Ernest Francillon

In 1852, the manufacturer of clock industry Auguste Agassiz calls with Saint-Imier his nephew Ernest Francillon and interests it in the industry of the watch. The young man, born on July 10th, 1834 with Lausanne, watch from the start a great interest and much of talent in the organization of work, the control of the businesses, the conquest of the large clock making markets. At the beginning of the summer 186 2, the counter of clock industry is with its name, it produces 20.000 parts per year and obtains great business successes. In 1866, Ernest Francillon buys in Saint-Imier grounds with the locality “Es Longines”, to build a workshop of clock industry there. The mark Longines was born, it will be soon synonymous with high-quality and prestige, present in all the large fairs and international exhibitions, where the manufactured Saint-Imier watches conquer diplomas and medals. Ernest Francillon is dynamic, it ties business connections in the large European capitals and prospects the US market to be essential on the spot on competition. It is also an avid industrialist of progress, he introduces into his workshops of the work methods and tools modern, create new gauges, put its watches at the last style. In 1870, the company is threatened of liquidation, but Ernest Francillon and its collaborators hold head, against winds and tides. In Saint-Imier, he is pioneer of the School of clock industry and the electric Forces of Goule. Deputy with the Large Bernese Council in 1878, adviser national in 1881, it dies out, the April 3rd 1900. Saint-Imier sets up a monument to him the October 13rd 1907.

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