Lonville

Overview

Lonville is a Swiss luxury watch brand revived in the 2010s, producing very small series of high-end mechanical watches for enthusiasts, emphasizing exceptional quality, Swiss components, and understated elegance. It draws inspiration from its 19th-century heritage as part of the Langendorf Watch Company, known for pocket watches, while incorporating modern designs influenced by classic cars and rallies. The brand maintains limited production runs, typically 18-24 pieces per model, and uses proprietary LV1 movements made in Switzerland.¹²⁴⁶

History

Lonville originated in 1873 as a brand of the Langendorf Watch Company founded by Johann Kottman in Langendorf, Switzerland, specializing in pocket watches and growing to employ 800-1000 workers by the late 1800s. Production ceased in the 1950s after the company shifted focus to other brands. In 2007-2009, Dutch entrepreneur Joost Vreeswijk, living in Switzerland, rediscovered the brand and re-established it in Lugano with a group of enthusiasts, launching the first modern watches like the Virage in 2016 after years of development. Key milestones include the 2011 Le Mans 24-hour race victory inspiring the G24 model and ongoing limited-series production.¹²⁴⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

All Lonville watches are fully produced in Switzerland using Swiss suppliers for cases, dials, hands, and proprietary tools, exceeding standard 'Swiss Made' requirements by labeling as 'All Swiss'. Movements are LV1 calibers, manual or automatic, COSC-certified, manufactured by a small firm in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Production occurs on a project basis with Swiss industry specialists.²⁴⁶

Notable Products

• Virage - First modern Lonville watch in white gold, limited to 18 pieces per model, with unique LV1 movement inspired by 1950s glamour.
• G24 - Titanium watch in series of 24, born from 2011 Le Mans victory, featuring multi-layer dial and endless power reserve.
• Virage Fuel Tank - White gold variant reviewed for high-end craftsmanship, produced in very small numbers.

Reputation

Lonville is regarded by enthusiasts as a hidden gem offering exceptional quality and exclusivity in very limited series, appealing to collectors seeking understated, high-finish watches without mass-market inflation. Professionals note its value-for-money pricing due to direct-to-consumer approach and full Swiss sourcing beyond standard labels. Criticisms are minimal in sources, though its obscurity stems from tiny production volumes.²⁴⁵