were produced in Le Locle, Switzerland, the final assembly took place in Russia.
His pocket watches became so popular that fakes soon appeared. To distinguish originals, the factory added a special «HY» stamp next to the French brand mark «MOSER & CO».
In 1868, Henri Moser co-founded the International Watch Company (IWC) with American watchmaker Florentine Jones. In 2000, IWC was acquired by the Richemont Group, one of the world’s largest luxury holdings. By 2017, IWC ranked among the top 10 Swiss watchmakers.
Omega
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the company was originally known as «Louis Brandt & Fils». After World War I, «Omega» joined forces with Tissot to form a group that would later become the «Swatch Group».
In 1932, «Omega» made history as the first official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Since then, it has served as the official timekeeper at more than 20 Olympic Games.
In 1967, Omega developed the first underwater touchpad system for swimming competitions. The Omega Speedmaster became the first watch on the Moon, worn during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Today, Omega remains a leading name in luxury watchmaking.
Longines
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
In 1833, Auguste Agassiz and partners founded «Comptoir Raiguel Jeune & Cie». Agassiz soon took sole control and launched what would become Longines.
Longines pioneered the use of the winding crown to set the time — previously done with a separate key. Every Longines watch bears a unique serial number and the company’s emblem on the dial.
In 1905, Longines became the first to mass-produce wristwatches. Its chronographs flew aboard the famous Graf Zeppelin airship during its round-the-world flight.
In 1983, Longines joined the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaking conglomerate.
Doxa
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
Founded by Georges Ducommun in 1889, Doxa played a key role in merging horology with the automotive and aviation industries.
In 1908, Doxa patented the «8-days» movement — a high-end mechanism with an 8-day power reserve — widely used in Bugatti racing cars.
In 1968, Doxa released the Sub 300, a diver’s watch with an iconic orange dial for better underwater readability. The Calypso team of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau used Doxa Sub 300 watches in many expeditions.
Since 1997, the brand has actively expanded across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Asia.
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
In 1826, Swiss watchmaker Henri Moser opened a workshop and sales office in St. Petersburg. While parts were produced in Le Locle, Switzerland, the final assembly took place in Russia.
His pocket watches became so popular that fakes soon appeared. To distinguish originals, the factory added a special «HY» stamp next to the French brand mark «MOSER & CO».
In 1868, Henri Moser co-founded the International Watch Company (IWC) with American watchmaker Florentine Jones. In 2000, IWC was acquired by the Richemont Group, one of the world’s largest luxury holdings. By 2017, IWC ranked among the top 10 Swiss watchmakers.
Omega
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the company was originally known as «Louis Brandt & Fils». After World War I, «Omega» joined forces with Tissot to form a group that would later become the «Swatch Group».
In 1932, «Omega» made history as the first official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Since then, it has served as the official timekeeper at more than 20 Olympic Games.
In 1967, Omega developed the first underwater touchpad system for swimming competitions. The Omega Speedmaster became the first watch on the Moon, worn during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Today, Omega remains a leading name in luxury watchmaking.
Longines
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
In 1833, Auguste Agassiz and partners founded «Comptoir Raiguel Jeune & Cie». Agassiz soon took sole control and launched what would become Longines.
Longines pioneered the use of the winding crown to set the time — previously done with a separate key. Every Longines watch bears a unique serial number and the company’s emblem on the dial.
In 1905, Longines became the first to mass-produce wristwatches. Its chronographs flew aboard the famous Graf Zeppelin airship during its round-the-world flight.
In 1983, Longines joined the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaking conglomerate.
Doxa
From the collection of the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus
Founded by Georges Ducommun in 1889, Doxa played a key role in merging horology with the automotive and aviation industries.
In 1908, Doxa patented the «8-days» movement — a high-end mechanism with an 8-day power reserve — widely used in Bugatti racing cars.
In 1968, Doxa released the Sub 300, a diver’s watch with an iconic orange dial for better underwater readability. The Calypso team of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau used Doxa Sub 300 watches in many expeditions.
Since 1997, the brand has actively expanded across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Asia.
