1919
THE BEGINNING
“Measuring time is part of our family and cultural heritage. We grew up here, in the cradle of watchmaking, at the foot of the Swiss Jura, where people and time have faced every technical and aesthetic challenge”. Luc Tissot could have used these exact words to celebrate the return of Milus to its Swiss family watchmaking heritage in 2016, had they not already been spoken by the company founder, Paul William Junod, in 1919.
Swiss watchmaking is by tradition deeply connected to its founders. Inventors and visionaries created large family businesses, where creativity and entrepreneurship served to cultivate the image and perpetuation of a brand. This is emblematic of the Milus heritage, which is embodied in the modernist architectural design of its building, created in 1962 by Edouard Lanz (architect of the ‘House of the People of Bienne’) on the grounds of the brand’s historical site.
Milus is founded in Bienne, Switzerland by Paul William Junod.
Paul Herbert Junod, son of the company founder, takes over the company.
„Rose d’Or de Baden-Baden“ award for the „La Mer“ model.
1950-1970
The Expansion
When the founder died in 1951, the reins of the company were handed over to his son, Paul Herbert Junod. He overhauled the family workshops, while at the same time developing new watches with innovative designs. As a result, production increased by 200% and the number of employees rose from 35 in 1951 to 50 in the 1960s. During this period, the company moved to its current headquarters at route de Reuchenette 19.
During the 1970s, the company received several awards for its products, including the Rose d'Or de Baden-Baden on three occasions in the early 1970s. The model called ‘La Mer’ won the 1970 session, the following year's session was for the ‘Pocket Watch’ and the final honour went to the ‘Avant-garde’ model (1973).
The logo
AFTER-SALES SERVICE Logo, 1930
The Milus logo originates from the Greek god "Hermes" and represents both ingenuity and creativity. The logo originally represented Hermes himself, wearing his trident helmet. While the first logo was relatively detailed, a second, more simplified version appeared in the 1940s.
The name
MILUS [ƐM][AꞮ][ƐL][JUː][ƐS]
Looking for a name that would be easy to pronounce in different languages the founder opted for a succinct five-letter mix of consonants and vowels, ideal for the small canvas of a watch face.
Thus emerged "Milus,"; of Latin origin and derived from the Latin word "mīles," which means "soldier" or "warrior." Over time, variations of this name have appeared in different cultures and languages, often with the meaning reflects its connection to strength and courage.
1972
Quartz crisis
When the quartz crisis hit in the 1970s. Rather than try to fight the tide and lose like far too many watchmakers did, Milus went with the current (literally). In 1972 with 4 other watchmakers, they built the first electronic watch with a liquid crystal display.
The creation of Ditronic SA in March 1972 marks a significant moment in the history of Swiss watchmaking. The decision by the owners of Milus, Glycine & Altus, Wyler, Delvina, and Buttes Watches to unite and enter the LCD watch market demonstrates a proactive approach to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements
Collaboration and customisation
Milus has quietly embraced a role that marries tradition with innovation: white label watchmaking and customization. By leveraging its deep expertise and meticulous craftsmanship, Milus showcases its adaptability and broad skill set.
BUCHERER/MILUS ALARM, Circa 1970s
This has positioned Milus as a behind-the-scenes creator of timepieces for several high-profile brands, including Aston Martin, Bucherer, and designer Mario Botta.
Milus Jetmaster - FC Barcelona, Circa mid 50s
Notable owner László Kubala FC Barcelona player 1951-1961
Pocket watch for the jeweller Fortunoff New-York, Circa 1986
Iconic New-York–based retailer of outdoor furniture and jewelry.
Milus Far Side for MoMA - Circa 1992
Exclusively available at the Museum of Modern Art.
1982
The succession
In 1982, Paul Herbert Junod handed the company over to his two sons, Pierre and Paul. They developed revolutionary watches with innovative designs, enabling Milus International SA to win several awards for the originality of its products between 1984 and 2001.
The Junods were at the forefront of watchmaking style, pioneering the cause of " pure and true " design. They worked tirelessly to achieve "a truly contemporary watch industry" offered at democratic prices. Milus quickly became a recognised and even cult brand in artistic and creative circles.
Paul Herbert Junod hands over the company to his sons Paul und Pierre Junod.
Milus watches receive several awards and are displayed in the world’s leading museums like the MOMA in NY.
Nomination for the special edition "The 50 brands of the Swiss watch making industry in the 20th century".
2006
The Launch of the TriRetrograde Line
This brand-specific function is symbolised by three separate circles at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. Each of the hands successively covers 20 seconds on its dial before returning to its initial position just as the next hand begins its journey. This pioneering feature added a touch of sophistication appealing to connoisseurs who sought both precision and aesthetic allure.
2019
The centenary
To mark its centenary in 2019, Milus is returning to the market with models that are as classic as they are daring. Under the leadership of Luc Tissot, the firm revives the soul of the brand with models that combine precision, technical excellence and timeless design.
With its LAB collection, Milus intends to draw inspiration freely from its designs of the 1990s, a great era of stylistic minimalism and design. The models in the ICONIC Collection combine the technical excellence of MILUS with tried-and-tested, timeless designs.
Relaunch of Iconic Snow Star & Archimedes models
Official nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève 2021 in the Diver's category
Switzerland Prestige Award - Luxury Watch Brand of the Year
SWISS MADE