Tissot – The story behind a Swiss watch icon

Written by Viclara – your specialist in Swiss quality watches

When we talk about watchmaking rooted in tradition, precision and technological innovation, it is impossible to avoid Tissot. It is one of the most respected names in Swiss watches, with a history spanning over 170 years. At Viclara, we are proud to stock Tissot watches and would like to take you on a fascinating journey that the brand has been on since 1853.

A brand born in the heart of the Jura Mountains

Tissot was founded in 1853 in the town of Le Locle – a town known for its deep connection to Swiss watchmaking. It was Charles-Félicien Tissot, watchmaker and businessman, who started the company with his son Charles-Émile Tissot.

The father had experience in producing watch cases, while the son mastered the mechanics behind the movements. Their collaboration quickly became a success, and in the same year they launched the first mass-produced pocket watch with two time zones – an innovation that caused a stir throughout Europe.

Export and expansion – especially to the east

As early as 1858, Charles-Émile Tissot began traveling to Russia, where he introduced their watches to the imperial court. Tissot quickly became popular among the Russian nobility and upper class. It was not only the technology, but also the elegant design and Swiss quality that made an impression.

This export to Russia became one of the company's first major successes – and the cornerstone of Tissot's international profile.

Tissot during the wave of industrialization

In line with industrialization, Tissot expanded its production in the early 1900s. In 1907, they built a new factory in Le Locle – known as Chemin des Tourelles, which remains Tissot's headquarters to this day.

Here, for the first time, all functions were centralized under one roof: design, development, production and assembly. It was a modern approach that later became standard in the watch industry.

Pioneering spirit and technological breakthroughs

Tissot has repeatedly pioneered the watch industry. Here are some of the most notable innovations:

• 1930 : The world's first antimagnetic wristwatch – a major step in a time when magnetism was beginning to affect everyday mechanics.

• 1971 : Introduction of the Idea 2001, the world's first watch with a mechanical plastic movement – ​​known as the Astrolon.

• 1980s : Tissot experimented with watches in unconventional materials such as stone (RockWatch), wood (WoodWatch) and mother of pearl (PearlWatch).

• 1999 : Launch of the T-Touch – the world's first touch-sensitive watch with functions such as compass, barometer and altimeter.

These innovations demonstrate Tissot's philosophy of combining technological foresight with classic craftsmanship.

Merger with Omega and later Swatch Group

In 1930, Tissot merged with Omega to form the SSIH (Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère) group. This merger was a strategic choice to ensure the survival and strength of both brands in a time of economic uncertainty and fierce global competition.

Tissot and Omega today share a strong family connection within the watch industry, with Omega often referred to as the “big brother” focusing on the luxury segment, while Tissot provides the innovative and accessible alternative. This relationship has given Tissot access to advanced technologies and development resources, while the brand has always maintained its own unique identity and design lines.

In the 1980s, after the quartz crisis, SSIH merged with ASUAG to form what we know today as the Swatch Group – the world's largest watch group. This gave Tissot even more resources for development and innovation.

Tissot and sport – a watch with responsibility

Tissot's strong reputation for precision has made the brand the official timekeeper for a number of international sporting events, including:

• MotoGP

• Tour de France

• FIBA Basketball World Cup

• NHL and NBA – especially with their dedicated Tissot NBA collection

Being an official timekeeper requires extreme accuracy, reliability and technological prowess – all of which Tissot represents.

Tissot today – modern Swiss quality

Today, Tissot is known for its impressive balance between price, quality and innovation, a brand that appeals to both new watch users and seasoned collectors.

Some of the most popular series in recent times include:

• Tissot PRX – iconic 70s design revived with modern technology

• Tissot Seastar – sports watches with diving features and robust design

• T-Touch Connect Solar – a hybrid smartwatch powered by solar energy and touch technology

• Tissot Le Locle – classic automatic watches named after the city where it all began

A Tissot watch is more than time

A Tissot watch is not just a practical tool. It is also an expression of personal style, technological curiosity and respect for craftsmanship. Their watches combine:

• Authentic Swiss heritage

• Innovative features

• Timeless and recognizable design

• Outstanding value for money

That's why we at Viclara see Tissot as the ideal choice for both first-time buyers and passionate watch enthusiasts.

The future of Tissot

Tissot continues to be one of the driving forces behind innovation within the Swatch Group. They now focus on:

• Sustainable materials and solar cell technology

• Digital integration in classic designs

• Preservation of historical models in updated form

• Renewal of sports collections with a focus on performance

The brand thus manages to remain relevant – not only because it has a long history, but because it is constantly writing new history.

Conclusion: Why we love Tissot at Viclara

For us at Viclara, Tissot is more than just a watch brand. It is a living story of Swiss craftsmanship, visionary thinking and enduring quality. A Tissot watch carries a story that you can take with you – every day.

Whether you're into modern sports watches, classic automatic models or technological flagships like the T-Touch, Tissot has something unique to offer. And at Viclara we'll help you find the Tissot watch that perfectly suits your style and needs.

Ready for the next step?

If you have been inspired to learn more about Tissot watches, or you are looking for your next watch, we at Viclara are ready with advice and a curated selection of the best models from Tissot.