The History of Tissot (Chris Balm Antique & Vintage Watches)

The History of Tissot

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Tissot & Fils was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile.

While Charles-Félicien took care of watch production, Charles-Émile travelled throughout Europe and USA, marketing the watches. He eventually established a sales office in Moscow (Tsarist Russia) for the sole export of Tissot watches, but when his father became ill, he was forced to return to Le Locle. In 1883 Charles-Émile handed over the management of the business to his son, Charles. Paul Tissot, Charles’ son, who was born in Russia in 1890, moved to Le Locle for his education and horological training and eventually became a director of the company.

By 1915, Tissot was producing fine wristwatches for Russian society, but after the 1917 revolution the company was forced to explore other European markets. In 1925 Omega appointed Paul Tissot their commercial director and in this role he concentrated on the company's international marketing strategy. In 1930 the Tissot and Omega companies merged to form SSIH (Société Suisse pour l'industrie Horlogère) and relocated their headquarters to Geneva. The merger was a big success and in a relatively short time the SSIH group acquired and established over fifty other companies including Cortebert, Lanco and Hamilton.

In 1983, SSIH merged with ASUAG to form SMH Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries Ltd. and in 1988 it was renamed, The Swatch Group.

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Tissot