Last Updated on October 19, 2024 by Jason

Taubert & Fils (Taubert & Sons) is a highly respected name in the Swiss watchmaking industry, known for crafting high-quality waterproof watch cases. The company was founded in 1924 when the Taubert family acquired the Borgel watch case-making company of Geneva. The names of the Taubert & Fils partners were as Paul-Arthur Taubert and his sons Marcel, Paul-Emile and Bernard Taubert. There are no records to clearly indicate the Taubert family history prior to the formation of Taubert & Fils. However, I think it is safe to assume that they had some success in the metalworking industry and saw the Borgel opportunity as a means to expand their business.

The relationship between François Borgel and Taubert & Fils

To understand the origins of Taubert & Fils, it is essential to trace the legacy of François Borgel (1856 – 1912). A master watch case maker, Borgel established his company in 1891 and gained recognition for his pioneering innovations in watchmaking, particularly in the design of waterproof and dustproof watch cases. One of Borgel’s most notable contributions to the industry was his early screw-in case design. This design played a crucial role in protecting watches from moisture and dirt at a time when most watches were far more susceptible to environmental factors. The François Borgel trademark of the initials FB with a key in a rectangular cameo was registered in Geneva on 17th March 1887. Taubert & Fils continued to use the François Borgel trademark for many years after acquiring the company.

François Borgel trademark.
François Borgel trademark.

When François Borgel passed away in 1912, his company continued to operate under the control of his daughter Louisa. In 1924, Taubert & Fils acquired the company and took over the legacy that Borgel had established. This involved continuing the tradition of innovation in waterproof cases. Taubert & Fils preserved the core innovations that Borgel had discovered and began the process of evolving and improving upon them with the technological advancements of the time. As a result, Taubert & Fils became the natural successor to the François Borgel company, maintaining its expertise in waterproof case design while introducing new innovations in the field.

The products of Taubert & Fils

Taubert & Fils specialised in producing high-quality watch cases, with a particular focus on waterproof and dustproof designs. While the company was not a watchmaker as such, its contribution to the industry was significant. Over the years, they supplied some of the most important watchmakers with state-of-the-art watch cases that significantly enhanced the durability and functionality of timepieces. Their cases were often used by premium brands seeking high-end solutions for protecting their watches from water, dust, and other environmental elements.

The expertise of Taubert & Fils was recognised in their meticulous craftsmanship, as their watch cases were not only functional but also stylish. This appealed to discerning clients who demanded both elegance and durability. The company’s hallmark cases were made from high-quality metals, and designed to fit seamlessly with various types of wristwatches, including sports and dress watches.

Pioneers of waterproof cases

Taubert & Fils’ most significant contributions to watchmaking were in their innovations surrounding waterproof watch cases, continuing the legacy left by François Borgel. In an era when wristwatches were transitioning from delicate, ornamental items to functional everyday tools, waterproofing became a necessity, especially for military, professional, and sports watches. The ability to withstand moisture, humidity, and submersion was critical for those in active or challenging environments.

One of Taubert & Fils’ key developments was their adaptation and improvement of the screw-in case design. The company took the basic concept introduced by Borgel and improved its performance. These enhanced cases could endure greater depths and were better sealed against external elements. These innovations made Taubert & Fils a major supplier to some of the most prestigious watch manufacturers, and they played a crucial role in the development of early dive watches.

A key patent was the Cork Stem Seal no. CH 130942. This Swiss patent was granted on 16th of December 1928. The patent described a waterproof sealing mechanism that uses a cork gasket to prevent water, dust, and moisture from entering the watch case through the winding stem, which is one of the most vulnerable points for water entry in a wristwatch.

The Taubert Decagonal case

Another of the company’s most important patents was the Taubert Decagonal case, CH 156807. The patent was granted in 1932 and gained considerable attention for its unique design and superior waterproofing capabilities. The patent described a decagonal (10-sided) caseback design, which became synonymous with Taubert & Fils. The 10-sided shape allowed for easy removal and tightening of the caseback using a special tool, ensuring a secure and tight fit, critical for maintaining water resistance under pressure. The system worked in tandem with gaskets to prevent water and dust from entering the watch case. This made the Decagonal case an ideal solution for watches intended for professional or high-performance use, particularly in marine environments.

The Decagonal case was notably adopted by several major watch manufacturers. One of the first to adopt the case was the West End Watch Company. Others soon followed including, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Universal Genève and Mido. Its design offered not only technical advantages but also an aesthetic appeal, as the geometric shape of the case back distinguished it from traditional round or screw-back cases.

Taubert Decagonal case back
Taubert Decagonal case back.

Collaborations with prestigious watch manufacturers

Taubert & Fils worked closely with several renowned Swiss watchmakers, supplying them with their advanced waterproof cases. The company’s clients included some of the most prestigious brands in the world of watchmaking, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Longines, and Breguet. These watchmakers relied on Taubert & Fils to provide watch cases that could complement their timepieces in both function and design.

One of the most significant partnerships was with Patek Philippe, which used Taubert & Fils cases for several of their models, including waterproof dress watches and chronographs. Taubert & Fils also supplied Longines with cases for their waterproof watches, further cementing their reputation as the go-to case supplier for brands that required top-tier craftsmanship.

The decline and legacy of Taubert & Fils

Like many traditional manufacturers, Taubert & Fils faced challenges as the watchmaking industry evolved. This was particularly the case with the introduction of new materials and mass-production techniques that made high-end case-making a more competitive field. Despite their technical prowess, the company struggled to maintain its position in a rapidly changing market.

By the mid-20th century, Taubert & Fils began to lose some of its major clients as in-house manufacturing capabilities improved among the larger watch brands. This led to a gradual decline in the company’s operations, although their contribution to the history of watchmaking remains undeniable. The company eventually ceased operations on the 30th of June 1972, with their tools and patents absorbed by other watchmakers or left to the history books.

Conclusion

Taubert & Fils holds an important place in the history of Swiss watchmaking, particularly for their innovations in waterproof watch case technology. Established in 1924 and inheriting the legacy of François Borgel, the company played a pioneering role in advancing the design of waterproof and dustproof cases, making them an indispensable part of the horological world. Their iconic Decagonal case remains their most recognisable achievement, a testament to their expertise in functional and aesthetically pleasing watch case design.

Related content

The definitive history of Taubert & Fils is undoubtedly the link below at David Boettcher’s excellent website, Vintage Watch Straps.

The Taubert Family – Watch Case Makers of Geneva at Vintage Watch Straps.