Philippe DuBois & Fils Watches

Philippe DuBois & Fils

Philippe DuBois & Fils claims to be the oldest Swiss watch brand still in existence — and while that history runs deep, the modern version is all about reviving that legacy with

limited-run vintage-movement mechanical pieces, built for collectors who want something off the beaten path.

If you’re into watches with serious historical roots and small-batch indie energy, DuBois has your number.

A Little History

The DuBois name traces back to 1751, when Philippe DuBois began making timepieces in Le Locle, Switzerland. Over the centuries, the DuBois family became known for

complicated pocket watches, early automatics, and export models that reached from Russia to North America.

The brand remained family-owned until the 20th century, eventually fading from the spotlight during the quartz crisis. In 2010, a new team relaunched DuBois & Fils

with a mission: to honor that legacy by restoring and reusing vintage mechanical movements, and building them into modern, limited-production wristwatches.

Today, they’re focused on heritage mechanics, numbered editions, and transparent provenance — each model built around a specific historical caliber.

What Collectors Love

This isn’t about mass production. Philippe DuBois & Fils builds watches in batches of 11 to 99 units per reference, with each piece featuring:

  • A fully serviced, vintage Swiss movement — often from the 1950s to 1970s

  • Custom-designed modern cases and dials, built around the movement architecture

  • A unique serial number and detailed movement documentation

  • Swiss assembly and meticulously finished cases, often with domed sapphire crystals

Fan-favorite movements include:

  • AS 1895 / 1985 — vintage automatics with center seconds

  • ETA 2789 / Felsa 4007N — used in GMT or day/date configurations

  • Duromat / Durowe calibers — rarely seen German mechanicals

Why Philippe DuBois & Fils Deserves a Spot

Because it’s one of the few modern brands that’s rescuing mechanical movements from extinction — and turning them into wearable time capsules.

Instead of building everything from scratch, DuBois takes real vintage calibers, restores them, and houses them in purpose-built modern designs. It’s sustainable, it’s historically

cool, and it means no two production runs are ever quite the same.

For collectors who appreciate movement history but want something fresh on the wrist, this is a brand that bridges both worlds.

What’s Out There Now

Philippe DuBois & Fils produces micro-edition series, each built around a specific movement family. Expect:

  • Elegant 40mm cases — brushed or polished steel, sometimes with color accents

  • Domed sapphire crystals, exhibition casebacks, and signed crowns

  • Retro-modern dial designs — sector layouts, small seconds, or minimalists with a twist

  • Numbered limited runs — typically under 100 pieces per configuration

Pricing runs from CHF 3,000–CHF 6,000, depending on the model and movement rarity. Pre-owned pieces are rare due to the extremely low production volume.

Fed’s Take

Philippe DuBois & Fils is a deep cut — but a compelling one.

I’ve handled a couple over the years, and the blend of restored vintage mechanics with clean modern casework makes these feel quietly special. You’re not buying hype

— you’re buying history, revived and reinterpreted for today.

If you love knowing the story behind the movement in your watch — down to the decade and source — this brand rewards that curiosity.

Check Out Our Philippe DuBois & Fils Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Philippe DuBois & Fils watches — especially early limited editions, rare movement variants, and micro-batch models under 100 pieces.

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