I own a watch with the name “Compere” on the dial and after a lot of research to understand more, figured I’d write it all up to help others. Below is what I learnt about the brand, the history of the people and company behind it, and some specifics about my own Compere watch. I hope it helps others.
Compere was a private-label watch brand registered by S. Hoffnung & Co. Ltd. in London on 15 September 1960 (according to Mikrolist – the Horological Trademark Index). The company’s Sydney headquarters at the time were located at the S. Hoffnung and Co Building 153–159 Clarence Street, between King and Erskine Streets. Adjacent buildings (at the time) included the Hotel Grand Central (141–151), Hycraft House (137–139), and Goldberg House (101–105). The location today is Red Cross House. The building is mostly unchanged, albeit, with the Hoffnung name removed.
S. Hoffnung & Co. was founded by Sigmond Solomon Hoffnung (1830–1904). Born in Kalisz, Poland, he migrated to England in 1836 and arrived in Sydney in 1852 with £500 worth of assorted goods. He established a wholesale business in Wynyard Square, later moved to George Street, and partnered with Henry Nathan. By 1870, the firm had expanded to Pitt Street and opened branches in Brisbane, New Zealand, and Fiji. The London office served as the head office and likely handled sourcing for the Compere watches direct from Switzerland.
The company’s catalog included canned goods, firearms, patent medicines, glassware, and *surprise* watches. It operated a saddlery and harness factory in Sydney and was among the first to exhibit typewriters in Australia. Hoffnung also established Australia’s first opal-cutting business. He retired in 1889 and died in London on 27 August 1904. He was buried at Golders Green Cemetery. The company became public in 1902 and continued until its acquisition by Burns Philp in 1981. Hoffnung no longer trades, neither does Burns Philp. Time, it seems, marches on.
My 1960s Compere
An Australian brand, Swiss-Made, Self Winding Watch
The Compere I inherited in 2025 from an Australian Great Uncle who passed in 2024 is a gold-plated, self-winding wristwatch dating from the 1960s. It measures approximately 31.2mm across, with a 16mm lug width and an acrylic crystal. The dial is minimal: no lume, gold hour and minute hands, a red sweeping second hand, the markers are Arabic numerals at 12, 2 and every subsequent 2-hour mark, and the dial has printed text:
At the 12 position:
COMPERE
17 JEWELS
At the 6 position:
INCABLOC
WATERPROOF
The case back is stamped:
STAINLESS STEEL BACK
ANTIMAGNETIC
SWISS MADE
WATERPROOF
INCABLOC
Along with the serial number and the number [19] in a box, the latter of which I am not sure what it means, maybe a model number?
The case back is a screw-back type and shows signs of corrosion, ironic given my Great Uncle was a metallurgist. I haven’t attempted to open the case back, out of concern for damaging the threads or seal.
The original band was missing, but the watch remains mechanically sound. I did pick up an aftermarket 16mm leather band with gold colored clasp, as without a band the watch felt naked.
On the plus side, over sixty years after its manufacture, this Compere watch still winds, runs and holds time for a full 24 hours. I haven’t put it on a timegrapher, so I can’t vouch for its precision. Though it barely looses a minute in a day.
If I had the courage, I would replace the crystal, which shows its age and there’s evidence of corrosion between the 11 and 12 markers (definitely on the dial). But I really don’t want to risk damaging the watch. Overall, it’s great example of mid-century Swiss private-label production. It is modest in size and design but still functional after more than sixty years. I’m surprised and impressed.
What is Incabloc?
Incabloc is a Swiss shock protection system introduced in the 1930s. It protects the balance staff pivots from impact. Incabloc still exists today. It’s not a name for or model of the watch. Incabloc is used on many watches from that era and even today.
A Man, An Ancestor, and this Watch
After my great uncle passed, I asked his estate not to discard any of his watches. I was concerned they would be overlooked or thrown out. I am glad I was able to preserve this one. It has a sentimental place in my collection. Discovering the history behind Compere and its connection to an Australian merchant adds another layer of personal meaning. Even if the watch is private-label Swiss made, its connection to Australia, unique branding and provenance make it a story worth sharing. I hope you found this interesting and if you own a ‘Compere’ watch, this helps you understand it just a little bit better. Definitely something to keep and treasure.
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