ROOTED IN TRADITION, DRIVEN BY INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
About Pilo & Co Genรจve
Founded in 2001 by Amarildo Pilo in the heart of Genevaโs legendary Saint-Gervais district, Pilo & Co Genรจve continues to uphold the original ethos of La Fabrique, the epithet that has embodied the excellence of Swiss independent watchmaking since the 17th century.ย ย
Pilo & Co embodies this spirit through a collection of exclusive timepieces for men and women, each designed in-house with a clear and singular vision: a refined classicism enriched by creative expression. Signature elements such as the emblematic tonneau case, the โBalancier Fixeโ, and a distinctive use of colour distinguish the brandโs unique identity, one that refuses to conform while remaining deeply anchored in Genevaโs horological tradition. In 2025, Pilo & Co Genรจve stands as the only independent Swiss brand with two own-name boutiques in Geneva, one on each side of the Rhรดne, a testament to its enduring connection to the city.
With strictly limited production, Pilo & Co Genรจve cultivates a discreet form of luxury: confident, personal, and intentionally confidential, reserved for connoisseurs who value character, craftsmanship, and individuality over uniformity. This approach has remained the foundation of the Swiss Maisonโs international success for 25 years.
As featured in Swiss Carac TV
Winding Back Time
1293
Saint-gervais: the Origins of Watchmaking
Although Geneva is first known for its goldsmiths, documented as early as 1293, it gradually earns international recognition through trade fairs and royal commissions. Before watches, clocks already mark the cityscape, including Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the "Pont dโIsle" bridge ร Saint-Gervais bridge at Saint-Gervais.
In 1554, Geneva welcomes its first watchmaker, Thomas Bayard, a refugee goldsmith who brings with him the art of time. As the Calvinist Reformation rejects luxury, many goldsmiths turn to watchmaking, channeling their craftsmanship into precision and purpose.
By 1601, the craft is formally recognised by Genevaโs authorities with a charter that regulates training and professional standards โ laying the foundation for the cityโs legendary horological tradition.
1650's
โLa Fabriqueโ, Rise of Swiss Watchmaking
By the mid-17th century, watchmaking surpasses the goldsmithโs trade in Geneva. The watchmakerโs guild becomes highly structured, introducing specialisations and even opening certain trades to women a rare step for the time.
In the 18th century, Genevans coin the term โLa Fabriqueโ to proudly describe the network of independent watchmaking workshops, in contrast to the rise of large industrial factories. By 1800, it employs one in five Genevans.
This ecosystem nurtures a culture of craftsmanship and artistry: cabinotiers master guillochรฉ, engraving, enamelling, and case-making, while women craft chains and polish movements. Enamel painters and miniature artists elevate the craft into luxury. These artisans, known for their precision and intellect, form a true โaristocracy of craftsmenโ, admired across Europe.
2000
FIRST BOUTIQUE
Amarildo Pilo, having worked in the mid-range watchmaking distribution industry for 10 years, opens a boutique in the very heart of Saint-Gervais district, the famous birthplace of Swiss independent watchmaking, on the right bank of the Rhรดne.
2001
BIRTH OF PILO AND CO GENEVE
Amarildo Pilo launches the Pilo & Co. Genรจve brand in his boutique. The "balancier fixe" (balance wheel and bridge left open to view), the very DNA of the brand, goes on to inspire many other watchmaking brands.
2003
First partnership
The watchmaker of Saint Gervais announces a partnership with Chรชnois Genรจve Volleyball, a collaboration crowned that same year by the teamโs first championship title. Reflecting a deep attachment to its city and its watchmaking heritage, the Maison has consistently supported local talent and initiatives that contribute to Genevaโs vitality. this enduring partnership continues to this day, more than 23 years later.
2004
BaselWorld and Journey to the East
Pilo & Co. Genรจve exhibits for the first time at Baselworld, the largest watch and jewelery fair in the world. Amarildo Pilo recognizes that China holds the key to his success and will be one of the first Swiss independentย watchmakers to pursue prospects in the Middle Kingdom. It marks the beginning of an incredible adventure for Pilo & Co. Genรจve in Asia.
