Tissot Watches - A Review Of The T-Touch

The T-Touch watch from Tissot has been around for a while now. It's not going to be everyone's favorite but for those who like gadgets or want their watch to do more than just tell the time, then this high-tech Tissot watch should be on their shopping list.

The touch screen watch hasn't really taken off probably because many see it as a gimmick. Well, I think the T-Touch watch from Tissot may begin to break ground among consumers. First off, its touch screen menu is no gimmick. In fact, it's a huge improvement on existing watches with menu driven features. This watch comes with 11 features that can accessed by the press of two buttons. Remember those other watches where you have to press the mode button about 7 or 8 times before you get to where you want to be, and remember when you miss the function you wanted so you have go through the whole lot again?

So how does the Tissot T-Touch work?

To activate the touch screen functions you first have to press the right middle button for two seconds, and then you lightly tap various parts of the sapphire crystal to get to where you want to go. You may think that first having to activate the touch screen of the T-Touch watch to be a drag, but I can see why Tissot has done this; just about every time you looked at your watch you would be looking at some arbitrary function rather that the time - and it also saves on battery life when the watch is in normal time mode.

A quick overview of the more useful functions of the watch

Thermometer

The thermometer function tells you the average ambient temperature. It's no good try to use this functionality while you're still wearing the watch - what you end up with is the average temperature between you wrist and the air around you. You first have to take the watch off to find the true temperature. You have to leave it off your wrist for about 20 minutes; a tad slow for it to reset so you aren't going to use it to get instant readings. The thermometer is pretty accurate though.

Barometer

The barometer function is referred as meteo by Tissot, which means that you get an indication of meteorological tendencies. When in barometer mode, the digital display shows you the atmospheric pressure in hectoPascals. The hands of the Tissot T-Touch watch join together and are used to give you an indication of what the weather is like; in the 12 o'clock position the weather indicate stable weather, to the right of 12 indicates improving whereas on the left means deteriorating weather. The further away from 12 the hands are, the more extreme the weather prediction. But what's really clever about the T-Touch is that the watch uses the last 8 hours of data to calculate trends; it isn't just sticking a finger in the air.

Altimeter

This Tissot watch can calculate your approximate altitude. It calculates it by measuring barometric pressure. High and low pressure fronts can affect barometric pressure, so you really need to calibrate the altimeter before you use it. When in altimeter mode the T-Touch calculates your altitude every 10 seconds.

Compass

This must be the coolest function on the watch. Not only can it show you magnetic north it can calculate true north as well! Of course it isn't that simple. In order for the T-Touch to give you an accurate reading for true (geographic) north, you first the Tissot T-Touch what your current magnetic declination is - this is the angle between magnetic and geographic north. True, most of us don't happen to have this information to hand, but you can easily find out on the internet - all you need is your post code. If you do no your declination you can configure the Tissot T-Tissot accordingly, and hey presto, the hands will move away from magnetic north to geographic north. If you don't set the declination, the T-Touch will report magnetic north.

The Tissot T-Touch watch comes in various configurations and colors. The case comes in either stainless steel or titanium. The dial comes in white and silver, though you definitely stick to black. The strap comes in blue or white leather, steel or rubber. The best combination, in my opinion, is the titanium, black face with orange strap - it looks a treat.

A Personal Review of Tissot Sports Watches

I am a admirer of Tissot watches and am fortunate enough to own one - a PRS516 Automatic chronograph Tissot T-Sport. What follows are my personal reviews of Tissot sports watches and the current collections.

Tissot produce a large collection of different styles of sports watches that are of excellent quality at reasonable prices. The Tissot PRS516 cost much less than many of my other Swiss watches - my wife and I own some fine watches - but it is as well made and as stylish as any other sports watch. Tissot have been making watches since 1853 and have been instrumental in designing some of the most technically advanced timepieces: the Tissot T-Touch watch is the world's first touch screen wristwatch.

