chaefer & Companions, founded 2024 in Le Locle, Switzerland, is based on the philosophy of artistic freedom. The fulfilment of human beings through its liberating creative strength, and the purity of the artisanal gesture, portrays the principal value. A true ode to the timeless poetry of creativity, each watch is transformed into a distinct masterpiece accompanied by its very own story. The brand’s essence of artistic endeavour and creative liberation form an entire interconnected product landscape within the world of the creative craftsmanship or in French les métiers d’art. Interchangeable métiers d’art (craftsmen artworks) components allow for a subtle combination of timepieces with inherently fitting accessories, that are yet to be unveiled.

The models come to life through a series of themed collections, where the brand’s ’Companions’ unify their ideas with centuries-old handcrafts. This way the uniqueness and dedication of each artisan is honoured, understanding that their personal contribution is not just about execution, but represents true freedom of interpretation. The brand celebrates their craftsmanship and commitment, which imprint a unique character on each watch, making each piece not only an object, but an embodiment of the spirit of companionship. This symbiosis makes it possible to give life to collections that are both diverse and coherent around a central theme.

When handcrafts such as enamelling, marquetry, engraving and micro-painting are guided by freedom of interpretation, their craftsmen have the ability to express an equally varied range of skills and sentiments. Their personal perceptions and perspectives are what constitute inherently genuine collections. Each composition has its very own tale to tell, and Schaefer & Companions therefore humbly takes on the position of a modern narrator. Recurring themed collections with a naturalistic base, unified with a free range of interpretation by the Companions, manifest a dynamic and constantly renewing landscape for Schaefer & Companions timepieces, transforming them into an art gallery on the wrist.

Schaefer & Companions allows for genuine collaborations with luxury brands by providing a stage and a network of Companions that enable distinctive realisations of personal and authentic design ideas. Being an intermediary, between design and métiers d’art (craftsmen artworks), Schaefer & Companions unifies the beauty of two very distinctive worlds. Respectful collaborations with highly skilled artisans who unleash their creativity convey a multi-lateral perspective and distinct perceptions for any idea .

Solune, their very first creation, is a majestic ode to craftsmanship and the effervescence of human creativity, sculpted to exalt craftsmanship in a pure form. Solune is an invitation to master artisans to propose intimate and exceptional interactions within chosen themes.

The case, an emblem of the essence of Schaefer & Companions, embodies a promise of aesthetic exclusivity. It reinterprets the sun through a cubist prism, capturing the essence of light, the cornerstone of all beauty. The light plays in every facet of the case and is a metaphor for the Schaefer & Companions’ distinctiveness. The facets reflect the spirit of exploration and curiosity inherently characterised by the Age of Enlightenment.

Two variations of Solune mark a unique canvas destined for artistic expression, and mirror the brand’s personal aspiration. They are bridges between tradition and modernity, between the artist and their art, designed to reveal the splendour of boundless creativity.

Antarctica is the Earth’s southernmost continent and stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the triumph of life in the face of extreme living conditions. Within this harsh landscape, there exists a surreal and ethereal beauty in the breathtaking environment: towering icebergs sculpted by nature’s forces, endless stretches of pristine snow, and a stark, desolate allure that captivates the adventurous at heart.

Schaefer & Companions breaks the ice by launching its enamel series from the inaugural collection. The series contain realisations crafted by the hands of five Companions, bringing to life ten personal interpretations in different métiers d’art crafts, paying tribute to Antarctica’s ethereal solitude and majestic beauty.

Each timepiece, available in a limited series, encapsulates the frozen vastness, silent isolation, and resilience of the Antarctic. They are windows into this vast, icy expanse and represent the subtle artisanal intuition towards this region.

The Solune Medallion serves as a refined gateway to the world of craftsmanship, democratising artisanal excellence. On a delicate round surface of 12mm, positioned at 6 o’clock, the companion artists unfold their creativity, offering a window into their unique artistic universe.

The ’Infinity’ dial stands out with its elliptical patterns, creating a distinctive composition, inviting deep contemplation by guiding the gaze on a meditative journey through the infinite.

The case embodies the promise of aesthetic exclusivity merging modern design with artisanal work. This light, playing in every facet of the case, accentuates their distinct approach to watchmaking and reflects the spirit of exploration and curiosity.

The Solune Grand Art embodies a limitless celebration of art and creativity. This model features a dial entirely dedicated to artistic expression, where every millimetre is a canvas for the Companions’ imagination. Artists are invited to explore and transform the entire dial into a living work of art reflecting their personal, honest and authentic view of Antarctica.

This unprecedented freedom in design allows each watch to become a personal testimony of the artist, a true fusion of watchmaking and contemporary art. Solune Grand Art timepieces constitute an art gallery on the wrist, inviting admiration and reflection.

April 2025 will be marked by the watch fair Time to Watches, providing a stage for Schaefer & Companions to show the Solune models of its inaugural Antarctica collection - the first in an ensemble of timepieces combining several handcrafts in a special way.

Every unveiling represents a unique collaborations with highly-skilled yet authentic Companions. A continuous rollout of the Antarctica series is their way to present and cherish them, in order that the complexity and intricacy of their craft is acknowledged.

The freedom to create leads to beautiful results - glimpses into each different Companion’s soul and mind. A special bond from this approach allows customers to relate to the Companion on a human level. A personal bond, and a genuine fascination in the traditional methods of handcrafts is what Schaefer & Companions is all about.

From a culturally rich childhood across Europe to the forefront of the watchmaking industry, Christophe Schaefer lives a multi-facetted life favouring the pursuit of creative excellence. Born into a family where the arts were not just appreciated but lived; a maternal passion for aquarelle painting and a paternal dedication to jazz music. Schaefer’s early experiences cultivated a profound love for art. This artistic foundation, combined with his academic pursuits in business and marketing, and a personal passion for sculpture, established a unique blend of creativity and business insight that would define his career.

Schaefer’s career in watchmaking started three decades ago by entering the industry in a volatile period through an influential position at IWC. Since then, Christophe Schaefer has got to know all the aspects of watchmaking, leading up to a strategic move, which would enable him to fulfil his lifelong ambition of creating a watch brand that surpasses conventional industry constraints. He founded Wonderful Times – a company specialised at customising Swiss Movements – that has been for him a stepping stone for industrial stability in this cyclical industry with independence from external investment. It allowed him to express his aesthetic vision, with technical expertise setting the stage for the next chapter in his journey, Schaefer & Companions.