A story about four generations
It started in a time when there were no wristwatches, no cars and other modern conveniences.
First shop of Josef Rogel (1st generation) in Bad Reinerz, around 1900, son Josef (2nd generation) far right
In the mid-19th century, Josef Rogel, Peter Rogel's great-grandfather, learned the craft of watchmaking in what was then Germany and decided in 1880 to open a specialist store for watches and optics in Bad Reinerz, in what is now Poland.
First shop of Josef Rogel (1st generation) in Zug, around 1910
In 1910 he emigrated to Switzerland with his family to establish a specialist shop in Zug, which was to last for three generations and for almost 100 years.
Like his father, Josef Rogel Junior trained as a watchmaker and optician. He took up a position in Rome to further his education. However, he returned to Zug after his father's death to continue running his parents' business in 1927. He successfully managed the business for almost forty years before handing it over to Peter Rogel's father in 1967.
Josef Rogel Junior in Rome, around 1925
René Rogel (3rd generation) in Lyss, around 1960
Peter Rogel's father also trained as an optician and worked as a watchmaker and optician in shops in Zurich, Biel, Lyss, and Lucerne. He took over his father Josef's business in 1967 and ran it until his retirement in 2003.
Rogel Watches & Jewellery, Zug, around 1976
It was now up to the fourth generation to write another chapter in the story. Peter Rogel trained as a watchmaker-rhabilleur at the watchmaking school in Solothurn. He spent the first few years after completing his training in various watch shops, including his father's. This enabled him to broaden and deepen his professional expertise.
Peter Rogel 1987
Training Master Class, Richemont, Seoul
However, his dream had always been to live and work abroad. With just two suitcases, Peter Rogel left Switzerland in January 1999 to embark on a new adventure and exciting challenge for the Richemont Group in faraway Hong Kong. It was a time when Asia was experiencing a real boom and demand for after-sales service was skyrocketing.
A lot of heart and sweat went into building up what is now the most important market for the Swiss watch industry. Today, the after-sales service centres in Asia are among the most modern and best in the world, also thanks to Swiss know-how!
After 21 eventful and intense years, Peter Rogel decided to return to Switzerland with his family to give his children a solid Swiss education. Now, the long family tradition will live on with the Rogel watch workshop...