Tissot make an extensive range of sports watches. If you're a serious diver then the Diver Seastar is for you. The Tissot Seastar is an automatic timepiece made with a highly resistant steel case, capably of resisting diving depths of 300 meters. What I particularly like about the Tissot Seastar is its domed sapphire crystal glass, which magnifies numbers on the colored dials; no other diver's watch that I know of has this feature.

The Tissot PR100X sports watch offers more refined elegance. The PR100X Small Lady Tissot watch is a very elegant ladies watch and is one of the most beautiful of ladies sport watches, in my opinion. It is resistant up to 100 meters, has a screw down crown, glass sapphire glass and silver dial. The case is stainless steel as is the bracelet.

The Tissot PR200X is a classic timepiece, with a large face: the most striking models come with a bright yellow sweeping second and counter hands and white indices with clear Arab numbers that stand out boldly against the midnight black dial.

The Tissot PRS200 sports watch remains Tissot's best selling sports watch. It looks rugged but stylish. Its chronograph movement, casing and bracelet in steel or gold color with a choice of silver, black, blue dial, water resistance to 200 meters, make it a very appealing sports watch. Personally I prefer The Tissot PRS516 - after all I did buy it - as PRS516 stands out from other sports watches whereas the Tissot PRS200 looks similar to a lot of other brands.

The Tissot T-Race was designed to reflect the best of all types of two-wheeled sports, from cycling to motorcycle racing. I really like these watches. The case is a stainless steel/carbon composite. The straps are of rubber and come in a variety of colors. The use of pastel colors makes them a good choice as a ladies sports watch. The standard model comes with three small dials, a second hand, 1/10 second hand and 30 minute counter. The Tissot T-Race watches come with quartz chronograph.

Tissot signed an agreement with NASCAR, making Tissot the official timekeeper of America's popular auto-racing. The T-Race NASCAR special edition features carbon dial, with a tough hybrid case of steel and rubber and matching black rubber strap. Inspired by the fans' passion for the sport, the Tissot T-Race NASCAR case back comes with an engraved NASCAR logo and crossed finish flags. Being keenly aware of a sport where 1/100th of second makes the difference between winning and losing, the Tissot NASCAR watch comes with a Swiss chronograph movement. The large, red-colored Arab numerals at 12, 4 and 8 are complemented by the large, industrial looking hour and minute hands. A very nice feature is the magnified crystal above the date display.

I like Tissot watches. . But don't just take my word for it; many consumer reviews of Tissot watches rate them highly. Tissot sports watches come with Swiss chronograph movement, sapphire glass, and stylish design. Another compelling reason why I really like Tissot sports watches is that they are cheap when compared to a lot of other Swiss sports watches.

Tissot Launched Brand New Odaci-T & Le Locle Watches

Time always elapsed through our fingers. Unconsciously, the passionate summer is approaching the end, and cool autumn quietly arrived. As what we usually say, fashion exchanges by season. In the following autumn and winter, two classic styles of 80 years again become popular, including Disco exaggerated Rock &Roll style with futuristic feeling and the classic black and white simple fashion. Besides refreshing our daily wardrobe and changing the dressing habits, to select a personalized watch could further upgrade your beauty. Before the fall arrives, Tissot watch strongly recommended several kinds for fashionistas to enrich their life in the coming season.

Boldness and creation are the core design of Tissot Odaci-T watch. Its quartz big three-second style utilized the leather watch strap, delivering a strong rock and roll air. Matching to the pin buckle design and the unique square hour marking with dazzling metal light, it created a confident and fashionable design of rock and roll music, magnificent yet personalized. While Tissot Odaci-T chronograph has more choice on the bracelet selection by small metal linkage. Silver watch dial decorated with sun radiated lines makes the wearer more eye-catching in the coming fall and winter. Seen from the perspective of fashionable colors, bright red is a hot for Odaci-T watches besides the black leather strap, which added a fresh charm to the whole.

