Aldebrand & Söhne
Makers of surveying and measuring instruments in Biel since 1872, still owned by the founding family.
Reference: Corporate Heritage, aldebrand-soehne
Particulars
- Founded
- 1872
- City
- Biel/Bienne
- Country
- Switzerland
- Activity
- Precision instruments
- Field
- Craftsmanship and industry
- Business leaders
- Period of prominence
- 1872–1914
- 1950–1985
- Achievements
- Gold medal, Paris Exposition Universelle, 1900
Status
- Record
- Sealed on 16 October 2026
- Listing
- Premium
- Last revised
- 5 October 2026
Simulated in this demonstration.
Founders
Konrad Aldebrand
1841–1909
Johann and Peter Aldebrand, his sons
Headquarters
The original workshop on the Zentralstrasse in Biel, extended in 1911 and 1962.
History
Konrad Aldebrand trained as a watchmaker and opened a workshop for theodolites and levels in 1872, when the Swiss railways were mapping new lines through the Jura. His sons joined the firm in the 1890s, giving it its name.
The company's levels were used on the Simplon tunnel survey and its optical instruments later equipped schools and survey offices across Europe. After 1950 the firm moved into precision measuring for industry, and it remains a family business today.
Key moments
1872
Workshop founded in Biel
1898
Instruments supplied for the Simplon tunnel survey
1900
Gold medal in Paris
1962
New production hall
Sealed 16 October 2026
Brand philosophy
An instrument is finished when it can be repaired by someone who never met its maker.
Visual evolution
Pl. 1Mark used on instruments, 1872–1898 Pl. 2Mark used after the sons joined, 1898–1962 Pl. 3Current mark, since 1962
Sample image, to be replaced with material from Heroon
Film
About this record
- Reference
Reference: Corporate Heritage, aldebrand-soehne
- Last revised
- 5 October 2026
- Record
- Sealed 16 October 2026
To cite this record
Aldebrand & Söhne. Vault Prytaneion Heroon, sealed 16 October 2026. [domain to be confirmed]/profiles/aldebrand-soehne/