Ebauches SA (ESA) was a Swiss holding company for the production of watch movements (ébauches) and parts, founded in Neuchâtel in 1926. The company played a central role in the Swiss watch industry cartel until its integration into what became the Swatch Group in the 1980s.
History
Foundation and early years
Ebauches was founded in 1926 by three major Swiss watch component manufacturers: A. Schild SA (ASSA) in Granges, Fabrique d'horlogerie de Fontainemelon (FHF), and A. Michel SA (AMSA) in Granges. The company opposed the export of movement templates (chablons) to prevent the production of watches abroad under the Swiss label.[1]
In 1931, Ebauches joined ASUAG, completing the Swiss watch cartel. Despite being part of the same holding company, the various subsidiaries, led by family dynasties, continued to compete fiercely with one another.[1]