Tissot Le Locle square automatic calendar watch with a little round dial design could be the best choice to match men classic and simple style of the current fashion. In the center of the dial exquisitely carved geometry veins. Equipped with automatic hand-winding movement with the function of calendar display, the running beauty of movement could be seen once for all from the skeleton watch back. Black and white dial combined to the coffee leather strap or silver stainless steel bracelet deduced a nostalgic beauty. For women fashion, the Boyfriend Style with the convergence of neutral wind and oversize element enjoy great popularity in this spring and summer. It emphasized the controversial beauty and fresh image. If matched to Tissot Le Locle square automatic calendar watch, it can perfectly pop out the independence of modern ladies.

The Tissot T-Touch Watch - A Groundbreaking Timepiece

We are all becoming accustomed to touch screen technology, whether it be when using our home computer or withdrawing money from an ATM. It was only a matter of time before touch screen technology was used in the making of a watch, and it's no surprise that Tissot have been at the forefront with the Tissot T-Touch watch.

Tissot watches have always been at the forefront of timekeeping and the company has a long association with timekeeping at major sporting events. In 2003 Tissot became the official timekeeper for NASCAR, replacing TAG Heuer. Tissot are also the official timekeepers for Grand Prix motorcycle racing as well as official timekeeper of the world championships in MotoGP, Supercross, Fencing, Cycling and Ice Hockey.

With this pedigree, it's obvious that Tissot takes timekeeping seriously, constantly pushing the bounds of technology. Of course, Tissot is not alone. Many other watchmakers strive for leadership in a niche area: Rado making the World's hardest watch with the V10K; Patek Philippe producing watches with the most complicated movements available in a wristwatch; and Titan, makers of the World's thinnest watch - the Titan Edge. Tissot leads the way in developing touch-driven technology in wristwatches, with their collection of T-Touch wristwatches.

The Tissot -Touch collection offers 8 separate functions. All of these functions are activated by pressing on the crown and then pressing on the touch-sensitive screen. The functions include; an accurate Altimeter (in feet and metres), a Chronograph (split and add time), a Compass, an Alarm, a Thermometer (in ºC and ºF) and Barometer as well as Date and Time (choice of 12H and 24H).

The Tissot T-Touch watch has a modern, sporty and elegant design. The dial of the T-Touch comes in either black or blue and the casing comes in Stainless Steel, Polished Titanium, Platinum, and Yellow or Rose Gold. The metal bracelets match the finishing of the casing, but my personal favorite is the orange rubber band, which looks especially good with the Stainless Steel model with orange hour marks on a black dial. Both of the gold T-Touch watches come with rubber band also but, to my mind, I feel the dark rubber band doesn't complement the gold casing.

Tissot were also official timekeepers of the Asian Games and to mark the event the company introduced the T-Touch Asian Games 2006 watch. I really like this watch. The casing is titanium with silver dial. But what really lends appeal to this watch is the red circle that runs on the outside of the hour marks - highlighting the various touch functions - that is complemented by the red rubber band. A very beautiful, modern looking watch.

The T-Touch Classic from Tissot is a very stylish watch that would be desirable whether it had touch-driven technology or not. I'm a great fan of Swiss watches, especially of manufacturers who try to incorporate the latest technology. Watch makers like Rado and Patek Philippe are desired and loved because of the way they marry technology with beauty. Tissot watches, I feel, is one such watchmaker.

Citizen and Tissot Watches

Finding quality and innovative watches in a product saturated economy is a hard task for any consumer. Brand names and advertisements litter every possible media outlet, offering so many choices. Standing tall amongst their peers, Citizen and Tissot brand watches offer unique designs, quality, and affordability. Though each company has their own nuances, both offer a dependable and stylish array of watches.

