Florian Brossard of Schwarz Etienne Interview
In 2024, Florian Brossard was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Schwarz Etienne. Recently, eager to learn more about Monsieur Brossard and his vision for the Swiss marque, Angus Davies visited Villa Sonnenheim, the company’s period home in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
La Chaux-de-Fonds
La Chaux-de-Fonds is located in the Jura Mountains, a city dedicated to watchmaking and once famously referred to as a ‘huge factory-town’ by Karl Marx in his political tome, Das Kapital. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with nearby Le Locle, with streets arranged in a chequerboard grid, configured to ensure workshop windows harvest natural light, illuminating watchmaker’s benches. With many watchmakers working in the city and an extensive network of specialist suppliers located in the region, there is much wisdom in making watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, widely regarded as the epicentre of Swiss watchmaking.
Image – Geometry Black
Florian Brossard of Schwarz Etienne – introduction
Recently, I caught a train and arrived in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It was a warm and sunny day, presenting the city at its best. On leaving the railway station, I encountered a gigantic pocket watch mounted on a plinth, an obvious reminder to all visitors that this city is dedicated to horology. I walked along the ruler-straight Avenue Léopold-Robert, past a couple of roundabouts before the road eventually morphed into Boulevard des Eplatures. And there, stood amidst numerous coniferous trees, I came upon Villa Sonnenheim, the home of Schwarz Etienne.
Founded in 1902 by Paul Schwarz and his wife Olga Etienne, the eponymous firm, Schwarz Etienne, has gained a reputation among watch aficionados for making exquisite expressions of Haute Horologerie. The company also produces private label watches for other brands, testament to its impressive in-house know-how. In 2024, the Manufacture appointed Florian Brossard, Chief Executive Officer of Schwarz Etienne, my host and the very subject of our meeting.
Florian Brossard of Schwarz Etienne – Q&A
Angus Davies (AD); Can you outline your role at Schwarz Etienne?
Florian Brossard (FB): As CEO of Schwarz Etienne, I lead the development and strategic direction of the brand. Having worked in the watch industry for over 20 years, I am committed to honouring the company’s heritage while guiding it towards sustainable growth and international influence.
Angus Davies (AD): Can you tell me a little bit about your background?
Florian Brossard (FB): I’m from the Jura region and I’m part of a family comprising three generations of watchmaking heritage. I began my career in micromechanics, working on the restoration and construction of watch movements, which sparked my passion for horology. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with renowned Maisons like Minerva, Montblanc and Greubel Forsey, where I’ve witnessed both traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation. My time working for these companies served to heighten my respect for Swiss horology and enriched my knowledge of watchmaking.
Image – 1902 Petite Seconde
Angus Davies (AD): What makes Schwarz Etienne special?
Florian Brossard (FB): Schwarz Etienne stands out for its complete mastery of the watchmaking process, from movement development to final assembly. Indeed, from developing an idea until the delivery of a complete watch, every step is carried out in-house. This level of vertical integration is rare and allows us to deliver originality and quality while enjoying much creative freedom. Founded in 1902, the brand respects tradition while embracing modern techniques and know-how. Schwarz Etienne stays true to its independent values while always looking forward.
AD: While Schwarz Etienne makes watches bearing its own name, the company also has a private label business, La Division du Temps. What services does it offer?
FB: La Division du Temps was created in 2018 to provide external brands with all of Schwarz Etienne’s industrial expertise, from movement design to complete watch production, all fully Swiss Made. Thanks to our vertical integration and skilled team, we’re able to deliver flexible, high-quality, turnkey solutions. Our responsiveness has allowed us to build strong, trusted partnerships with various watch brands, bringing their ideas to life by utilising our technical expertise and craftsmanship.
AD: Some of the models released by Schwarz Etienne in recent years have featured enhanced levels of finishing. Would you agree? And, if so, how far could you envisage taking this in the future. For instance, could you ever see Schwarz Etienne hand-bevelling bridges or mirror-polishing components?
FB: Absolutely. In recent years, Schwarz Etienne has taken significant steps forward in elevating the level of finishing across its creations. This evolution is particularly visible in standout models such as the Geometry collection, which unites artistic boldness, thanks to the collaboration with talented designer Eric Giroud, and mechanical ingenuity. It is the marriage of creativity and tradition that makes these true pieces of watchmaking art.
