ChronoCrafters Atelier logo ChronoCrafters Atelier

Our Story

Founded in 1995, ChronoCrafters Atelier began as a small workshop dedicated to preserving the ancient art of horology. Our founder, Master Watchmaker Elias Reinhardt, envisioned a space where traditional craftsmanship could thrive alongside modern innovation.

Master watchmaker working on antique clock mechanism

From our humble beginnings in a converted barn outside Zurich, we've grown into an internationally recognized atelier with craftsmen trained in the finest European traditions.

Each timepiece that leaves our workshop carries not just precision engineering, but a piece of our heritage - the accumulated knowledge of generations of master horologists.

Milestones in Our Journey

1995

Atelier founded by Master Elias Reinhardt with three apprentices in Zurich countryside

2002

First international commission - restoration of 18th century French astronomical clock

2010

Expanded to current Geneva location with state-of-the-art workshop facilities

2018

Received UNESCO recognition for preservation of traditional watchmaking techniques

Our Philosophy

We believe time is the most precious commodity, and its measurement should reflect this value. Every component we craft, every movement we assemble, carries this philosophy forward.

Our approach blends centuries-old techniques with contemporary precision, creating timepieces that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

Close-up of artisan hands assembling watch movement

Our Master Craftsmen

Portrait of Master Watchmaker Sophia Laurent

Sophia Laurent

Master of Complications

With 28 years experience, Sophia specializes in perpetual calendars and minute repeaters, having trained at the prestigious Lycée Edgar Faure in Morteau.

Portrait of Master Engraver Klaus Bauer

Klaus Bauer

Master Engraver

Klaus brings 35 years of engraving expertise to our atelier, creating exquisite decorations that transform timepieces into wearable art.

Portrait of Movement Specialist Henri Dubois

Henri Dubois

Movement Specialist

Henri's expertise in movement design and precision adjustment ensures each ChronoCrafters timepiece meets our exacting standards.

Our Workshop

Interior of ChronoCrafters workshop showing workstations

Our Geneva workshop is a sanctuary of precision, where traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology. Each workstation is meticulously organized to create the perfect environment for horological excellence.

The atelier maintains constant temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal working conditions for both our craftsmen and the delicate components they work with.

Traditional Techniques

We preserve 18th century hand-finishing methods including anglage, perlage, and côtes de Genève decoration, passed down through generations of master watchmakers.

Modern Precision

State-of-the-art CNC machines and laser measuring equipment complement our hand craftsmanship, ensuring micron-level precision in every component.

Quality Control

Each timepiece undergoes 37 separate quality checks and a 15-day testing period before leaving our workshop, guaranteeing exceptional performance.

Our Heritage Projects

Restored 19th century marine chronometer

Marine Chronometer Restoration

Our team recently completed a three-year restoration of an 1847 marine chronometer by Charles Frodsham, bringing this navigation instrument back to its original precision.

Apprentice learning watchmaking techniques

Apprenticeship Program

We maintain a rigorous apprenticeship program to ensure traditional watchmaking skills are preserved for future generations, with current students from six countries.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At ChronoCrafters Atelier, we measure our success not in units produced, but in centuries of reliable service our timepieces provide. Each creation is built to become a future heirloom, carrying our legacy forward.

We invite you to visit our atelier and witness the marriage of art and engineering that defines our work. Explore our craftsmanship in detail or view our gallery of completed masterpieces.