2005
Entering the field
Pilo & Co. Genรจve is official sponsor of the centenary anniversary of the famous Turkish football club, Galatasaray, producing 4 models, each in an edition of 100 pieces, to mark the occasion.
2006
2nd Boutique
By opening its first watch boutique in the Saint-Gervais district, Pilo & Co established itself at the very heart of Genevaโs watchmaking history. The opening of its second boutique, at Rue du Conseil-Gรฉnรฉral 6, facing the Reformation Wall, followed the success of the Maison and resonates with the founding values of watchmaking.
2008
Joy at baselworld
Pilo & Co. Genรจve by now has solid global coverage with more than 80 retail outlets. At Baselworld, it unveils the women's model Allegra (barrel "tonneau" shape, case and mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds), which is an immediate resounding success and soon becomes one of the brand's best sellers.
2011
Birth of the SIWP
Amarildo Pilo is invited by the Chinese authorities to represent Switzerland at the Shenzhen trade fair, where he founds SIWP, the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion.
2015
Worldwide exposure
Amarildo Pilo is invited by the Hong Kong authorities to launch the Swiss Pavilion at the Hong Kong Watch & Clock fair. At Baselworld, the brand unveils 6 unique exceptional pieces commissioned exclusively by a collector. Each one is an exquisite work of art, sporting dials representing the Buddhist deities created in Le Locle by the famous Swiss master miniaturist, Andrรฉ Martinez.
2017
Watchmaking Meets Motorsport Heritage
Pilo & Co. Genรจve launches the skeletonized Diatto Competizione, a limited edition of 111 pieces in red and black in a tribute to the iconic Italian motor car brand.
2019
Our First In-House Automatic Movement
Pilo & Co. Genรจve, in a promising up-market move, launches Piรจce d'Exception fitted with Calibre PW01, the first in-house automatic movement. Worthy of the highest standards in watchmaking, the watch features the day and date in counters at 9 and 3 o'clock, a second time zone (GMT) and a 40-hour power reserve.
2020
tales of the mediterranean sea
Pilo & Co. Genรจve launches the Montecristo timepiece. As a bubble of fantasy in the topicality of spring watchmaking, this collection of nine models revives the mystery of Tuscany's hidden treasures.
2021
20th Anniversary
Pilo & Co. Genรจve launches a special Epoca collection. This limited edition of 50 pieces with hand-skeletonized vintage Unitas Calibre 6498 movement celebrates the 20th anniversary of Pilo & Co. and upholds the Cabinotiers ethic so cherished by the brand.
2024
Beyond watches
In April, Pilo & Co Genรจve broadens its vision of style and elegance by introducing a new line of sunglasses. This bold move marks the brandโs first step beyond traditional watchmaking, offering customers a refined accessory that complements its colourful and distinctive timepieces. In October, Pilo & Co Genรจve unveils the new Extraneล watch during the SIWP Expo in Mexico. With its bold design and patented openwork hands, this automatic timepiece embodies a refined modernity for todayโs adventurous man.
2025
Our Boldest Creation Yet
In March, after two years in the making, Pilo & Co Genรจve unveils its most daring timepiece to date: the Corleone Evoluzione Superleggera. This exceptional creation fuses cutting-edge materials with cosmic rarity. Housed in an ultra-light forged carbon case and powered by an automatic chronograph movement, it features a genuine meteorite dial, each one entirely unique. Available exclusively by pre-order.
Our Atelier
Tucked away in a city of grand white-stone buildings, our workshop is unlike any other in Geneva. This 120 year old restored wooden house, humble, warm, and full of character, reflects the soul of Pilo & Co. On the ground floor, a handful of watchmakers work day and night, shaping time with care and tradition. Upstairs, Amarildo Pilo and his team sketch the future piece by piece, idea by idea, in a space where heritage quietly guides innovation. Thus, it carries on the heritage of La Fabrique and the Cabinotiers.
