The Revue Thommen Story
The origins of Revue Thommen
The story of Revue Thommen began in 1853, when Gédéon Thommen and Louis Tschopp founded the watch factory in Waldenburg, Switzerland. Right from the start, Revue Thommen distinguished itself by its commitment to quality and innovation. The first watches produced by the brand were intended for everyday use, but the brand soon extended its expertise to include precision instruments for aviation and other technical applications.
The Glorious Years of Aviation
One of Revue Thommen's most emblematic periods was its involvement in the aviation industry. In the 1930s, Revue Thommen became a key supplier of aircraft instruments. Precision chronometers and other flight instruments produced by the brand were renowned for their reliability and accuracy, earning them a place of choice in the cockpits of European aircraft.
In 1936, Revue Thommen became the official supplier to the Swiss Air Force. This collaboration further strengthened the brand's reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality precision instruments. Revue Thommen watches and flight instruments were used not only by the military, but also by civilian pilots and airline companies.
Innovation and state-of-the-art technology
Revue Thommen is also renowned for its innovations in wristwatches. In 1947, the brand introduced the famous GT82 caliber, an automatic movement with advanced technical features for its time. This caliber quickly became a symbol of precision and durability.
The 1950s and 1960s saw Revue Thommen continue to innovate with watch models equipped with sophisticated functions such as chronographs and diving watches. Today, these vintage watches are highly prized by collectors for their timeless design and quality craftsmanship.
Anecdotes and Key Figures
An interesting anecdote concerns the use of Revue Thommen watches by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl during his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947. Heyerdahl and his team crossed the Pacific Ocean on a wooden raft, and the Revue Thommen watches they wore proved their reliability in extreme conditions.
Revue Thommen has produced over 7 million watch movements since its inception, a figure that testifies to the brand's impact and popularity in the watchmaking industry. Today, vintage Revue Thommen watches are sought after not only for their rich history, but also for their unrivalled quality.
Conclusion
Revue Thommen remains an iconic Swiss watch brand, combining tradition, innovation and precision. The brand's vintage watches, whether chronographs, diving watches or flight instruments, continue to captivate collectors and watch enthusiasts the world over. Revue Thommen's passion and expertise are reflected in every watch, making each piece a veritable treasure trove of watchmaking history.
