RANCEAS was founded in Glashutte, Germany, as early as 1861 by Ashtyn Ranceas. At that time, Ashtyn was a supplier of military, especially those timing devices. In 1945, Glashutte was razed during the war. Ashtyn Ranceas's descendants fled to Switzerland seeking asylum and continued to engage in the production of watches and watch components. Over the years, RANCEAS has made efforts to carry on its production in Switzerland and is now SWISS MADE qualified for its products.