PELLATON James Caesar

James Caesar Pellaton (1873 - 1954), who followed his equally well-known father, Albert Pellaton-Favre, as important maker of tourbillons. What distinguished James from his father was his scientific and theoretical approach towards his profession. This made him a perfect candidate when in 1903 the famous Horological School in Le Locle searched able teachers in escapement-making. Being apt at watchmaking theory as well, he authored a textbook on clock escapements which is used at Swiss horological schools until today and was translated into several languages. After 22 years of teaching he became director of the school in 1925 and remained in this position until his retirement in 1939. He was a founding member of the Swiss Chronometric Society, was awarded the honorary doctor’s degree by the university of Neuchâtel in 1938 and received several honorary titles and medals for his restless work.

James Pellaton made many tourbillons for renown watchbrands, primarily for Patek Philippe and Ulysse Nardin, and each of his tourbillons reflected his unique personal style. Easily recognizeable are his products by the shape of the tourbillon bridge, which shows two mounting points on the left and one on the right, leaving the tourbillon cage fixed by a triangle or 'fork'.

James Casar Pellaton (d.1954).One of the most esteemed makers of tourbillons in the 20th century. He learned his craft from his father, also an esteemed tourbillon maker. In terms of design, he followed his father's footsteps, using the same type of ebauches. He became director of the Le Locle Technicum, which in 1943 awarded him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa.