Experiencing contemporary history: The Kaussler-DuBois family visits DuBois et fils
Every family has stories that are passed down through the generations. However, few are as closely linked over the centuries as those of the Kaussler-DuBois family. A visit to DuBois et fils in November revealed that their relationship began over 270 years ago with Swiss watchmaking, and continues to this day.
The Legacy of Ancestors
The rich history of DuBois et fils began in Le Locle, in the canton of Neuchâtel. The house of the founder of today's watch brand has stood in the heart of the town for over 300 years. Built by the DuBois family in 1684, the house has remained in their possession ever since.
It was here that Moise DuBois began selling his first pocket watches in 1743. These found their way to Germany, the Netherlands and other places. In 1751, Moise DuBois opened his own watchmaking workshop, where the first wristwatches were created. The company was officially founded in 1785, establishing the family as one of the most successful watchmakers in Le Locle during the 18th century. From 1844 onwards, the company had branches in Switzerland, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, and traded as far afield as the United States.
Thomas Steinemann took over the company in 2010, repositioning the brand and relocating the headquarters to Muttenz in 2025.
Past meets present
The Kaussler-DuBois couple and their two sons are part of the ninth and tenth generations of the DuBois branch of the family. By visiting the current location, they demonstrated their deep connection to the centuries-old tradition of watchmaking.
Thomas Steinemann gave the guests an exclusive tour of the workshop and the warehouse, where they saw historical movements and spare parts. This allowed them to reconnect with their cultural roots and shared heritage.
At the end of the tour, each family member was allowed to choose their favourite watch from the current collections. These Swiss automatic watches have a long history and are passed down from generation to generation.
