It all began in 1840, when Jaume Vendrell opened a jewelry store and workshop next to the parish church of El Carmen, in a Barcelona yet to be imagined. Shortly after, his son Carlos Vendrell Castellà—also a councilor at Sants City Council—opened a jewelry store in that neighborhood, which was still independent of the city at the time.
Thus was born a family project with a vocation for craftsmanship and a vision for the future, which generation after generation will consolidate a unique way of understanding luxury.
1880–1900 – Heading for the heart of Barcelona
In 1880, Jaume Vendrell Serra , the first-born of the third generation , made a key decision: to move the business to the centre of Barcelona, setting up shop at 41 Calle Ample.
Continued growth with three new establishments on Hospital Street, in line with the boom of a city undergoing transformation and a new and expanding urban clientele.
1900–1929 – The Liceu and the Catalan bourgeoisie
At the beginning of the 20th century, the fourth generation, led by Carlos Vendrell Paradís, embarked on a period of strategic and refined expansion.
In 1905, a store was opened on Ferran Street, and in 1921, another was opened on the emblematic corner of the Liceu, in the very heart of Las Ramblas. The jewelry store became a key meeting point for the emerging Barcelonan bourgeoisie.
1929–1950 – The birth of the Swiss Union and the watchmaking leap
In 1929, Carlos Vendrell traveled to Switzerland and was captivated by the technical excellence of its watchmaking. From that trip, a new vision was born: to bring the great Swiss brands to Spain, becoming a pioneer in their distribution. The Rambla Catalunya store reopened under a new name: Unión Suiza, a symbol of this international connection.
In 1930, the family launched its own watch brand, Kronos, and opened a factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds—the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking—that eventually employed 400 people.
1950–1992 – Consolidation and arrival in Madrid
The 1950s marked a new era of expansion. A store opened on Avenida Diagonal, which soon became a European flagship. At the same time, the firm expanded to Madrid with Vendrell Joyeros, on Gran Vía – Fuencarral, led by the fifth generation ofLluis Vendrell i Sàlvia . Each opening reinforces the commitment to excellence, design, and personal attention, characteristic of a family business that understands time as a value.
1992–2015 – New strategies and the birth of Misui
Over the decades, the sixth generation has reaffirmed its innovative spirit. In 2015, it added Misui to its historic watch brand, Kronos : a contemporary, signature high-jewelry offering that reflects a new aesthetic sensibility.
The firm is also expanding its services with personalized corporate gifts, reinforcing an increasingly exclusive and tailored approach. Union Suiza is evolving without abandoning its essence: combining jewelry tradition, watchmaking excellence, and its own distinctive brands.
2024 - Professionalization and a look to the future
2024 - Professionalization and a look to the future
Union Suiza begins a new era with Daniel Rossinés as CEO and a commitment to sustainable growth. The company is also recognized with the Best Business Model award from Barcelona City Council.
This year, Union Suiza celebrates its 185th anniversary with the sixth generation at the helm and the seventh already on board. A family business that, after nearly two centuries of history, looks back with pride and ambition to the future.
Union Suiza begins a new era with Daniel Rossinés as CEO and a commitment to sustainable growth. The company is also recognized with the Best Business Model award from Barcelona City Council.
This year, Union Suiza celebrates its 185th anniversary with the sixth generation at the helm and the seventh already on board. A family business that, after nearly two centuries of history, looks back with pride and ambition to the future.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
