The Bernhard H. Mayer brand is evocative of a rich heritage known for high precision craftsmanship in precious metals since the late 1800s. The timepieces that bear the Bernhard H. Mayer brand today uphold the timeless tradition of excellence once admired by European nobility and royalty.
Today, the Bernhard H. Mayer brand has come a long way from its origins in numismatics in the town of Pforzeim that has been associated for over 200 years with jewellery and watchmaking. The premium Swiss watches under the Bernhard H. Mayer brand today uphold the same rich tradition pioneered by master craftsmen since 1871.
The Journey
1871
When the town of Pforzheim (also known as Goldstadt or City of Gold) was just a new industrial centre in Germany, the Mayer family found an ideal environment to set up business and began manufacturing and selling dies (tools for minting coins). The business then expanded into minting, and soon they were producing valued coins, medals, and parts for the watch industry. Their reputation grew quickly.
1880 - 1890
Bernhard H. Mayer received the first honourable contract to create medals for Royal Houses, central banks, and governments of Greece and South American countries.
1898
Great Grandfather Bernhard H. Mayer bought and drove the very first automobile in Pforzheim. He was inspired by his relative Bertha Benz – the wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz – who had driven from Mannheim to Pforzheim (the world’s first long-distance trip in an automobile).
1900s
Great Grandfather Mayer took on the hobby of engraving watch covers for pocket watches, at a time when these accessories became a significant fashion statement among enthusiasts.
1936
The Mayer family company was chosen to be the exclusive manufacturer of gold medals for the 1936 Summer and Winter Olympics hosted by Germany, the same year Jesse Owens famously became the first American to win four track and field gold medals at a single Olympics, making him arguably the greatest athlete of his era.
1945
The Mayer family factory buildings and administrative offices were destroyed during the Second World War, taking it 16 years to rebuild.
1961
Final phase of reconstruction of the factory and office buildings in the city centre of Pforzheim was completed.
1971
The Centenary year. Celebrating 100 years of excellence in luxury craftsmanship.
LATE 1990s
At the turn of the century, in a nod to its numismatics history and beginning a new era of business, the Mayer Family starts producing gold coins for a limited edition collection of luxury coin watches, a concept pioneered by the legendary Swiss watchmaker Corum.
2000
Bernhard H. Mayer enters into a strategic partnership with a dynamic young direct selling company, a journey that continues till date.
2006
Bernhard H. Mayer watches begin production in a new facility in Switzerland, the global epicentre of luxury watchmaking.
Looking Forward
Five generations later, Bernhard H. Mayer stays true to its century-old spirit that began in 1871, proving time and again —
A tradition of excellence is timeless.
Swiss Watchmaking
Philosophy
We are committed to crafting timepieces that combine the time-honoured tradition of watchmaking practiced by our master craftsmen with the latest in horological advancements. Each timepiece is an expression of our commitment to our heritage of excellence.
Swiss Craftsmanship
Bernhard H. Mayer timepieces are assembled in Switzerland, in accordance with the guidelines of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry for using the label ‘Swiss Made’. Every timepiece is the work of master craftsmen in Swiss watch workshops in traditional watchmaking villages.