Since 1934 Ardath has distinguished itself through the design of unique and innovative timepieces. Among these, the model that best embodies our DNA is undoubtedly the "Long Distance," introduced to the market in 1962, becoming a pioneer of the dual time watch era. Over the years, several iterations have been proposed, with the last version dating back to 1993.

For the past five years, Ardath has been working on designing a completely reimagined version that aligns with contemporary times. This new iteration transcends its utilitarian origins as a dual time watch. It has evolved into a symbol of our interconnected lives, embodying a deeper philosophy rooted in emotional and geographical dualism, a concept that resonates strongly with our increasingly global society and the complex nature of modern existence.

The new Long Distance will be limited to 300 numbered pieces.

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THE BEGINNING:
MONSIEUR DREYFUS

It is 1934 when, In the heart of watchmaking industry Geneva, Monsieur Edmond Dreyfus set forth on a remarkable journey.

After exploring the world for several decades, immersing himself in diverse cultures and engaging in various projects, the Swiss horology veteran ultimately unveiled his own brand: Ardath was born.

From initially producing mass-market Roskopf watches to transitioning to upscale Swiss lever watches, it did not take long for Mr. Dreyfus to pursue his dream: crafting elegantly unique timepieces that would stand the test of time.

Monsieur Edmond Dreyfus

THE RISE

Melding artistic sophistication with authentic craftsmanship, elevated Ardath to its high-ranking position among top reputed Swiss-made manufacturers with whom shared, throughout its longstanding history, pages of leading horological publications such as "Europa Star," and prestigious venues like the “Baselworld”.

The brand achieved rapid success through progressive artisanship, leveraging cutting-edge manufacturing processes and efficient management.

Their meticulous designs were tailored to meet the unique demands of various geographic markets, ultimately turning the brand into a global phenomenon.

After nearly two decades dedicated to his brainchild, Mr. Dreyfus sadly passed away in 1954. He left behind an internationally renowned and respected brand, poised to make history in the watch industry for years to come.

Schweizer Uhrenmesse (Baselworld) , 1942, Geneva (courtesy MCH Messe Basel)

THE EXPANSION:
MR MOTTIRONI & MR ZAUGG'S ERA

That same year, without hesitation and with equal passion as her father, Mrs. Paulette Dreyfus assumed leadership of the company. She promptly recruited two luminaries from the Swiss watchmaking industry, Mr. Enrico Mottironi and Mr. Fredy Zaugg.

The first, a gentleman of Italian origin, brought an artist's perspective and an innovator's spirit to the craft. His creative flair and passion for horological advancement infused the brand with unique, forward-thinking energy. Drawing on years of experience, he consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking artistry.

His counterpart, a seasoned business strategist, provided the pragmatic foundation that grounded the company's aspirations. His acumen in market dynamics and operational efficiency perfectly complemented his partner's creative drive. With a keen understanding of the industry's commercial aspects, he ensured the brand's innovations reached and resonated with discerning clientele.

Their synergy created the ideal alchemy to propel the company to new dimensions in the competitive world of luxury timepieces.

Mr Enrico Mottironi, Mrs Fried, Mr Fredy Zaugg, Mrs Paulette Dreyfus, Mr Fried (Ardath agent for Latin America) 1959, Geneva

Mr Chandu Saswani (Ardath agent for Gibraltar), Mr Enrico Mottironi, Mrs Paulette Dreyfus, Mr Freddy Zaugg, 1966, Geneva

THE ICONIC DECADE

The 1960s emerged as a pivotal decade for the brand, marked by exponential growth and significant geographical expansion.

The momentum was fueled by the introduction of several innovative timepieces.

These included the "Convertible" with its interchangeable cases and awarded to Miss Europe in 1970, the "Tyematcher" and "Versatile" models offering interchangeable dials, the ultra-slim waterproof "Razor Edge," and the "Reef Guard", the first watch ever to feature the iconic "scuba dude" dial motif, a design element that would later be embraced by numerous other watchmakers. Most notably, Ardath launched the "Long Distance" model, one of the pioneering dual time watches in horological history. This groundbreaking timepiece continues to stand as the crown jewel of the Ardath collection, exemplifying the brand's enduring commitment to horological innovation and excellence.

In the ensuing period, the brand's product portfolio expanded significantly, aligning with evolving market trends while steadfastly maintaining its core identity: a distinctive elegance rooted in artisanal craftsmanship.

Ardath "Reef Guard", 1959

Ardath “Razor Edge”, 1962

Ardath “Long Distance”, 1962 ; "Super Long Distance", 1968

"Tyematcher" and "Versatile" Models, 1965

THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE:
MR STARVAGGI AND THE LONG DISTANCE

In 2024, Ardath unveils a completely reimagined version of its iconic "Long Distance" model, the culmination of an ambitious five-year development project. Modernizing a revered timepiece while preserving its essence presented indeed, considerable challenges.

At the helm of this renaissance is Mr. Cristian Starvaggi, a longtime confidant of the Mottironi family, who now assumes leadership of the company.

Mr. Starvaggi's global experiences, particularly his formative decade in Switzerland, fostered a profound passion for horology that he has transformed into a full-time vocation.

His specific passion for vintage dual-time watches, coupled with a deep understanding and appreciation of the brand's heritage, has garnered unequivocal support from the Ardath family. Under Mr. Starvaggi's stewardship, the brand aims to honor its storied past while charting a course for innovation in the luxury timepiece market.

Mr Cristian Starvaggi and Ms Antonia Mottironi in front of the historical Ardath building, 2024, Geneva

BORN & RAISED IN SWITZERLAND

Throughout its storied history, Ardath has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence. The values that founded this esteemed brand - uncompromising quality, meticulous attention to detail, profound love for craftsmanship, and boundless creativity - continue to form the cornerstone of our philosophy today. These principles, guide every aspect of our watchmaking process.

As we look to the future, we proudly uphold our Swiss watchmaking tradition. From our inception to the present day, and for generations to come, every Ardath timepiece has been and will always be crafted in Switzerland. This unwavering dedication to Swiss precision and artistry ensures that each watch bearing the Ardath name is a testament to horological heritage and innovation.

In an ever-changing world, Ardath stands as a beacon of timeless elegance and enduring craftsmanship, bridging our rich past with an exciting future in the art of fine watchmaking.

Ardath building, 1956, Geneva