Another significant milestone in this journey was our collaboration with Kari Voutilainen on the Roma Synergy collection. This project brought together Schwarz Etienne’s manufacturing savoir-faire with Voutilainen’s legendary hand-finishing techniques, a true meeting of minds within independent watchmaking that set a new benchmark for craftsmanship.
Image – Roma Synergy by Kari Voutilainen
We continue in the same direction with the 1902 collection, which represents both a tribute to the founding year of the brand and represents a new chapter in our pursuit of refined craftsmanship. Each movement in the 1902 line, including our in-house calibres ASE and MSE, showcase exceptional decorative techniques, from redesigned bridges reflecting our distinctive 5-bridge DNA, to Côtes de Genève, rhodium-plated chamfers, hand-polished details and intricate, bespoke engravings. These details reflect a commitment to Haute Horlogerie that goes far beyond functionality. They express our desire to create beauty through technique.
Image – 1902 Petite Seconde
Looking ahead, we see no limits as to how far we can take this dedication to craftsmanship. With our integrated team and in-house production capabilities, we will continue to push into increasingly high-end finishing techniques. The 1902 collection provides a foretaste of even levels of artisanal decoration in the future, while at the same time remaining true to the brand’s values of independence, creativity and mechanical integrity.
At Schwarz Etienne, our ambition is to offer collectors an authentic taste of fine watchmaking that unites technical mastery with timeless elegance. And we’re only just getting started.
AD: In recent years, consumers have shown a greater interest in smaller case options. Schwarz Etienne has clearly endeavoured to satisfy this demand, releasing watches with smaller case dimensions. For instance, the 1902 PETITE SECONDE measures a very wearable 39 mm in diameter. Do you think this trend will continue?
FB: Absolutely, the trend towards smaller, more wearable watches is here to stay. However, Schwarz Etienne does not simply follow trends; wearability has always been central to our vision. Today’s collectors increasingly seek refined proportions that naturally fit the wrist, without compromising on character or mechanical substance. With the launch of the 1902 PETITE SECONDE and its well-proportioned in-house movement, Schwarz Etienne responds thoughtfully to this shift. At 39 mm, the case strikes a perfect balance: elegance and versatility. It offers remarkable comfort thanks to its fluid lines, ergonomic lugs and the lightness of Grade 5 titanium, the first time the brand has used the alloy. The result is a timepiece that feels as good as it looks, ideal for daily wear and firmly rooted in Haute Horlogerie.
Image – 1902 Reserve de Marche
AD: An increasing number of watch aficionados are discovering Schwarz Etienne and some of its stunning timepieces. Moving forward are you likely to release new complications, especially based on your background working for other brands in the watch industry?
FB: As more collectors discover Schwarz Etienne, we’re proud to see growing appreciation for our timepieces and in-house capabilities. Our Manufacture has the technical know-how to develop new complications, a strength rooted in over a century of expertise and years of experience working behind the scenes for some of the most prestigious names in watchmaking.
That said, our priority is to reinforce Schwarz Etienne’s identity as an independent, authentic and creative brand. We’re taking a thoughtful, organic approach, building a strong foundation with distinctive, well-proportioned watches that reflect our values. Step by step, we will continue to reveal the full extent of our watchmaking expertise.
AD: Personally, I love the appearance of the ROMA SYNERGY, made in collaboration with Kari Voutilainen, the GEOMETRY and now the 1902 PETITE SECONDE. Do you expect to create more models in the future that embrace this design language, especially the nuanced dial executions and playful use of colour?
FB: I’m delighted that you like these models. Each one embodies a distinctive expression of our design sensitivity, with particular attention to proportions, details, harmonious colour and, of course, the mechanics that drive them.
The ROMA SYNERGY, developed with Kari Voutilainen, was a pivotal project that allowed us to explore refined handcraft and finishing in a distinctive way.
Image – Geometry Black
With the GEOMETRY collection, we embarked on an artistic journey with Eric Giroud, merging bold, contemporary design with traditional watchmaking techniques and most notably hand guilloché. This collection represents a respectful reinterpretation of this time-honoured decorative craft, expressed in a modern way that also incorporates our ingenuity and in-house technical know-how.
Image – Geometry Black
In parallel, the new 1902 PETITE SECONDE continues this exploration through a more classical lens. Rooted in the heritage of the Villa Sonnenheim, the historic cradle of our Manufacture, the 1902 collection expresses a vision of timeless elegance shaped by precision and independent craftsmanship. It reflects the core values of Schwarz Etienne: total creative freedom, attention to detail and a commitment to authentic watchmaking.
