Milestones

1966
On January 1st, H.-U. Klingenberg establishes the firm in Bienne that is now Century Time Gems Ltd.

1967
The trademark CENTURY is registered – a name that is nothing less than a challenge to transient time.

1967
The world-famous stroke of genius, a vacuum inside a watch case, is patented and becomes the first successful model line from CENTURY.

1969
The first watch in the world to be made from sapphire and ruby is presented. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale it cannot be scratched by anything except possibly a diamond.

1971
With a Collection that grabs the attention of the world and focuses on sapphire, gold, and diamond, CENTURY takes its place in the exclusive upper ranks of the jeweller’s and watchmaker’s art.

1977
H.-U. Klingenberg invents the monolith system.

1981
CENTURY has been developing new shapes and facet patterns continually since the 1980s.

1988
The Empire model is launched with its big facets. These octagonal Empire facets are typical of CENTURY and become the company’s logo.

1993
Philip W.A. Klingenberg, the son of the founder, joins the company and has since then been managing it successfully in the position of Company President.

1995
Removal from Bienne to a new, modern manufactury in Nidau.

1999
To mark the start of a new millennium CENTURY presents the exquisite Dragon Stone in a series limited to 99 pieces in 18ct white gold almost entirely beset with diamonds.

2000
CENTURY opens its first boutique outside Europe, in the Ginza district, Tokyo’s stylish meeting-place of fashion and luxury.

2002
The Nocturner model is introduced with diamond-studded movable slides on the strap.

2003
The 15th anniversary of the Empire model is celebrated. This watch is donated to three highly respected Swiss watch museums.

2003
The Nocturner Ring is launched in yellow and white gold.

2004
The new world of “Modern Luxury Romance” is introduced and the new exhibition pavilion inaugurated at the Baselworld 2004. A new line is launched in the gentlemen’s Collection, and a Collection of jewellery and accessories is also introduced.

2005
In January, CENTURY opens its second boutique world-wide in the busy Salmya quarter in the heart of Kuwait.