EBEL (Eguene Blum et Levy) was founded in 1911.  The company rose to significance primarily as a manufacturing and assembly plant for other watchmakers under the leadership of the family founders.   A partnership with Cartier helped launch the company into the modern era.  In 1972 Ebel launched a collection which cemented their high luxury status.   The Movado group acquired Ebel in 2003 from LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Moet & Hennessy).   The acquisition was intended to allow the Movado group to move further upmarket.  The 1911 line is a tribute to the founding of Ebel.  Particularly desirable 1911 models utilize the company's in-house Ebel calber 137 chronograph movement which is C.O.S.C. certified.