Frédéric Japy (1740-1812) founded France’s first factory for clock mechanisms in 1777 in Beaucourt. The factory’s production grew significantly until 1806, when the company changed its name to Japy Frères, which then became Japy Frères et Cie in 1854. From 1850 to 1858 its production was signed like this example: “Japy Frères – Medaille d’Or”. It won several gold medals and medals of honour, both in expositions in Paris as well as in other European cities. In 1855 it received the Grand Medal of Honour. After 1888 it changed its signature to “Japy Frères et Cie, Medaille d’Honneur”, with a cross in the centre.