WE PASSIONATELY CREATE EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES IN VERY SMALL SERIES FOR WATCH ENTHUSIASTS.
Lonville, founded in 1873, specialised in making limited numbers of decorated pocket watches and wristwatches. During the 1950s, the Manufacture produced fewer watches and, ultimately, the company fell silent.
In 2010, a small group of watch enthusiasts from Lugano, having rediscovered Lonville, decided to revive the brand, imbuing it with a new lease of life. Today, Lonville continues to uphold the original strategy of producing limited volumes of watches crafted to an exceptional standard.
The styling of the present-day models is influenced by historical Lonville timepieces, classic cars, and classic yachts. Each model is painstakingly crafted for the enjoyment of fellow watch collectors and aficionados.
Since the re-establishment, the Lonville team has worked closely with exceptional craftspeople in Switzerland. Traditional hand craftsmanship, along with cutting-edge methods has allowed the firm to make high-end, no-compromise watches in small volumes. Depending on the model, watches are produced in limited numbers, typically 18 or 88 pieces. Small series and our meticulous attention to detail deliver a unique ownership experience that has been largely lost in today’s mass production society.
Welcome to the world of Lonville
Virage: Elegant, Complex and Distinct
Virage is the first watch we created after re-discovering Lonville. It provides the bridge between the mid-1950s to today by integrating a number of subtle hints into historic Lonville watches.
The unique LV1 micro-rotor movement has reached exceptional finish and accuracy levels. The gorgeous 6-bridge configuration with chamfered edges, blued screws, blue engraving and a unique micro-rotor provides a stunning three-dimensional view of the movement. Each individual movement is certified for accuracy by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
All four Virage models feature white gold cases and closures. A rare watch deserves a precious metal in our view, and white gold matches the understated elegant character of Virage. The combination of hand-polished and brushed finishing gives the case a tremendous luxury feeling. It also makes the 40mm case appear optically lighter on the wrist. Each singed case carries a unique identification number.
What is impossible to describe is the amount of passion, attention and craftsmanship that has gone into each single detail of Virage. This remains for you to explore.
LONVILLE – Virage Collection
Limited edition
Only 18 pieces of each Virage model will be created. This ensures that a Virage will remain a rare sight, and its owner can enjoy an understated elegance that has been largely lost in today’s mass production society.
ALL SWISS: A philosophy introduced by Lonville
‘All Swiss’ goes far beyond the requirements of ‘Swiss Made’ which allows many non-Swiss parts and components to be used. We are proud of our Swiss watch-making heritage. Each Lonville watch benefits from our respect for century-old Swiss watchmaking traditions, the latest unrivalled Swiss precision machinery and highly skilled craftsmen.
This philosophy allows us to work closely with some of the finest local craftsmen and artisans along with unique characters in the watch industry. So for us it is simple: Why make a dream come true that does not stay true to your values? This is how Swiss watchmaking should be.
The slightly coned shape of the white gold crown is reminiscent of Lonville pocket watches and is engraved with the elegant ‘L’ from Lonville’s historic shield logo.
CALIBRE LV1
Calibre LV1 has been designed and created, over a period of 8 years, in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, the heart of the Swiss watch-making industry. We have collaborated with Schwartz Etienne for Virage’s LV1 movement.
LONVILLE – G24 ‘Superleggera’
Super lightweight titanium – Limited to 24 pieces – one for each hour of the race
Gabriele Gardel was wearing a Lonville prototype when he crossed the finish line at nearly 300km/h to win his class at Le Mans 24 hours. Matthew Humphries, the creator of the incredible Morgan Aeromax, has designed the G24. The unique dial features multiple layers and a black vertical ‘straight’ which is symbolic of the way Gabriele described the Le Mans dark nighty-time circuit.
COSC-certified movement with 120 hours of power reserve. Titanium, hand polished and brushed case and closure. Each lug is drilled by hand to create the ultimate lightweight feeling. PVD black. All Swiss, of course.
LONVILLE – Rallymaster
Lonville Rallymaster Chronograph is a robust stainless steel 40mm case perfectly suited for ‘real-life’ rally usage. The Rallymaster is built in 88 numbered pieces. This ensures it will remain a rare sight, whether hard at work during a rally or showing its handsome look at a cocktail party.
What is impossible to describe is the amount of passion, attention to details and craftsmanship that has gone into each single detail of the Rallymaster. This remains for you to explore.
WHAT IS YOUR LONVILLE MOMENT?
To discover more, visit www.lonville.com
Article by Massimo Basile
Editorial Director @