Of course, we do intend to pursue this path further. The play of finishes, the contrast of textures, the evolution of our designs, all of this is part of our ongoing creative momentum. As our identity grows stronger, we’ll keep exploring new dials and expressions that reflect both our technical mastery and our artistic freedom.
AD: The watch industry has witnessed many changes in terms of materials, both for cases and movement components. What new materials do you think will be employed in the future?
FB: At Schwarz Etienne, we’re not seeking to revolutionise the watchmaking landscape with the use of avant-garde materials. Our focus is on long-term durability and respect for centuries-old watchmaking traditions.
That said, we do integrate new materials when they make sense within that philosophy. For instance, the 1902 collection is the first occasion we have used Grade 5 titanium, representing a significant step for us. In addition to its exceptional durability, it offers remarkable lightness, resistance to corrosion and magnetism, biocompatibility and impressive levels of wearer comfort.
Image – 1902 Reserve de Marche
It’s within this spirit, combining tradition with thoughtful, meaningful evolution, that we continue to move forward.
AD: Looking around a modern Manufacture, we now see widespread use of CAD systems with the capacity to look at the forces acting on movement components, multi-axis CNC machines working to infinitesimal tolerances, wire erosion machines, bar-turning machines, etc. What technologies do you predict the watch industry will embrace in the future and why?
FB: Technology will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in the evolution of watchmaking. At Schwarz Etienne, we believe that technology must remain in the service of traditional craftsmanship and not replace it.
We already rely on cutting-edge equipment such as CNC and wire erosion machines to ensure precision and consistency in our components; all fully integrated into our production processes.
However, no matter how advanced the technology becomes, the human hand and eye will always remain at the heart of Haute Horlogerie. At Schwarz Etienne, our vision is to use technology to enhance our artisans’ savoir-faire, never to replace it.
AD: Looking into a crystal ball, what will Schwarz Etienne look like in 5 years’ time?
FB: In 5 years, I predict Schwarz Etienne we be a Maison that’s independent, human-scaled, and deeply committed to fine watchmaking, with a strong identity rooted in contemporary elegance.
We aim to grow organically, step by step, always with a strong sense of purpose, strengthening our identity and continuing to cultivate a loyal community of collectors who appreciate substance over noise.
You will see a portfolio enriched with new creations that remain true to our DNA: elegant, technically refined and always rooted in our in-house capabilities. We will continue to express our creativity through subtle evolutions, thoughtful complications, nuanced aesthetics and enduring materials, all driven by a long-term vision rather than fleeting trends. In essence, Schwarz Etienne will remain a Manufacture where freedom, craftsmanship and authenticity prevail.
Closing remarks
After leaving our meeting, I walked back to the railway station and reflected on my conversation with Florian Brossard. He certainly has an impressive curriculum vitae, having previously worked at two brands that I particularly admire, namely Greubel Forsey and Minerva (Montblanc). He has been surrounded by excellence throughout his career and has restored priceless horological artefacts, no doubt heightening his appreciation for longevity. Furthermore, his background has clearly equipped him with an appreciation for materials, finishing and mechanisms.
Since his arrival, Schwarz Etienne has launched the 1902 PETITE SECONDE and, more recently, 1902 RÉSERVE DE MARCHE. These models, both measuring 39 mm in diameter, incorporate considered dial details. The proportions, the chosen hues, the juxtaposition of brushed and polished surfaces, etc all unite to form a cohesive whole. The movements are beautifully appointed and incorporate multiple bridges, conferring a high quotient of eye appeal.
Shrewdly, Brossard has not created replicas of timepieces from yesteryear, nor has he chosen to grab the headlines with space-age-style watches that attract column-inches in the short term only to be rendered passé in 12 months’ time. On the contrary, Brossard, along with his talented team, has conceived watches that should retain both their aesthetic and mechanical allure for many years to come.
While Schwarz Etienne does not expend huge sums of money placing its logo on racing cars or engaging legions of sports personalities as ambassadors, it is well known as a go-to specialist for firms seeking private label watches. With 123 years of history to its name, the Maison has an abundance of technical know-how and is becoming increasingly popular with discerning watch aficionados. Under Brossard’s stewardship, I predict the brand will ascend to even greater heights of success in years to come.