PATRICK ALEXANDRE ULM,
Passionate and entrepreneur
2018, a creative thought…
In 2018, Patrick Alexandre Ulm, the spiritual successor of Charles Girardier, explores
the past of the Geneva watchmaker through the acquisition of antique pieces
at auctions. This revelation triggers the birth of a new chapter for the House
of Charles Girardier, once dormant.
Guided by fervent passion, he envisions and conceptualizes the rebirth of this watchmaking brand in a contemporary version while preserving its historical heritage. This new chapter celebrates the 18th-century watchmaker while appropriating the codes of the present.
“Our company is founded on deep values of dedication, heritage preservation, and exceptional craftsmanship. We believe in preserving the soul of Charles Girardier, perpetuating his legacy, and drawing constant inspiration from our history to shape unique watch collections. Each timepiece embodies this ethos and the timeless elegance that defines our identity.”
“Our mission is to reintegrate the history of exceptional watchmaking into the present by reviving the House of Charles Girardier.” “We are committed to preserving the historical legacy of Charles Girardier while shaping a contemporary watch brand that fuses exquisite mechanical artistry with exceptional craftsmanship. Each movement of our timepieces embodies the splendor, elegance, and mystery of a bygone era, evoking a past of excellence while embracing the future of contemporary watchmaking.”
2020, a milestone for the Charles Girardier brand.
Creativity, quality, and success are at the forefront!
Triumph of the exceptional ladies’ watch from the 1809 Signature Mystérieuse® collection, “Fleur de Sel” (reference: CG-1809 37/1WG Ice Blue), winner in 2020 of the prestigious Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in the “Ladies’ Complication” category.
A STORY LIKE NO OTHER
Charles Giradier dit «L’ainé» (1759 – 1839)
Charles Antoine Girardier, known as “Girardier L’ainé,” was a master watchmaker active
in Geneva from the second half of the 18th century to the early 19th century. His renown rested on his expertise in Geneva enamelling, characterized by hand-painted miniatures on the dials of his clocks. He was also passionate about mechanical art and was known for his creations of animated scenes (saynètes), including automatons, including the famous Jaquemarts.
These features were not merely technical feats; they also added a layer of visual intrigue to his creations. He employed traditional goldsmithing techniques such as hand engraving, guilloché, arabesque art, and painted enamelling, bestowing upon his pieces an unparalleled uniqueness.
His unwavering commitment to authenticity and individuality earned him widespread recognition. He was sought after to design watches for prominent figures of his time, including members of royalty and political leaders.
As European watchmaking reached new heights in precision at the turn of the 19th century, the time was ripe to offer clients even more ingenious and sophisticated curiosities and entertainments. This marked the era of the popularity of repeating watches and automata.
The dial, often small and sometimes placed off-center, leaves a usable surface that captures the imagination of watchmakers. The subjects suitable for automata are diverse, with the most common being Jaquemarts, inspired by those found on grand tower clocks and campaniles. Positioned on the watch dial or on a plate hidden beneath the case, these small figures, crafted in various colors of gold, stand out against a backdrop of enamelled or engraved decoration, dressed in antique styles or according to the fashion of the time.
Despite his significant contributions, the name Girardier would remain silent for nearly two centuries after his passing.
LES ATELIERS
SHARING of Expertise
Nestled in Buchs, near Zurich, the Charles Girardier ateliers embody a fusion of horological tradition and innovation. Through our collaboration with the Timeless manufacture, we have birthed a unique complication based on a flying tourbillon movement with automatic winding via a peripheral mass, specifically designed for our CG SM-1809 models in 37 and 41 mm. The CG M8-8080 calibre, also developed by Timeless, has been meticulously tailored for Charles Girardier, blending precision with timeless aesthetics.
The Charles Girardier ateliers share their space with the prestigious Oscillon brand, creating a haven of creativity and excellence. This flourishing collaboration, at the heart of a dynamic hub, fosters unparalleled synergy and a constant exchange of expertise.
The new Calibre CG SYNC-1863, a true horological masterpiece, is based on a Vaucher movement, enriched with a Dubois-Dépraz GMT complication. The master watchmakers from our partner brand Oscillon have enhanced this creation by developing the oscillating weight, the design of the pushers,
and the day/night indicator window. They also carry out the artisanal guilloché and assembly with Swiss precision, while overseeing the engineering of the entire ensemble.
Thus, each watch that leaves our ateliers reflects an unceasing quest for excellence, blending horological heritage with contemporary innovation, to offer our clients pieces of rare elegance and unparalleled quality.