Established in 1924, the Citizen Watch Company of America has risen to become a premier watch manufacturer, creating inventive watches to meet multiple consumers' needs. The largest watchmaker since 1986, Citizen is a global brand, with select retailers scattered throughout the world. A leader in technological innovation, Citizen has created the slimmest LCD watch, first voice recognition watch, and the world's first dive watch equipped with an electronic depth sensor, proving their commitment to brand and product advancement. The new Eco-Drive line of light powered watches offer consumers an ecological friendly yet stylish product with an array of styles and features. Running on any form of artificial light, the Eco-Drive watch never needs a battery, and is good for a lifetime of use. At the forefront of timekeeping technology, Citizen has the product to match any individual consumer, offering unique design and innovative features.

Tissot, a Swiss-based company, was established in 1853 in the Jura Mountains. Emphasizing skilled craftsmanship and driven by an inventive spirit, Tissot watches create a buzz in any consumer circle. Tissot engineers strive to research and invent watches that are pioneer products, introducing new production materials and functions into the market. The official timekeepers for sports such as NASCAR, ice hockey, and fencing, Tissot offers finely crafted sports watches, emblazed with team colours and logos. Tradition is respected by the production and improvement of gold and silver watches, complete with high-tech functions. Through specially selected retailers, Tissot's colours are presently recognized in over 150 countries worldwide. Amid the giants of the international watch making community, Tissot shines through as a leader in craftsmanship, style, and affordability.

Both Citizen and Tissot offer a line of products which appeal to an international audience, taking pride in their company's innovation and craftsmanship. Though each company presents different watches, features, and production materials, and place emphasis on different phases of product development, Citizen and Tissot are both titans of the industry, producing some of the most respected and desirable mid-price watches on the planet, with quality and affordable products for every consumer.

Tissot Watches - Creating an Impact in the World of Luxury Watches

Founded in 1853 by Charles-Felicien Tissot and his son Charles-Emile, Tissot has achieved great success in the watchmaking industry. It was regarded as the innovator among other luxury watch brands since it manufactured a lot of spectacular timepieces that have never been created before.

Compared with other luxury watch brands, Tissot has been known for its use of bizarre materials such as plastic and wood to manufacture watches. All these watches include a plastic watch named IDEA 2201 made in 1971, a stone timepiece named Alpine Granite Rock produced in 1985. a mother of pearl timepiece manufactured in 1987 and one made of wood in 1988.

In the first year of its foundation, the company manufactured the first mass-produced pocket watch as well as the first pocket watch that showed two different time zones, which were well received since their launch into the market.
Then in the year 1929, Tissot unveiled another splendid timepiece-the first anti-magnetic watch.

Since 2005, Tissot has been appointed as the official timekeeper of American car racing series with the cooperation of NASCAR. The company has manufactured a lot of wonderful timepieces for the motor racing, which include the T-Touch NASCAR, the T-Race NASCAR, the T-Tracx NASCAR, and the PR 50 Chronograph NASCAR. Known for its sports watches which are of high precision, Tissot has been the timepiece of motor racing and will go on improving its technic to produce more excellent timepieces. Apart from the NASCAR racing, the company is also involved in other sport partnerships such as dirt bike racing, cycling, ice hockey, motor bike racing and fencing.

Tissot Watches - A Review Of The Tissot Touch Screen

Tissot watches have been ground-breaking timepieces ever since the company first started making watches. The company made the first anti-magnetic watch, the first all-plastic watch, the first rock watch and the first wood watch. Now, with the introduction of the T-Touch, Tissot offers the World's first watch with functions that are activated by a touch sensitive screen.

The Tissot T-Touch isn't going to appeal to everyone. I suspect the main clientele will be young, gadget-loving men who'll want to wear a watch that comes with lots of techno-wizardry. Well, this Tissot watch isn't going to disappoint.

