Gübelin Marks 170 Years with the Ipsomatic Anniversary Timepiece
To celebrate its 170th anniversary, Gübelin unveils a watch that bridges past and present, the Ipsomatic, a platinum timepiece limited to just 170 pieces worldwide. With its organically curved silhouette, historic mechanical movement, and deeply symbolic details, the Ipsomatic embodies the essence of Gübelin’s horological heritage and forward-looking spirit.
A Movement with History
At the heart of the Ipsomatic beats a historic Felsa movement, carefully restored and reimagined for a new era. Felsa, one of Switzerland’s most respected movement manufacturers, revolutionized watchmaking with the Bidynator in 1942 — the first automatic rotor winding in both directions. This innovation laid the foundation for modern self-winding mechanisms and was a hallmark of Gübelin timepieces in the 1950s and 1960s.
Honouring this legacy, the original calibre has been meticulously dismantled, cleaned, refurbished, and regulated by Gübelin’s master watchmakers. The result is a harmonious fusion of vintage mechanics and contemporary precision, carrying forward a tradition of craftsmanship that has defined the House for over a century and a half.
A Name that Connects Past and Present
The name Ipsomatic itself is a tribute to Gübelin’s rich watchmaking history. Derived from the Latin ipso, meaning “self,” it refers to the self-winding movement, a nod to the original Ipsomatic models of the mid-20th century. For the company’s centenary in 1954, Gübelin introduced a special edition with an engraved rotor marking “1854–1954.” Continuing this tradition, the new Ipsomatic bears the inscription “1854–2024” alongside the words Gübelin Jubilé, celebrating 170 years of excellence.
Swiss Craftsmanship, Timeless Design
Since its founding in 1854, Gübelin has been synonymous with Swiss precision, innovation, and artisanal mastery. The Ipsomatic continues this lineage, embodying the values of a family-owned maison now in its sixth generation. Every detail of the watch — from its refined silhouette to its flawlessly executed mechanics — reflects the depth of expertise and dedication that define Swiss watchmaking at its highest level.
Signature Details
The crown, engraved with Gübelin’s iconic hourglass emblem, serves as a symbol of the brand’s enduring relationship with time — a reminder of its beginnings as a watchmaker and its continual pursuit of progress. Its seamless integration into the case underscores the harmony of form and function that characterises the Ipsomatic’s design.
Another emblematic detail is the ruby, long revered as the “king of gemstones” and a symbol of passion and love. At Gübelin, the ruby represents the House’s “Deeply Inspired” philosophy — a dedication to craftsmanship that connects emotion, heritage, and artistry. Each Ipsomatic features a ruby set into the elegant clasp, engraved with the Gübelin name, creating a tangible link between the wearer and the maison.
A Collector’s Tribute
With its limited run, historic movement, and exceptional attention to detail, the Ipsomatic is more than a timepiece — it is a celebration of 170 years of Swiss watchmaking excellence. It stands as a testament to Gübelin’s heritage, a collector’s piece that bridges eras, and a symbol of the timeless artistry that continues to define the House.