Early Beginnings: 1853-1920s
Revue Thommen is one of the oldest and most esteemed Swiss watch brands, with its origins dating back to 1853. The company was founded in Waldenburg, Switzerland, by Gédéon Thommen and Louis Tschopp, who initially established it as a clock and watch movement factory under the name Société d’Horlogerie à Waldenbourg. By the late 19th century, Gédéon Thommen had taken full control of the company and renamed it Gédéon Thommen Watch Factory.
Thommen’s vision was to integrate manufacturing processes in-house, allowing the company to control the quality and precision of its movements. The company achieved success through its focus on high-precision watches and watch movements, laying the groundwork for what would later become one of Switzerland’s most respected watchmakers. Early on, Thommen became known for developing high-quality pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, they had begun producing wristwatches as well.
Innovation and Expansion: 1920s-1950s
The 1920s marked a pivotal period in the brand's evolution as it embraced new innovations in horology, including producing its first chronograph wristwatches. During this time, Revue Thommen introduced in-house calibers under the Revue name. These movements were well-regarded for their precision, further cementing the brand’s place in the Swiss watchmaking industry.
A key development in the brand's history came in 1936 when Revue Thommen began manufacturing aviation instruments. Their chronographs and cockpit instruments for the Swiss Air Force gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy. This move into aviation instrumentation would forever link the brand with the field of aviation, an association that remains strong to this day. The precision required for aircraft instruments translated perfectly into their timepieces, making Revue Thommen synonymous with pilot’s watches.
The Lemania Era: 1960s-1970s
In the 1960s, Revue Thommen expanded its offerings to include professional-grade chronographs, diving watches, and military timepieces. The brand became particularly famous for its chronographs powered by high-quality movements, such as the Lemania 5100. This movement, known for its durability, shock resistance, and precise chronograph function, was widely used in military watches. The Lemania 5100 remains a coveted movement among collectors and is emblematic of Revue Thommen’s strong ties to the military and aviation industries.
During this era, the company's commitment to innovation continued with the production of automatic movements and the development of new features such as anti-magnetic properties and water resistance. These advancements catered to professionals, including pilots, divers, and military personnel, further strengthening Revue Thommen's association with robust, tool-oriented watches.
The Quartz Crisis and Reinvention: 1970s-1980s
The Quartz Crisis of the 1970s posed significant challenges to Swiss mechanical watchmakers, including Revue Thommen. The surge of cheaper, more accurate quartz watches from Japan led many Swiss brands to struggle or fold. However, Revue Thommen adapted by diversifying its offerings and continuing to produce high-quality mechanical watches while introducing quartz models to meet market demand.
In 1987, Revue Thommen entered into a strategic partnership with Swiss luxury brand Airborne, which specialized in the production of high-end pilot watches. This partnership marked the beginning of the brand’s modern era, where aviation once again took center stage in its watch designs. Their line of Airspeed watches, launched during this period, was particularly popular among pilots and aviation enthusiasts due to their precision and reliability.
Return to Mechanical Movements: 1990s-2000s
In the 1990s, Revue Thommen made a strong return to its roots by focusing heavily on mechanical movements, particularly automatic chronographs and professional-grade aviation watches. Their Airspeed line, initially designed for pilots, became one of their flagship collections and remains a cornerstone of the brand today.
In the early 2000s, the brand reintroduced its in-house production of movements, distinguishing itself from competitors who had begun relying on mass-produced movements. Revue Thommen’s commitment to creating both mechanical and automatic timepieces solidified its position as a premium watchmaker with a strong focus on aviation, diving, and military watches.
Modern Era: 2010-Present
Today, Revue Thommen remains deeply rooted in its historical values of precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. The Airspeed collection, with models like the Airspeed XLarge Chronograph, continues to attract pilots and watch enthusiasts alike. Modern-day Revue Thommen watches are known for their vintage-inspired designs combined with modern technology, appealing to both professional aviators and collectors.
The company continues to manufacture high-quality wristwatches as well as aviation instruments, maintaining its historical ties to the Swiss Air Force. Revue Thommen’s watches are still associated with military and aviation sectors, known for their reliability under extreme conditions.
Revue Thommen’s ongoing commitment to producing both professional-grade timepieces and luxurious mechanical watches keeps the brand relevant in a market that celebrates both heritage and innovation. As one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers still in operation, Revue Thommen continues to blend its historical roots with the demands of modern watchmaking, solidifying its place as a leader in Swiss horology.
Revue Thommen’s legacy is one of precision, reliability, and a deep association with aviation and military history, traits that continue to define its watches today.
