Rooted in Tradition, Driven by Independent Spirit
About Pilo & Co Genève
Founded in 2001 by Amarildo Pilo in the heart of the legendary Saint-Gervais district, the Geneva watchmaking brand Pilo & Co. continues to uphold the original ethos of "La Fabrique", the epithet that has embodied the excellence of Swiss independent watchmaking since the 18th century.
Pilo & Co Genève embodies the discreet excellence of Swiss haute horlogerie through a refined selection of exclusive timepieces for both men and women. Each creation showcases daring aesthetics—innovative dials revealing a visible balance wheel fixed on a bridge, and a distinctive affinity for the iconic tonneau shape. Bold colors meet technical artistry in designs that defy convention. With strictly limited production, Pilo & Co Genève remains a confidential luxury reserved for true connoisseurs.
Here in 2025, it is the only Swiss independent watchmaking brand to have two own-name boutiques in Geneva, one on the right bank, the other on the left. Furthermore, thanks to the finely honed
distribution skills of its founder, it is also renowned in the international
markets.
As featured in Swiss Carac TV
Winding Back Time
1293
Saint-gervais: the roots 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 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 Geneva’s authorities with a charter that regulates training and professional standards — laying the foundation for the city’s legendary horological tradition.
1650's
‘La Fabrique’, a concentrated pool of expertise
By the mid-17th century, watchmaking surpasses the goldsmith’s trade in Geneva. The watchmaker’s 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 “La Fabrique” 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 guilloché, 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 “aristocracy of craftsmen”, 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 Rhône.
2001
BIRTH OF PILO AND CO GENEVE
Amarildo Pilo launches the Pilo & Co. Genève brand in his boutique. The "tourbillon look" (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
Remaining loyal to his Geneva roots, the watchmaker of Saint Gervais announces a partnership with the Chênois Genève Volleyball team. They become champions for the first time that year.
2004
BaselWorld and Journey to the West
Pilo & Co. Genève exhibits at Baselworld for the first time. Amarildo Pilo recognizes that China holds the key to his success and will be one of the first Swiss independent watchmakers to pursue prospects in the Middle Kingdom. It marks the beginning of an incredible adventure for Pilo & Co. Genève in Asia.
2005
Entering the field
Pilo & Co. Genève 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
Pilo & Co. Genève opens a 2nd boutique in Geneva, in the Rue du Conseil-Général, on the left bank of the Rhône.
2008
Joy at baselworld
Pilo & Co. Genève 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 the brand's best sellers.
2011
Birth of the swip
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 especially 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, André Martinez.
2017
Watchmaking Meets Motorsport Heritage
Pilo & Co. Genève 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 Mechanical Movement
Pilo & Co. Genève, in a promising up-market move, launches an "Exceptional Piece" fitted with Calibre PW01, the first workshop-crafted mechanical movement with automatic winding. 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 and a 40 hours' power reserve indication at 6 o'clock.
2020
Birth of the swip
Pilo & Co. Genève launches the Montecristo timepiece. As a bubble of fantasy in the topicality of spring watchmaking, this collection of eight models revives the mystery of Tuscany's hidden treasures.
2021
20th Anniversary
Pilo & Co. Genève launches a special "Epoca" collection on the 23rd September 2021. 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 Genève broadens its vision of style and elegance by introducing a new line of sunglasses. This bold move marks the brand’s first step beyond traditional watchmaking, offering customers a refined accessory that complements its colourful and distinctive timepieces. In October, Pilo & Co Genève unveils the new Extraneō watch during the SIWP Expo in Mexico. With its bold design and patented openwork hands, this automatic timepiece embodies a refined modernity for today’s adventurous man.
2025
Our Boldest Creation Yet
In March, after two years in the making, Pilo & Co Genève 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. In May, Pilo & Co Genève expands the Extraneō collection with the launch of “Extraneō Metal”. This new edition features a full metal bracelet, adding a sportier, more contemporary edge to the original design while maintaining its bold aesthetic and technical precision.
Our Atelier
Tucked away in a city of grand white-stone buildings, our workshop is unlike any other in Geneva. This 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, Mr. 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".