Jacques Etoile by Aristo – steel / titanium BRONZE

Jacques Etoile - watches with a story and tradition

The Jacques Etoile brand was founded in 1996 by master watchmaker Klaus Jakob as a platform to showcase his unique watchmaking skills, inherited from his father Horst Jakob. Similar to the famous Chronoswiss, Jacques Etoile quickly gained prestige through the use of historical movements. These movements, often NOS ("new old stock"), were skillfully set into elegant and classic cases, creating a unique combination of tradition and timeless style.

Among the brand's most significant models are the Bidynator, a tribute to Felsa movements, and watches with exclusive complications, such as the tourbillon powered by Progress mechanics. In later years, Jacques Etoile watches were produced in cases from the renowned SUG company in Glashütte, also known for its collaboration with the Sinn brand.

Technical details:

Collaboration with Aristo

Currently, the production of Jacques Etoile watches has been taken over by Aristo Vollmer GmbH, based in Pforzheim. The Atelier collection includes limited editions, with some models produced in very limited quantities – often only 20 pieces. These unique watches sometimes feature rare Swiss NOS movements, making them a true delight for collectors. In the 1990s, Klaus Jakob also personally produced high-quality dials, which became a hallmark of the brand. And it was several of these that we managed to discover in the Aristo brand archive during our visit. Specifically, bronze and blue colored dials. Both from the 1990s.

Neo-vintage elegance in a modern guise

Models with the famous bronze and blue dials offer a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Jacques Etoile Bidynator design with a sector dial. However, the new versions offer more contemporary proportions with a diameter of 41 mm, which is slightly smaller than the original 43 mm. These watches, set in exceptional titanium (or steel) cases from Aristo, perfectly complement Klaus Jakob's masterful dials and perfectly embody the charm of Jacques Etoile's neo-vintage style.

Jacques Etoile watches are not just time indicators. They are an expression of passion for watchmaking art, a legacy of rich history, and at the same time an exceptional design piece. One could say that these are watches that bring not only precision but also a story and a piece of history.

Made in Germany

The range of Aristo watches is truly diverse. From very affordable models to limited editions often made using historical parts - be it historical cases or movements. All watches are assembled in the company's workshops in Pforzheim, Germany. The quality of craftsmanship is first-class. The price, however, remains at a very favorable level. The same applies to the steel braided bracelet - the so-called Milanese strap. That too comes from Aristo's workshops.

Brand History

The history of the Aristo brand dates back to 1907, when watchmaker Julius Epple I (born 1865) founded the company Julius Epple KG in Pforzheim, Germany, one of the cradles of German watchmaking. At that time, the company focused on the production of watches and watch cases. In 1934, Julius Epple took over the company Rohwerkfabrik Maurer & Reiling, and from then on, the company also began producing its own hand-wound movement known as the JE Urofa 56. The "Aristo" brand began to be used from the mid-1920s and was registered on January 31, 1936, at the former "Imperial Patent Office".

Present Day

Vandaag, Arsito is in the hands of Mr. Hansjörg Vollmer (since 1998, when the Epple family sold it to him), grandson of the founder of the Vollmer steel bracelet manufactory (Vollmer, Evvo, New Line), which was founded in 1922 and had maintained business relations with Aristo since 1927.

Innovation

Under Hansjörg's leadership, the brand, in addition to producing typical Aristo models, also focuses on innovation. For example, in 2004, Aristo introduced the first watch with a carbon case and a carbon dial, placing the brand among the pioneers working with carbon as a material in the watchmaking industry.

Factory Visit

In July 2019, we had the opportunity to visit the Aristo factory in person. Although we suspected it would be an interesting visit, the reality far exceeded our expectations. It was truly an amazing experience. So many treasures in one place are truly rare to see. The brand's history and passion for watches breathed from every corner of the building. You can read about the factory visit, including behind-the-scenes photos, in the report written by Bhanu and published on the FliegerFriday website here: https://fliegerfriday.com/flieger-friday-the-aristo-vollmer-treasure-hunt/