In the world of watchmaking, where craftsmanship meets history, few stories are as fascinating—or as dramatic—as that of Jakob Aeschbach. From humble beginnings in Switzerland to the heights of German industry, and through the harrowing trials of war, the Aeschbach name has endured, only to be revived decades later by a determined descendant. Let’s dive into this extraordinary tale.
The Origins of Jakob Aeschbach
Jakob Aeschbach was born in Switzerland in 1896 and trained as a watchmaker in his early years. His expertise eventually brought him to post-World War I Germany, where he crossed paths with German merchant Philipp Weber. Together, they founded the WEBER & AESCHBACH company in Pforzheim—a town renowned for its jewelry trade but lacking in skilled watch technicians.
Their venture thrived, particularly with the creation of the watch brand ARCTOS, named after the Great Bear constellation. The duo’s complementary skills were key to the company’s early success: Aeschbach focused on the technical side of watchmaking, while Weber excelled at navigating the business landscape.
The Roaring Success of Weber & Aeschbach
Despite Germany’s post-war economic turmoil and hyperinflation, Weber and Aeschbach found ways to adapt. They initiated a training program for watchmakers in Pforzheim, dramatically scaling production, and became the first local company to import Swiss movements for assembly. By the 1930s, WEBER & AESCHBACH had solidified itself as a leading manufacturer, producing watches for both the ARCTOS brand and other clients.
In 1931, the pair launched the Pforzheim Collection, a lineup of attractive timepieces aimed at German watch wholesalers. By the 1940s, the company employed 900 people across eight workshops. They also acquired a stake in UROFA-Glash, enabling the production of fully German-made watches.
Aeschbach's Exile and Survival
As the political landscape shifted in the 1930s, life for Aeschbach—who had Jewish roots—became perilous under Nazi Germany’s racial laws. These laws barred Jewish ownership of businesses, forcing him to relinquish his shares to Weber. After a brief attempt to operate independently, Aeschbach returned to Switzerland, where he established a new company under his own name.
In 1944, Aeschbach planned a significant project: a timepiece for the German Air Ministry (Reichsluftfahrtministerium, or RLM). However, the chaos of war disrupted these plans. The prototype and blueprints survived but production never commenced.
Tragedy and Resilience
World War II brought devastation to Pforzheim. On February 23, 1945, Royal Air Force bombers targeted the town, known for its precision instrument manufacturing. In just 22 minutes, 17,000 people - 1/3 of the entire population were killed. The industrial heart of Pforzheim was obliterated, and with it, the WEBER & AESCHBACH empire.
Returning to Germany post-war, Aeschbach revived his brand in collaboration with Horst Hohnloser, a German watch trader and manufacturer. Aeschbach retired to Pforzheim in 1957 and passed away in 1961, leaving a legacy that might have faded into obscurity if not for his great-grandson.
The Aeschbach Revival
Today, Stefan Aeschbach, Jakob’s great-grandson, has brought the family name back to the world of watchmaking. One of the most exciting pieces in the revived collection is the Aeschbach RLM, based on Jakob’s 1944 design for the German Air Ministry. With modern production techniques and contemporary materials, the watch is both a tribute to its origins and a symbol of how history can inform innovation.
The Enoksen Connection
At Enoksen, we’re proud to be part of the Aeschbach revival. The story of Jakob Aeschbach is a reminder of the resilience and creativity that define the watchmaking industry. By bringing these timepieces to our customers, we’re helping to preserve a remarkable legacy.
We have selected three watches from the Aeschbach collection which we will make part of our range.
A Legacy Among Legends
Interestingly, the German Air Ministry sourced watches from nearly 100 companies, including familiar names like Alpina, Breitling, Büren, Grana, IWC, Laco, Lemania, Longines, Omega, Record and Zenith. These brands, some of which also supplied the British Ministry of Defence during the same era, straddled both sides of history—a testament to the global nature of watchmaking.
Jakob Aeschbach’s journey from Switzerland to Germany and back, through war and peace, speaks to the enduring appeal of craftsmanship and the power of reinvention. Today, his name stands alongside some of the most storied brands in the industry, carried forward by a new generation passionate about time and its preservation.
You can experience the Enoksen x Aeschbach models here.
