The dream catcher
In1902, a young Italian entrepreneur set out towards the Eastern horizon, inspired by Italian Priest Matteo Ricci – the first person to introduce timepieces in China. His voyage would have him cross 2 continents by land and sea to reach his final destination.
One year after setting off from his native land and three centuries after the countryman who inspired him, Federico Iguzzini established his watch company in the bustling city of Shanghai, which was at the time rapidly developing into one of the most revered and sophisticated cities in the world.
This, in 1903, marked the establishment of China’s first luxury watch brand.
Federico’s adventures in the Far East would see him developing unique horology for the affluent along the course of almost four decades.
The Sino-Japanese conflict and subsequent closing of China to the world for the most part of the remaining century led to the end of all private ventures in the country, including Federico’s company.
The unfortunate passing of Federico shortly after, while exploring new options for relocation and reestablishment following the forced closure in Shanghai, left his dream and endeavors to sleep in the tides of time.
One year after setting off from his native land and three centuries after the countryman who inspired him, Federico Iguzzini established his watch company in the bustling city of Shanghai, which was at the time rapidly developing into one of the most revered and sophisticated cities in the world.
This, in 1903, marked the establishment of China’s first luxury watch brand.
Federico’s adventures in the Far East would see him developing unique horology for the affluent along the course of almost four decades.
The Sino-Japanese conflict and subsequent closing of China to the world for the most part of the remaining century led to the end of all private ventures in the country, including Federico’s company.
The unfortunate passing of Federico shortly after, while exploring new options for relocation and reestablishment following the forced closure in Shanghai, left his dream and endeavors to sleep in the tides of time.
a return through inspiration
It is said that dreams are meant to endure time. It was in the year 2005 that brothers Stephane and Lander Michel were made aware of Federico Iguzzini and his venture of a century before. Having both grown up around the world, his story fascinated them while his relentless intrepidity in having followed his dream at the time inspired them. The elements leading to a crossroads that brought the undertakings of a man with a dream from another time together with the determination of young dreamers in this century would culminate to a return through inspiration.
After much reflection, study and planning the Michel brothers formally established the Iguzzini Watch Company in 2007 as a tribute to a young Italian from times long gone, and as a symbol that dreams and their pursuit should always be a model for inspiration.
In the fall of 2009, over a century after Federico reached distant lands in search of his dream, the first line of Iguzzini Watches was released.
After much reflection, study and planning the Michel brothers formally established the Iguzzini Watch Company in 2007 as a tribute to a young Italian from times long gone, and as a symbol that dreams and their pursuit should always be a model for inspiration.
In the fall of 2009, over a century after Federico reached distant lands in search of his dream, the first line of Iguzzini Watches was released.