About – Gay Freres

Legendary Swiss Watch Bracelet Manufacturer

Gay Frères is a legendary Swiss manufacturer founded in 1835 by Jean-Pierre Gay and Gaspard Tissot, initially producing gold chains and jewelry for pocket watches before adapting to the wristwatch era to become a renowned maker of bracelets for top brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. The company became known for its original designs, particularly in stainless steel. Gay Frères bracelets became widely used by many brands, notably Omega, Zenith, and Heuer, through the 1960s to 1980s, but Rolex took up increasing amounts of the company’s capacity, ultimately buying the company outright in 1998. Distribution to other companies ceased under Rolex’s ownership, as did production of items apart from watch bracelets. The old machinery and designs were gradually replaced or updated.

In 2024, Bill Shaine acquired Gay Frères with a mission to reintroduce its most iconic watch bracelet styles made true to the original construction. He is looking forward to introducing the first bracelets this year.

Bill will also be expanding the Gay Frères product. line to include retro style watch straps. He has also acquired the rights to produce and sell genuine Corfam® watch straps, the historic straps from the 60s and 70s. Home . The straps are in production and offered for sale at very reasonable prices. They are made from the original formula and to the original specifications.

Origins and Early Years (1835-early 1900s)

Foundation:

Gay Frères was established in Geneva in 1835 as a "chainiste," a maker of chains for pocket watches and jewelry.

Specialization:

Their expertise in fine metalwork and chain-making, particularly in gold, laid the foundation for their future success.

Transition to Wristwatch Bracelets (Early 20th Century)

Adapting to Change:

As wristwatches gained popularity over pocket watches, Gay Frères adapted, becoming a significant player in the emerging wristwatch bracelet industry.

Stainless Steel Innovation:

The company was a pioneer in the use of stainless steel, a more difficult material than gold, leading to innovative and robust bracelets like the versatile Bonklip style, embraced by Rolex in the 1930s.

Golden Age and Major Partnerships (Mid-late 20th Century)

Iconic Designs:

Gay Frères was the original designer and manufacturer of some of the most iconic watch bracelets, including the Rolex Oyster, Zenith "Beads of Rice," and integrated bracelets for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus.

Go-To Supplier:

By the latter half of the century, they were a go-to supplier for many prestigious brands, including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Sale of the Company

Rolex Acquisition:

In 1998, Rolex acquired Gay Frères as part of a broader industrial strategy and discontinued the use of the Gay Frères® brand name.

Bill Shaine Acquisition:

In 2024, Bill Shaine acquired Gay Frères with a mission to reintroduce its most iconic watch bracelet styles made true to the original construction.

Enduring Impact:

Gay Frères is considered the most impactful parts suppliers in watchmaking history, its expert craftsmanship and original designs leaving the industry a lasting legacy.