Other watches have offered menu driven feature access before now but the T-Touch menu access differs in that it's accessed by touching the screen (glass) on the watch front. Using this method makes for easy function access; no longer do you have to 'drill down' a hierarchy of menu options; you can access the function directly by touching specific areas of the screen. Also, if you miss the function, you don't have to go back to the start of the menu and begin again.

So, what do you get with the Tissot touch screen watch?

There are 11 functions in all including Compass, Altimeter, Thermometer, Barometer, Chronograph, Alarm, Analog and Digital displays, Stopwatch and Metric/Imperial conversion.

To access the touch screen functions you first have to press the right middle button for two seconds, and then lightly tap various parts of the sapphire crystal to get to where you want to go. Some might argue that first having to hold down a button for 2 seconds is irritating, but imagine if this wasn't necessary; during the day, you would be inadvertently changing the function without knowing it, so each time you looked at the watch there would be some arbitrary function being displayed rather than the time.

Although the functions work perfectly well you should be aware of some points. For instance the thermometer reads ambient temperature, so to be accurate you can't be wearing the watch as you take temperature reading. The instruction manual advised that the watch must be taken off the wrist for 20 minutes before it can take an accurate reading.

The barometer function is referred as meteo by Tissot, which means that you get an indication of meteorological tendencies and not a true reading of isobars. The readout is done by placement of the hands; the 12 o'clock position indicates stable weather, to the right of 12 indicates improving whereas on the left means deteriorating weather. The further away from 12 the hands are, the more extreme the weather prediction. Although some might be disappointed with this 'indication' they might be cheered by the fact that the watch uses data from the last 8 hours.

The altimeter also needs some fine tuning. It calculates approximate altitude but high and low pressure does affect the results. However, you can calibrate it beforehand.

Some of you might be thinking that the functions are a little short of true functionality; however the compass function won't disappoint. Not only does it show magnetic North it can also show you True North. The only caveat is that you must know your declination - the angle between magnetic and geographic north. A true techy will know his/her declination but if not, you can easily find this out online. You simply enter in your declination and hey presto; it'll show you True North.

The watch case comes in either stainless steel or titanium with the dial coming in white, silver, and black. As to the strap, you have a choice of blue, white leather, steel or rubber. The coolest configuration is the titanium case with black face and orange strap - very stylish. I'm not a fan of Tissot watches but I'm a huge one of the T-Touch.

Tissot Touch Expert Pilot Review

On 2009 Baselworld, Tissot unveiled a new member of this well-known series-Tissot Touch Expert Pilot which is not less anticipated by watch lovers than Tissot Sea Touch.

Obviously, the new watch is a handsome hybrid of traditional Pilot watch and T-Touch Expert. The dial is available in matte finish and carbon fiber. As Carbon Fiber is quite in at present, I have the reason to believe that the carbon fiber will appeal to more customers, especially those young people. But for me, the matte finish is a better solution for this watch. Simple things always last long. This is a rule. And the titanium case is offer with two options for the strap-high quality brown leather strap and a titanium bracelet. The former presents a little more aviator feel while the latter gives a more strong and confident look.

From views of functions (as a T-Touch), the model has no differences from the previous Tissot T-Touch Expert.. On the other hand, it adds some features of pilot watches (the compass-oriented bezel is the best example). The famous touch screen Crystal and the Touch of the crown together provide 11 functions, including a countdown timer, barometer, thermometer, altitude difference meter, altimeter, chronograph, compass, perpetual calendar,, practical back-light, date and time and two alarms. With tactile functionality powered by high technology, the Tissot watch is a great accompany for anyone either on the land or in the air.

Like Tissot T-touch Expert which enjoys the name of "King of Quartz Watches", Tissot T-Touch Expert Pilot is driven by a Swiss made quartz movement and is water resistance to 100 meters.

In high-priced watch market, Rolex watches are the most powerful and successful. And in mid-priced market, Tissot watches are World's No.1 in term of sales volume. T-touch series is the big star among all Tissot watch lines with the coming of new members like the Tissot Touch Expert Pilot.

