Le Phare Calibers

Le Phare (Fabrique Le Phare) was a Swiss watch manufacturer founded in 1888 in Le Locle, canton of Neuchâtel, specializing from inception in complication watches — repeaters, chronographs, and calendar watches. By the early 20th century it was the world's largest producer of repeating pocket watches. By 1970 it had become Switzerland's second-largest manufacturer of chronograph movements, with calibers — including the OVC and 114VCC repeater designations — supplied to dozens of other brands worldwide.

Le Phare was acquired in 1991 by Renley Watch Manufacturing (Hong Kong), alongside Buler Quartz SA of Lengnau, and thereafter operated as a private-label and contract movement producer. Vintage Le Phare repeater and chronograph calibers are sought by collectors of high-complication pocket watches, offering well-made mechanisms at a fraction of the price of grande-maison examples.