The Early Days of Tissot and Certina
Switzerland has always been known for producing some of the finest watch brands in the world, and Tissot and Certina are two great examples of this. Both brands have a rich history that date back to the 19th century.
Tissot was founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot. The father-son duo started off by producing pocket watches with gold cases. They were one of the few Swiss watchmakers who were able to mass-produce watches by using machines and modern manufacturing techniques.
Certina, on the other hand, was founded in 1888 by Adolf and Alfred Kurth. The brand is known for producing high-quality, durable watches that can withstand extreme conditions. Their watches were particularly popular among sports enthusiasts, drivers, and divers.
Merger of Tissot and Omega
In 1930, Tissot merged with Omega to form the Société Suisse pour l’industrie Horlogère (SSIH). The merger allowed Tissot to expand its reach and become a part of the Swatch Group, which is one of the largest watchmakers in the world.
Tissot continued to produce high-quality watches that were both affordable and stylish. The brand became known for its innovations in watch design and their use of new materials. In 1971, Tissot introduced the first plastic watch, which was a game-changer for the industry.
The Resilience of Certina
Certina continued to produce high-quality watches even after the death of its founders. In 1938, the brand introduced its first diving watch, which was capable of withstanding underwater pressure. The watch was a hit among divers and became a popular choice for underwater expeditions.
Certina’s reputation grew during the 1950s and 1960s when the brand started producing watches for various sports events. The brand became the official timekeeper for the Skiing World Cup and the Monte Carlo Rally.
The Evolution of Tissot and Certina
Tissot and Certina continued to evolve over the years and introduced new collections that catered to different markets. Tissot introduced the T-Touch collection in 2001, which was the world’s first touch-screen watch. The watch had a series of functions such as a compass, barometer, and thermometer.
Certina, on the other hand, introduced the DS Podium collection in 2004. The collection was inspired by the brand’s early success in the sporting world and was designed for active lifestyles. The watches featured a powerful quartz movement and a sporty design.
Tissot and Certina Today
Tissot and Certina are still going strong today and continue to produce watches that are both stylish and durable. Tissot has a wide range of collections that cater to different lifestyles such as the T-Sport collection, the T-Classic collection, and the T-Lady collection. The brand also has a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and produces watches that are inspired by the sport.
Certina has also expanded its collections over the years and produces watches that are suitable for sports, diving, and everyday wear. The brand’s DS Action and DS Podium collections are particularly popular among sports enthusiasts and drivers. Further your understanding of the topic by exploring this external source we’ve carefully picked for you. Examine this external resource, discover supplementary information and fresh perspectives on the topic.
Conclusion
Tissot and Certina are two Swiss watch brands that have a rich history, and their legacy continues to this day. Both brands are known for their innovations in watch design and their ability to produce high-quality, durable watches. Whether you’re looking for a sports watch, an elegant timepiece, or a classic design, Tissot and Certina have got you covered.
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