Chaumet was founded in Paris in 1780 by Marie-Étienne Nitot, who rose to fame as court jeweler to Marie Antoinette and later Napoleon and Empress Joséphine, supplying imperial crowns, jewels, and ceremonial ornaments. While primarily renowned for high jewelry, Chaumet began crafting early bracelet-watches in the early 19th century, blending miniature dials with ornamental artistry. In 1812 the company established its historic home at 12 Place Vendôme, where it still resides, and through the 20th century expanded its presence in watchmaking, notably acquiring Breguet in 1970 and producing high-end Swiss-made timepieces.
Today, Chaumet remains celebrated for combining French elegance and creative design with Swiss horological precision, producing watches that function as both luxury timekeepers and jewelry masterpieces.
