During World War I, soldiers needed to know the time to have precision when they fire their guns and when not to. At this time, wristwatches were only for woman’s fashion accessories. The available timepiece for men were pocket watches. Later on, wristwatches finally became available for men too. It will only take a glance at the watch attached to your hand to keep track of the time with wristwatches. In the modern age, it is easier to use your mobile devices to check it. However, in some instances, it is best not to pull out your phone in front of people, especially when at work or school. That is where wristwatches come in.
Throughout time, the watch industry made progress in creating reliable timepieces. Several brands came out and offered watches of various styles and designs. What initially started as a fashion accessory eventually became one of the essential things you would want to have for your daily grind. Out of the many brands that made history, Tissot was also one of those.
Tissot and Its History
Nowadays, Tissot watches are famous for the sponsorships with racers such as Danica Patrick of NASCAR’s. Recognized for its unique and advancement in technology T-Touch watches, Tissot takes part in watchmaking history. Its roots could trace back to the 19th century when father and son Charles-Felicien and Charles-Emilie Tissot formed the company.
Like many of the companies starting during that era, the company began humbly. In their first year, they were able to deliver approximately 1200 watches around Le Locie. In 1856, Charles-Emilie Tissot went to Russia and sold the pocket watches around the empire after receiving the blessing from the Czar to do so. By 1875, the company made watchmaking tools and spare parts and as well as watches.
By 1918, Tissot underwent reorganizing the ebauche workshops making the ebauche in its factory and began mass-producing them. At first, the company had a different name. It was not until later that the name became Tissot SA. With it becoming Charles-Emilie Tissot & Fils after the father to son passing of ownership, it became to Chs. Tissot 7 Fils – SA. Eventually, with the partnership with Omega in 1930, it became part of the banner under SSIH. Tissot Marche Suisse SA sprang in the year 1976. Gradually, by 1982, the company name settled on Tissot SA. Following that, SSIH became SMH with the merge with ASUAG.
Tissot and Merging Partnerships
Originally, the partnership with Omega started in 1925 with Louis and Gustave Brandt, then directors of Omega. From here, the Societe Suisse pour I’Industrie Horlogerie, or SSIH came to be. This partnership was essential. It was a move to lessen the effects brought by the recent economic crisis that took place. Later on, the merging with ASUAG paved the way for the creation of the Swatch Group several years later. Hence, Tissot forms a big part of the watchmaking industry and its history.
In between 1945 and 1975, Tissot allowed massive growth to the company; hence, its employees’ benefits became frequent. With this event, the company’s retirees would usually quietly talk about being a company’s pensioner.
Furthermore, associations merging with the other brands under SSIH also benefitted every company in it. But that came to a halt when the quartz crisis happened.
Watches Introduced to the Market
In 1853, Tissot released its first mass-produced pocket watch. In the very same year, they also introduced the pocket watch that has two-time zones. In 1904, the company brought a watch to Czar Nicholas.
In 1916, Tissot produced the “Banana” watch. It has art deco numerals and has an elongated curving tank. It became popular in Russia. One of the samples returned to the factory, though. By 1917, shipment to Russia became illegal. Hence, the returned watch remains in the factory back in Le Locle.
In 1919, the Tissot Porto came out. It has a tonneau-shaped case. Its style suggests the era of jewelry and accessories.
Tissot Antimagnetique got introduced in 1930. This watch is the first antimagnetic watch the world came to know of. In 1953, Tissot released the Tissot Navigator. This watch depicts 24-time zones.
In 1971, the Tissot Astrolon came out. Better known as the Idea 2001, this watch was the first plastic mechanical timepiece. During 1985 and 1986m Tissot simultaneously introduced two iconic watches, the RockWatch, and the Two Timer. The RockWatch is of Granite make coming straight from the Alps. The Two times followed a year later. These two watches had analog and digital time displays, which requires a single crown for activation. Additionally, after releasing the RockWatch, Tissot also introduced the Pearl watch and the Wood Watch. Both watches similarly portrays an excellent design and quality.
Promotional Sponsorship
The race car sponsorship started in 1974. In the movie Rush, where Ron Howard was the lead actor, the Tissot logo appears on the cars. By 1990, Tissot involved itself in the world championships in ice hockey and cycling. Eventually, there are now several sports events timed by Tissot.
Furthermore, several prominent sports association recognized Tissot as their timekeeper for their events. During the 1014 Asian Games, Tissot was the timekeeper.
It was during 1999 that Tissot introduced the first T-Touch. This watch is a six-function timepiece. Additionally, it has a touch screen and analog-digital display. These watches are probably the popular Tissot watch among the generations today.
After that, several timepieces came to add to the T-Touch series. Some of them include the Salting-Touch, Sea-touch, and T-Touch Expert. These watches are perfect to suit the active lifestyle of their wearer.
Conclusion
With its impressive history, who would not want to have a Tissot watch now? The company continues to thrive and produce exceptional timepieces, which would not only be perfect for your fashion watch collection but would also be ideal to suit your best interest in keeping track of time. Although the brand is famous for its association with sports, there are various other designs and styles for a Tissot timepiece. Whether it would be for your personal use or gifting someone, Tissot guarantees that it will be worth more than you bargained for.