Tissot Watches, Making Quality Watches For Over 150 Years

Father and son, Charles-Félicien and Charles-Emile founded the company in 1853. They managed the company with their own distinctive taste and their innovative spirit for their craftsmanship. Ever since, the location of the headquarters of the watch company was located in Le Locle. Since the birth of the first Tissot watch, the timepieces that were created have never failed attraction, for both the collectors and the public. Whether it was the special materials that were used to create the piece, or the technology; or the wrist watch's functions, the priceless pieces that were developed by the watchmakers and engineers made Tissot pioneers in the watch industry.

Tissot has been recognized in many parts of the world and has also supported sports for decades, and this made the name Tissot and their wristwatches in great demand that is increasing. Tissot is known to be devoted to sports, and also hopes that these believes benefit those of the younger generation. Tissot has been in partnership with a number of sports teams all over the world and this includes ice hockey, cycling and cricket. The Swatch Group invited Tissot to become one of their members in 1985, and today Tissot and their wonderful timepieces are available in 150 countries around the world.

1853 was the year when the production of the first watch started. 64 years later the "Banana" watch was produced, and in 1930 the antimagnetic watch and the first of its kind was created. 23 years later the Navigator was introduced, and twelve shorts years later the PR 516 was launched. 1971 Tissot introduced the first in plastic watches and seven years later watches for the Lotus racers "The F1 watch" was created. Time never stood still, because in 1985 Tissot introduced the first rock watch, and a year later Tissot introduced the Two Timer. 1988 the wooden watch and the first one ever created was introduced, and in '91 Tissot launched the Ceraten. It took seven years before the Titanium 7 was launched in '98 and a year later the T-Collection was introduced. In 2000, it was the T-Touch and two years later the T-Touch launched in Canada.

Tissot watches have always been popular in sports since 1974, and has involved itself with many activities. Fencing and Formula One racing are just a couple to mention. With the help of Tissot watches and their sponsorship, it has taken sporting programs to a new level, being the official partners and timekeepers on the tracks, road racing, cycling like the Tour to Suisse and also mountain biking championships until a few years ago.

Tissot however made a comeback in 2000 and became the known sponsor to the world cup mountain biking. They have surely made their mark in sports history and are now the Official Timekeeper in FIM Motorcycling.

There is no doubt that Tissot has carved a name for itself, and being popular as it is, these wristwatches will continue to be the official timepieces, not only in the sporting world, but also in public.

Tissot Watches the Best of the Best

The Tissot Watches brand has achieved great feats in converting what used to be an instrument that merely told time, to one that has versatility, style and functionality engineered into its design. Tissot Watches have evolved into incredibly multi-functional wristwatches that provide the ability to measure a variety of factors.Tissot Watches has consistently surprised the watch industry with incredible technological innovations which it incorporates in all its timepieces.

The watch now regarded as the Swiss manufacture's trademark timepiece is the Tissot T-Touch watch. The watch incorporates a tactile sensitive crystal that activates 6 different digital functions. By tapping your finger over each labeled function the digital second and hour hands switch to that specific function's reading. By activating the compass feature with the touch of a finger, the hour and second hands line up and automatically move to point northward. The alarm and chronograph functions are displayed in a small LED window at 6 O' clock. An altimeter and thermometer can also be activated by tactile contact. The meteorological function is the final and most impressive feature on this tissot watch. When activated, this feature displays atmospheric pressure in the digital LED screen, and local weather trends with the hour/second hands.

Just as its counterparts in other Tissot watch collections, the T Touch has evolved into many variations. With a variety of features all variations incorporate a tactile sensitive crystal to active. The latest variation of the T-Touch is the Sea-Touch. This watch is specifically designed to cater to the needs of underwater scuba divers. The Swiss timepiece employs a diver's log function that automatically initiates at the depth of 1 meter below sea level. A convenient rotating bezel allows divers to measure the time they have been underwater, as well as amount of oxygen remaining in their gear.

