Aristo

Aristo was founded in 1907 by watchmaker Julius Epple in Pforzheim, initially producing jewelry components before progressing to watch cases and complete watches. In 1934, Aristo developed the JE Urofa 56 in-house movement and officially registered the brand name on January 31, 1936. During WWII, Aristo supplied observation watches to the German Air Force. After three generations in the Epple family, the company was sold in 1998 to Hansjörg Vollmer, grandson of the founder of the Vollmer metal bracelet manufactory (est. 1922), which had maintained business relations with Aristo since 1927. In October 2005, both companies merged to form Aristo Vollmer GmbH. The factory in Pforzheim retains original vintage machinery from decades of manufacturing. The portfolio includes watch brands Aristo, Messerschmitt, and Aristocrat, along with stainless steel, titanium, and carbon bracelets.