TIME CAPSULE
Established in Grenchen in 1931, Delbana has produced high quality, affordable, Swiss made timepieces over generations.
The Delbana Time Capsule illustrates the brands extensive experience and expands with the introduction of new models that demonstrate ongoing craftsmanship, evolution and style.
Today’s collection includes graceful ladies’ watches, distinguished gentlemen’s timepieces, and edgy, racing-inspired sports watches with an unwavering commitment to quality and affordability.
1930's
Introduced all over the world
In the early 1920s, a young man by the name of Goliardo Della Balda ventured away from the hilltop enclave of San Marino with his family to create a new life in Switzerland. He had always longed to own a great timepiece, but at the time it seemed like an unattainable luxury for someone of his humble beginnings. This fascination motivated him to master the watchmaking business.
After devoting several years to the industry, Signore Della Balda realized his dreams of both owning a great watch and establishing a world-class watch company by introducing his own brand, Delbana.
The company was established in Grenchen, Switzerland, in the heart of the watchmaking industry at a particularly crucial moment. While instruments to record time were important since the establishment of ancient civilizations, and were seen as an object of admiration for specific trades and the wealthy, accessibility of wristwatches to everyone was just beginning to take off. Affordable quality was to define the brands mission and motivate future innovation.
1940's
Precision in all endeavors
After a decade producing high quality yet affordable pocket and wrist watches, Delbana began to focus on sportier timepieces that were durable as well as stylish. The chronograph was becoming increasingly popular with aviators and was also sought after on the racetrack and in submarine exploration. Delbana responded with a series of Bicompax models capable of tracking precise increments for all lifestyles.
1950's
Time in motion
In the 1950s Delbana introduced the “Voltige” collection, supported by a global marketing campaign of hand illustrated advertisements to promote the unique collection. Bright colored shapes alongside the dynamic timepieces emanate excitement around the new design, which corresponded with the brand’s 25th anniversary.
During the fifties and sixties Delbana expanded its annual watch production at its Grenchen headquarters to more than 100,000 watches per year. Emphasis remained on producing accessible Swiss Made timepieces, while rapidly expanding international partners and retail locations. The locally sourced “hammer-winding” and “rotor-winding” movements were at the forefront of technology.
Delbana headquarters, Grenchen, Switzerland
c. 1950
1960's
A faithful friend for life
As ladies’ wristwatches grew in popularity, the brand embraced the opportunity to experiment with more elaborate materials that were equally affordable and well-constructed.
Pairs for ladies and gents as well as exclusively ladies’ designs represented an important category of innovation. Performance and durability were increasingly valued for active lifestyles and lead Delbana to introduce models that were “waterproof” for sports and leisure. Additional components such as date windows also appeared more frequently as travel and recreation soared in popularity and accessibility.
1970's
The best for your money
With a strong foundation in precision sports watches, Delbana turned their attention to endurance. The importance of being “waterproof” evolved into the pursuit of timepieces that could withstand extreme depths. At Delbana, this also prompted significant innovations in design and the launch of robust divers’ watches with a unidirectional rotating bezel, capable of descending 200m below the sea’s surface.
By the late 1970s, Delbana merged with the WEGA watch company which coincided with a new chapter for the brand as they began producing watches with quartz movements and for a short time digital watches. This allowed them to create an expanded range of timepieces that adhered to the mission of affordable quality.
1980's
Distinctive quality at moderate prices
The 80s welcomed the first Delbana “Classic”, a model that would evolve throughout the next decades.The 80s were of course famous for flamboyant fashion and the Delbana watches of the period followed suit. Gold and chrome plated watches set a trend for style without compromising price. 3-pieces suits came back in to fashion, and Delbana produced a series of elaborate pocket watches to compliment the revived trend.
1990's
Versatile pieces for gents and ladies
The 90s saw the launch of the brands first stainless-steel watch collection. This would set a standard moving forward and all contemporary models have a foundation of solid stainless steel.Delbana’s focus in this period was on manufacturing practical everyday timepieces, producing a series of elegant yet classic wristwatches for men and ladies that were equally fitting at a business event or on vacation. Two-tone bracelets were in fashion and led to a range of new link combinations, often embellished with stones for ladies.
2000's
Mechanical and fashion watches for all lifestyles
By 2000, ladies watches became more elaborate and possessed stones as the demand for quality and creativity prevailed. New Mechanical open balance watches for men were also introduced, including a redesign of the signature Delbana Classic.
In 2001 Delbana merged with Delma Watch Ltd. in Lengnau, Switzerland however it would remain an independent brand of modern and stylish timepieces, committed to affordability and quality. In the ladder part of the decade, the demand for bigger, bolder wristwatches drove further innovation in case design and functionality. New sports watches with bright colors and luminescent indexes were not only stylish but also practical in extreme conditions.
2010's
Affordable quality with ageless style
Delbana’s designs of the early 21st century embrace past success and a demand for vintage inspired timepieces. New classic revival pieces were given fitting names such as the “Retro” which recalls Delbana timepieces of the 1950’s in contemporary proportions. Modern colors and finishes propel the original design forward and compliment the brands extensive portfolio.
2017
A steadfast tribute
The Fiorentino holds a particularly important place in the history of Delbana, as it was designed as a tribute to our Founder Goliardo Della Balda. Named after his birthplace in San Marino, the Fiorentino had to be sophisticated, stylish, and well-crafted but also affordable.
A case shape reminiscent of his years leading the company was to be the foundation, while a display of the progress and experience the brand has obtained was also essential. Rethinking durability without compromising design would further elevate the brand standard.
2021
Revival of the Recordmaster
A new series of quintessential automatic timepieces inspired by our history in celebration of 90 years of independent watchmaking. The new Delbana Recordmasters carry the name of an enduring classic, originally introduced as a men’s model in the 1950s and embody Delbana’s heritage and DNA of superb quality and unique style.
Clearly influenced by 1950 records and turntables, the Recordmaster series emanates classic style with a modern edge. A superb combination of classic and new design the vintage Delbana logo is prominently displayed while the new proportions are suitable for women and men.
2025
The RAVENNA COLLECTION
The Ravenna collection celebrates personal and professional milestones with timeless elegance and versatility. Available as a refined chronograph or a classic three-hand model, its 38 mm stainless-steel or yellow gold IPG case embodies Delbana’s signature balance of sophistication and practicality. Designed for confidence in every setting, the Ravenna stands as a modern symbol of achievement within Delbana’s Swiss Made tradition.