Brand philosophy

Philip W.A. Klingenberg

HistoryThe firm of CENTURY was established in Bienne in 1966 by Hans-Ulrich Klingenberg, whose vision it was to combine an unusual method of manufacture with timeless elegance and a technically perfect design - a vision that led to watches made of sapphire being produced for the first time in the world. CENTURY is still to this day an independent family company.

PhilosophyCENTURY watches are hand-crafted pieces of jewellery designed for a discriminating clientele. The high level of craftsmanship that goes into polishing precious stones is combined with the precision and quality for which Swiss watch-making is justly renowned. The focus of the production process is the “manufacturing” in the original sense of the word: the watches are carefully made by hand in the firm's own workshop in Nidau, and only with the very finest materials.

ProductCENTURY timepieces are both timeless jewellery of great scarcity value and also technical masterpieces.
The unique monolith system consists of the sapphire case ring and the sapphire face that are inseparably joined together by a chemical process, and this makes the case the basis for every CENTURY watch.
The sapphire case blank thus created is ground and polished by hand with diamond-faced tools to give it the required shape. Only the finest materials are used in manufacturing such as sapphire, diamond, platinum, gold, mother-of-pearl, and Chinese lacquer. Every CENTURY watch is water-resistant down to a depth of 100 metres, and is fitted with a high-precision Swiss quartz movement or, if so required, with a hand-wound or an automatic movement. CENTURY grants a three-year international guarantee on all its watches.

Product lines The Collection is made up of three product lines: Master Imperial, Precious Elegance, and Contemporary Timepiece. Each meets the requirements of its discriminating clientele. In addition to about 120 references from 20 model lines, CENTURY also creates exclusive single pieces individually fulfilling customers' requirements.Master Imperial: These watches are designed for the self-confident woman who is well established in her chosen world. This Collection represents the extraordinary and artistic craftsmanship behind CENTURY watches and the unique character of their workmanship and design; sophisticated watches for unforgettable occasions.Precious Elegance: Watches in the Precious Elegance line define the trends in design and colour. This elegant, top-end line is for the fashion-conscious and ambitious personality.Contemporary Timepiece: The Collection promises successful everyday use for wearers who still want to enjoy the extravagance of a jewellery watch. This is the watch for younger people looking for something out of the usual.

The company todayCENTURY, as an independent family company, is headed by Philip W.A. Klingenberg, the son of the founder.
The own manufacturing workshop, including the marketing, sales, and other offices, is now located in Nidau, near Bienne, in the heartland of the Swiss watch industry, and employs 55 people. Every year it produces about 12,000 watched made of sapphire.

DistributionCENTURY watches are sold through an exclusive network of 250 authorised watch and jewellery dealers mainly located in Asia and Europe. At the end of November 2000, CENTURY opened the first boutique of its own in the famous Ginza district of downtown Tokyo. The second boutique, in the Salmya quarter of Kuwait, followed in January 2005.