Our history

From a Frankfurt jewellery and chronometer trade to a market-leading jeweller

CHRIST can look back on a long tradition with roots that reach all the way back to 1863. The name of CHRIST has always represented top quality, excellent service, and special jewellery ideas.

CHRIST Juweliere Zentrale in Hagen

1863

The company is founded in Frankfurt am Main

Wilhelm Alexander Christ, the last watchmaker to be licensed by the Free Imperial City, founds a jewellery and chronometer trade in the Goethe city of Frankfurt am Main on 25 October.

1863

1874

Thriving trade

In 1874, CHRIST moves into the half-timbered “Carlseck” building on the corner of Weißadlergasse and Kleiner Hirschgraben that is to become the company’s headquarters.

1874

1944

The effects of war

The CHRIST headquarters are razed to the ground in war.

1944

1945

Starting over

   

Repair receipts from 1946

In spite of the hard times, grandson Friedrich Wilhelm Christ quickly continues the successes of the past. Only six years later, he once again has a large, representative store on Rossmarkt in the heart of Frankfurt.

1945

1945-1994

Federal success

CHRIST is becoming known as a top jeweller, making no. 1 in the craft in Germany in 1994 at sales exceeding DM 600 million and a headcount of 2,400 employees.

1945-1994

1995

CHRIST becomes part of DOUGLAS HOLDING AG

Following a series of owner changes, DOUGLAS HOLDING AG, already successful in the jewellery sector at the time with the Juwelier WEISS specialist stores, acquires a stake in CHRIST in 1995.

1995

1997

New headquarters in Hagen

DOUGLAS HOLDING AG takes over CHRIST entirely in 1997. The headquarters are relocated to Hagen. The Juwelier WEISS stores are gradually renamed Juwelier CHRIST stores.

1997

2010

Lunching the online shop

Facing increasing digitalisation and the new demands posed to retail, CHRIST opens its first online shop at www.christ.de in 2010. CHRIST is now available to its customers around the clock.

2010

2013

150 years of CHRIST

CHRIST celebrates the company’s 150th anniversary with an entire year of “Moments of Happiness since 1863”, brimming with special promotions, unique experiences, and plenty of excitement.

2013

2014

3i Group

 

The many years as part of DOUGLAS HOLDING come to an end, and CHRIST opens a new chapter as it is taken over by private equity investor 3i.

2014

2019

Acquisition of VALMANO

CHRIST takes over VALMANO to further expand its trend and lifestyle segment while also targeting international markets. VALMANO France is subsequently launched in November 2019, followed by market entries in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden.

2019

2019/ 2020

Revival of the premium brand BRINCKMANN & LANGE

CHRIST expands its position on the premium market. The BRINCKMANN & LANGE retail brand has been revived and gradually developed since. The first BRINCKMANN & LANGE flagship boutique is scheduled to open in Leipzig in October 2020.

2019/ 2020