A Heritage of Passion
Our Story
The Origins of the Geneva Cross
Our Heritage & Origins
The history of our brand dates back to the early 19th century when Auguste Golay arrived in Geneva with his father in 1829. He apprenticed as a watchmaker and, together with his wife Suzanne Leresche, founded the Golay-Leresche watchmaking company in Geneva in 1837.
This establishment, officially described in its founding act as a “watchmaking establishment,” sourced the necessary components for watch production and assembled them in its own workshops..
By the late 19th century, the company had become known as Golay Fils & Stahl, standing alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin as a pillar of Geneva’s prestigious watchmaking industry.
Heritage and Continuity
As artists and master craftsmen, they passed down their passion for precision and the art of handmade craftsmanship to future generations. Today, this legacy lives on through the vision of Christophe and Laurent Golay, the two heirs of this centuries-old tradition.
Between tradition and modernity, the Geneva Cross embodies the joy and pride of belonging to Geneva’s history.
20 Years of History
In 2001, Christophe Golay and Emile Spierer founded Golay Spierer, a watchmaking house specializing in bespoke timepieces.
Twenty years later, Laurent Golay joined the venture, and in early 2024, they together established Croix de Genève to honor Geneva and celebrate its heritage.
Designed by Christophe Golay, the Geneva Cross is inspired by the canton’s coat of arms. Registered as a trademark since 2009 (registration no. 601934), it embodies the spirit of eternal Geneva, a symbol of peace and unity across the world.
“The Geneva Cross is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a precious talisman, one that stays with us and never leaves our side.”
Over 160 Original Creations in 20 Years
The Art of Bespoke: A Unique Vocation
Since its inception, Golay Spierer has set itself apart with a singular commitment: the creation of entirely bespoke, one-of-a-kind timepieces. With over 160 original creations in the past 20 years, our house continues to uphold an art where each watch tells its own unique story.
