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A brand which is quite often underrated. Dreyfuss are a solid Swiss watchmaker that produce very good quality watches. The Dreyfuss Watch company does not always get the credit it deserves since it is not really a fashionable or current brand. Instead, Dreyfuss stick to classical watch designs that you would expect to see in a boardroom, rather than a nightclub.
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About Dreyfuss Watches
Dreyfuss Watches were established in 1924 by Moise Dreyfuss. Born in 1890, Dreyfuss & Co have an entire range of watches based on the founder’s birthdate.
Unlike other watch brands, all of Dreyfuss & Co watches are hand-made in Switzerland. This means that not only are their movements made in Switzerland. They are not shipping their parts out to the far east and skimping on quality. It costs a lot more money to assemble watches in one of the wealthiest countries in Europe compared to the rest of the world.
Do Dreyfuss & Co Make Good Quality Watches?
Dreyfuss & Co do make good quality watches. Whilst they cannot really be classified as a “luxury” brand, they still make far superior watches compared to an average fashion brand. Overall they are stuck in a no-mans land of ranking somewhere between Movado, Tissot & Raymond Weil.
You will never feel ripped off when buying a Dreyfuss since you’re always getting a Swiss movement. Whether this is mechanical or quartz. This way, when you see a price, you can easily compare it with other brands that are offering something in a similar range. Hugo Boss for example may sell watches in a similar price range, yet typically use a much cheaper Miyota movement.
Dreyfuss does not use precious metals such as gold and platinum when making their watches. Almost all cases will be plated and made of stainless steel. This is very common for watches in the $1000 price range. The quality and finish of the said cases are very well done and always “seafarer” which is the Dreyfuss way of saying waterproof.
The Dreyfuss Range Of Watches
Dreyfuss is unique in that their entire watch catalog is based upon their history of past releases. Their website is basically a time machine that takes you back through their various models and releases. Each model corresponds to a past year of production varying from 1890-1980.
Top Picks
Dreyfuss Valjoux 7750
You cannot go wrong with the Valjoux 7750 movement. Controversially referred to as the greatest chronograph movement ever, the classic has been used by giants IWC & Franck Muller. Whilst Dreyfuss will never make a watch from precious metals or other extremely expensive materials. This is the top-of-the-line model you will find from Dreyfuss & Co. You will struggle to find an automatic chronograph with a 7750 in it for any cheaper than this.
Dreyfuss 1890
The 1890 pretty much represents what Dreyfuss & Co are all about. It is of course named after the founder of Dreyfuss & Co, representing his birth year. Watch designs have moved forward a lot since 1890, as has this model. You wouldn’t have been given a day date wheel back then, but now you are. Other than this the watch stays with its classical and simple design.
Dreyfuss 1925 Openheart
The Dreyfuss 1925 possibly takes inspiration from the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American which was produced in 1921. Whilst the dial isn’t lopsided, it does mimic the unusual 2 o’clock crown. Whether this is for ergonomic reasons or simply a design masterstroke, we will likely never know. Either way, this newer model comes with an open heart view of the balance wheel which can be seen moving when the watch is running.
Are Dreyfuss Watches Worth The Money?
Almost always Dreyfuss is worth the money you pay. It is very difficult to look at the range of watches they offer as a brand and call them overpriced. Mostly you will be paying under $1500 for a Swiss-made ETA automatic and around half of this price for an ETA quartz.
This is by no means the cheapest watch on the market, but then again, can you really find a Swiss brand that does something similar for cheaper? Probably not.
Alternative choices to Dreyfuss may be brands such as Frederique Constant, Tissot & Raymond Weil. All of these brands use Swiss movements and sell watches in a similar price range.
What Movements Do Dreyfuss Use In Their Watches?
Dreyfuss has a variety of movements since they do not make their own in-house movement. Once upon a time, this would have been the case. Back in 1800 and early 1900s Switzerland, companies would have no choice but to make their own movements.
Since Dreyfuss is no longer really a luxury brand, it would not make financial sense for them to craft movements for watches under $2000.
Typically you will find a Ronda movement in most of their quartz watches, although, depending on the model, this is sometimes ETA.
For Dreyfuss automatic watches you will almost always find a Sellita movement. The most expensive automatic Dreyfuss currently uses a Valjoux 7750 which is well renowned in luxury watches and has been used by the likes of Tag Heuer and Omega.
