Timeline

  1. Birth

    Born on 5 February in La Plature, near Les Ponts-de-Martel (Neuchâtel, Switzerland).

    Sylvain Mairet’s school watch at age 15 — duplex escapement in a gold case
  2. Early Years

    After his father’s passing, he is raised by his uncle Frédéric-Louis Favre-Bulle, a noted watchmaker.

  3. School Watch (Age 15)

    He makes his first school watch, a clear sign of early talent and technical promise.

  4. First Distinction

    Gold medal at the Bern Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition for his first chronometer.

  5. London Years

    Works with B. L. Vulliamy and Hunt & Roskell; close ties with James Ferguson Cole.

  6. Workshop in Le Locle

    Returns to Switzerland; begins producing precision watches and chronometers of his own design.

  7. Keyless Winding

    Creates his first pendant-wound (keyless) watch, pioneering twin-barrel solutions.

  8. Paris Universal Exhibition

    Shows his work at the Palais de l’Industrie; technical maturity and refinement recognized.

  9. Neuchâtel Observatory

    Member of the first cantonal commission evaluating precision chronometers.

  10. London — Jury Member

    Serves on the jury of the International Exhibition; contributes the Swiss report.

  11. Gold Medal — Paris

    Honoured for his influence on the progress of Neuchâtel watchmaking.

  12. Technical Legacy

    Paul-David Nardin uses Mairet movements for early marine chronometers.

  13. Passing

    Dies on 12 July in Montmirail (Neuchâtel); leaves an enduring horological legacy.

The Art of Horology Inspired by Sylvain Mairet

This website is dedicated to the culture of fine watchmaking and mechanical artistry. Inspired by the legacy of Sylvain Mairet, we explore the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetic refinement through weekly reflections, essays, and curated features on horology, design, and heritage.

© Sylvain Mairet, Le Locle (NE)