long-standing institution on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, Beyer Chronometrie will cease trading at the end of December 2026. In early 2027, this historic establishment will be taken over by Patek Philippe and will continue to operate as a Salon for the brand. The succession was carefully prepared by the owner, René Beyer, well before his death last spring and is in accordance with his express wishes.

In the absence of a succession plan within the family, the sole owner, René Beyer, came to the conclusion, following in-depth discussions with Patek Philippe, that a takeover by this long-established Swiss company was in the interests of both parties. This solution builds on a collaboration spanning several decades between two family-owned companies, which has developed over generations. Patek Philippe had already gradually acquired a minority stake in Beyer Chronometrie AG from 2024 onwards.

Since René Beyer fell ill, his sister Muriel Zahn-Beyer took over the operational management of the company in 2024 at his request. Following René Beyer’s death in April 2025, she is resolutely continuing, as Chair of the Board of Directors, to implement the succession plan he had drawn up.

Muriel Zahn-Beyer states: “My brother gave very careful thought to the future of the company at a very early stage. For him, the arrangement with Patek Philippe was the logical outcome of a partnership that had developed over decades and an expression of his responsibility towards the company, its employees and the Zurich site.”

From early 2027, Patek Philippe will take over Beyer Chronometrie AG in its entirety and operate the premises on Bahnhofstrasse as a Patek Philippe Salon. Some of the current staff – in particular those in sales, after-sales service and administration – will be taken on by Patek Philippe. Management currently estimates the number of people affected to be around 20.

The cessation of Beyer Chronometrie AG’s operations will be accompanied by a reduction in staff numbers. Muriel Zahn-Beyer attaches great importance to social responsibility. Communicating this takeover at an early stage allows us to actively support the employees affected. This applies in particular to apprentices as well as to staff in roles related to security, sales and service.

“It is my responsibility as an entrepreneur to support the affected employees as best I can during this transition phase. We are communicating proactively, taking the time to find solutions, and have a duty, particularly in cases of hardship, to reach fair arrangements,” says Muriel Zahn-Beyer.

The Beyer Watch Museum, which houses one of the world’s most important watch collections in the basement of the boutique, is not part of the transaction. The museum is a major cultural and tourist attraction. Muriel Zahn-Beyer is currently working on a viable solution for its future at another location, preferably in the city of Zurich.