Lebois & Co

Overview

Lebois & Co is a Swiss-made watch brand that combines vintage aesthetics with modern precision engineering. Originally established in 1934 by French watchmaker Raymond Dodane, the brand ceased operations in 1972 during the quartz crisis. The brand was revived in 2014-2015 by Dutch entrepreneur Tom van Wijlick through a successful Kickstarter campaign, and now operates as an independent watchmaker focused on mechanical timepieces with Art Deco-inspired designs. The company engages its community through a CoLAB platform that allows customers direct input into watch design and production decisions.

History

Lebois & Co was established in 1934 by French watchmaker Raymond Dodane and produced Swiss-made timepieces used in military applications throughout its original existence. The brand ceased production in 1972 as the quartz crisis devastated the mechanical watch industry, remaining dormant for approximately 40 years. In 2014, Dutch watch enthusiast Tom van Wijlick acquired the rights to the Lebois & Co name and successfully revived the brand through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. The revitalized brand launched with the Avantgarde Date as its first modern interpretation, followed by the Heritage Chronograph and Heritage Small Seconds collections. The company maintains its commitment to Swiss manufacturing while incorporating contemporary design and movement technology.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Lebois & Co produces Swiss-made watches using movements from suppliers including Sellita (SW200 caliber, decorated as LC-201) and La Joux-Perret. The brand emphasizes quality Swiss craftsmanship with decorative finishing, blued steel screws, and chronometer-level certification standards. Cases feature screw-down crowns and sapphire crystals, with water resistance ranging from 50 to 100 meters depending on the model.

Notable Products

• Heritage Chronograph - 39mm Art Deco chronograph with 60-hour power reserve and salmon dial option, featuring La Joux-Perret movement
• Heritage Small Seconds - Chronometer-certified dress watch inspired by historic pieces with modern precision engineering
• Venturist - OC+ Chronometer-certified watch with decorated Sellita SW200 movement and 38-hour power reserve

Reputation

Lebois & Co is regarded by watch enthusiasts as a thoughtfully executed revival of a historic brand with genuine commitment to quality Swiss manufacturing and design heritage. The brand receives praise for its legible, well-made timepieces with vintage aesthetics combined with modern reliability and chronometer-level performance standards. Reviewers note the brand's community-focused approach through its CoLAB platform as a distinctive strength. Some criticism centers on pricing relative to the market, though the brand maintains strong customer satisfaction ratings and is recognized for Tom van Wijlick's exemplary stewardship in building a credible watchmaking legacy.