Haute-Rive

HAUTE-RIVE  founded in 1888 on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.

Irénée Aubry, a visionary watchmaker, established his first workshop there and created truly pioneering pieces. His watches defined an era — from the iconic Hebdomas with its 8-day power reserve to a pocket watch with 40 days of autonomy, crafted for Pope Leo XIII. Both were powered by a single barrel spring — a remarkable technical achievement, and a signature still present in the brand’s contemporary models.

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Today, HAUTE-RIVE remains the only Swiss watchmaking house founded in the 19th century still led by a direct descendant of its founder: Stéphane von Gunten. A renowned watchmaking engineer, Stéphane von Gunten built his career at prestigious Manufactures such as Patek Philippe and Ulysse Nardin.

Holder or co-inventor of around thirty patents, he brings a new creative energy to HAUTE-RIVE — one that blends traditional craftsmanship, technical research, and contemporary aesthetics.

“Lake Neuchâtel has always been a source of inspiration for me.
I like to imagine it was the same for my ancestor Irénée, who saw the same ever-changing landscape from his workshop.”

— Stéphane von Gunten