free image uploadFounded in 1888 as Meyer, a cylinder escapement manufacturer, in Solothurn Switzerland. 1904 saw the start of production of MST (Meyer Studeli) lever escapemants and by 1940 the firm employed over 1000 people making mid-range watches from several locations in Solothurn, Switzerland. In 1952 the Name Roamer Watch Company was adopted and production grew to a peak in the mid-60s. From the mid 40s to the late 70s most watches were 100% in-house produced - including movements,cases, crystals, dials and bracelets. In the early 50s they consolidated all production to a single factory in Solothurn.
They were always a mid-market watch - below Omega, Longines, Tissot etc - but the products are better than the market position suggests. They made a small number of gold watches, which are quite rare and command a premium now.
Like many others, they were badly hit by the quartz revolution in the late 70s but just survived. There are some very popular dive watches and chronos (particularly Stingray models), from the 70s that command high prices (£500 and more) now. They were bought in 1994 by Chung Nam Company of Hong Kong and still sells watches today - but not in-house built. HQ is still at Solothurn but no manufacture there. Made a lot of mid-tier quartz at first but now marketing mechanicals again. The new watches are OK but unremarkable IMHO.
www.roamer.chwatchforum
