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Van Bergen 1795

For over two centuries, Van Bergen cast time in bells, tower clocks and carillons across the world. Now, that precision finds expression in haute horlogerie. The journey from foundry to wrist culminates with our inaugural wristwatch, to be unveiled in Monaco, 2026.

DISCOVER HEERO

1795. Reimagined.

A legacy 230 years in the making

Monaco 2026, the reveal

Over two centuries of precision

The Van Bergen 1795 team

From Midwolda workshops to global legacy

Dipl. Ing. Andries Heero van Bergen V (1896-1981), director of the Royal A.H. van Bergen firm, Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Since 1795, the Van Bergen family has pursued a singular obsession: perfect timekeeping. What began in Midwolda and Heiligerlee with church bells and tower clocks, evolved into a legacy spanning over two centuries and several continents.

Our ancestors were among Europe’s most revered bell founders, creating bronze voices that called communities to prayer and celebration. Their bells still ring from cathedral towers across the globe – mechanical symphonies marking centuries with unwavering precision.

Now, that same devotion to precision finds its ultimate expression in haute horlogerie. In 2026, Van Bergen 1795 unveils its inaugural wristwatch, where the craftsmanship that once shaped carillon bells is reimagined for the wrist.

EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE

Monaco reveal, 6-10 May 2026

at Top Marques

DISCOVER THE LAUNCH

Every other watch tells time.

Only Van Bergen tells American history.

When John D. Rockefeller Jr. sought to create a lasting memorial to his beloved mother, he and his son entrusted Van Bergen with crafting the bells for Riverside Church’s magnificent carillon.

This commission represents more than craftsmanship – it embodies the trust America’s most prominent family placed in our 230-year tradition of precision. That same 230-year tradition of precision now graces your wrist.

Heritage you wear. Legacy you live. History you hold.

EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE

The five sons of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. joined together in December 1940 to form a new philanthropic organization, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Photo by the Rockefeller Archive Center.

The Van Bergen dynasty.
A timeline of craftsmanship and innovation

Over two centuries of uncompromising craftsmanship, distilled into a single legacy. Below, discover the Van Bergen journey from foundry to haute horlogerie – a heritage of precision that transcends time.

1795
Foundation era
Foundation era

In 1795, Andries Heeres I established the Van Bergen bell founding dynasty in Midwolda, Netherlands. Though trained as a carpenter, he boldly recast the town’s cracked church bell, having studied German masters’ techniques. His successful casting of both 240kg and 2,000kg bells launched nearly two centuries of Dutch craftsmanship excellence.

1847-1942
Golden Age
Golden Age

Andries Heeres I cast 148 bells in his final year, 1847, cementing the family legacy. The 1862 Heiligerlee foundry transformed operations, winning international medals at world fairs. By 1942, Van Bergen’s iconic carillon tower showcased their mastery, attracting clients worldwide and establishing them as Europe’s premier bell founders.

1980
End of an era
End of an era

After 185 years of excellence, Van Bergen cast its final bell on April 11, 1980, for Sleen’s Reformed church. Under Dipl. Ing. Andries Heero van Bergen V’s leadership, this marked not an ending but a transformation – preserving a legacy that produced thousands of bells across Europe.

2025
The legacy continues
The legacy continues

Baron Dr. R.A.U. Juchter van Bergen Quast, grandson of the final bellfounder, partners with horological visionary Erik Meijer to transform foundry precision into haute horlogerie. Van Bergen 1795’s inaugural wristwatch connects wearers to over two centuries of Dutch craftsmanship – your legacy begins now.

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