One of the biggest watch industry stories of the year broke on October 8, 2026: F.P. Journe and Chanel are acquiring Ebel. In a binding agreement announced by Movado Group, a buyer group led by Montres Journe SA will take a 95% stake in the Swiss watchmaker for $66.5 million.
The Deal
The buyer group is led by Montres Journe SA, the Geneva company founded in 1999 by independent master watchmaker François-Paul Journe. Chanel and Pierre Jacques also take part in the transaction. Movado Group keeps a 5% minority stake, and the deal is expected to close in the coming months, subject to customary closing conditions.
Pierre Jacques will become CEO of Ebel. He is well known in fine watchmaking, not least for his previous role leading De Bethune. He will steer the brand alongside François-Paul Journe and Chanel.
For Movado, which bought Ebel from LVMH in 2004, the sale closes a chapter of more than 20 years.
Who Is Ebel?
Ebel was founded in 1911 in La Chaux-de-Fonds by watchmaker Eugène Blum and Alice Lévy. The name comes from their initials: Eugène Blum Et Lévy.
The brand built its identity on a blend of design, elegance and craftsmanship. Its Sport Classic, with fluid case lines and the signature wavy-link bracelet, became an icon, followed by the 1911 collection. In the 1980s and 1990s, Ebel was one of the most visible names in Swiss luxury watchmaking.
The future of Ebel is looking bright
This is not a typical corporate takeover. François-Paul Journe has built his name on creative independence, mechanical innovation and design consistency. Chanel has steadily increased its presence in fine watchmaking through stakes in respected Swiss companies. Pierre Jacques brings hands-on experience running a high-end independent brand.
Together, they represent three complementary strengths: watchmaking, strategic vision and luxury brand management. No changes to Ebel’s collections or positioning have been announced yet. But with a heritage this rich and backers of this caliber, expectations are high.
For a brand founded in 1911, 2026 could mark the start of a new golden era.