Paul Buhre watches

Paul Buhre (Pavel Buhre) was one of the first watch companies in Europe. The company was founded by Karl Buhre, a Russian businessman of German descent. At first the Buhre watch company was located in St. Petersburg. In 1874, 34-year-old Pavel Buhre, Sr., son of Charles Buhre, decided to purchase a watch factory in Swiss Le Locle. By order of the imperial court the Buhre factory produced gift watches, which the emperor presented to officials for distinguished public service, foreign diplomats and prominent figures of culture. Buhre watches were also given as bonuses to officers and non-commissioned officers in the Russian army.