The Tissot TTouch is not only a watch for sports enthusiasts. It also makes life easier for the well-traveled individual. Want to view every single time-zone on earth with the touch of a finger, the T-Navigator watch can. For facilitated planning the watch also displays a calendar in the small LED window.

The Silen-T from the Touch watch collection is the only watch that does not have tactile functions. The watch is engineered for discreetness and/or the visually impaired. Silen T provides a silent alarm and time display function that alerts the user by silent vibration. This discreet way of displaying time through vibrations, allows anybody anywhere to keep an eye on their time without having to look at their watch. It also makes life easier for the visually impaired.

T touch technology is a truly exciting advancement for the world of digital tissot watches, as well as indicative of many new things to come from Swiss watchmaker Tissot.

The Noble History of Tissot Watches

Founded in 1853, Tissot watches were well known for their distinguished taste and ever improving craftsmanship. They quickly gained popularity and were well received all over the world both for the collectors and the public since the launch of the first watch. The infusion of high quality materials together with advanced technology have ranked the watch in the forefront of the watch industry.

Tissot has been involved in sports such as hockey, cycling and cricket for decades, and it has been in partnership with a lot of sports teams. Tissot has been appointed as the official partner and timekeeper of sports events such as tracks, cycling, mountain biking and so on. They have established a steady position as the official partner and timekeeper in sports history. Apart from manufacturing many splendid watches for sports, Tissot has also produced some wonderful timepieces. In 1853, the first timepiece "Banana" watch was produced by Tissot, which was well received since its unveil in the market.

In 1930, the anti-magnetic watch was produced and followed by some of its kind. In 1971, the first plastic watch was manufactured by Tissot. Then in 1985 the first rock watch was manufactured, and it was also in the year that Tissot became a member of the Swatch Group. In 1988, another amazing timepiece of wooden watch was launched into the market. For many people Tissot has established itself as the best watchmaker in the world luxury watch brand, and it will continue to improve its technology to provide the best watches both for the sports events and the public.

Omega Watches

Omega watches was created in Switzerland by Louis Brandt in 1848. He assembled watches from parts he bought and sold them across Europe. Under his sons, the company soon grew larger and moved in to the building that houses the company headquarters today. Though the company had some financial difficulties during the economic crisis in the late 20th century, and after merging with Tissot and with the group SSIH, they continued to achieve and produce. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was chosen in the 1960s as the official timepiece of American astronauts. Because of this, the Speedmaster was the first watch on the moon, worn by Mr. Aldrin when he landed.

Omega has also gained popularity, as it has been associated with the James Bond movies ever since Pierce Brosnan took over the role and wore the Omega Seamaster Professional model. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the James Bond movies, a special edition of the watch was created. In the current James Bond movies, Daniel Craig also wears an Omega model. Omega is also associated with the Olympics and has been the official timekeeper on multiple occasions, including the most recent summer Olympics, whose champion swimmer Michael Phelps wears an Omega watch.

Omega's watches are created from the precious materials of yellow gold, red gold, white gold, steel, leather, titanium, platinum, sapphire, and mother of pearl, among others. Omega has one of highest name-recognition rates of any designer watch brand, and for good reason. Their watches are superbly designed, with years of experience behind them.

Omega Watches Value and Benefits

Omega watches are known for retaining their value for a long time. A big part of this is due to co-axial escapement. Assisted by the success of caliber 2500, Omega developed the first mass-production time-piece that incorporated a coaxial escapement. Invented by George Daniels, a watchmaker from England, and recognized as the most important watch-making advance in recent times. The coaxial escapement virtually eliminates the need for lubrication, which greatly increases precision and the need for maintenance over time.

Radial friction causes less strain on the movement's parts, as opposed to sliding friction. This in turn results in Omega's watches being able retain their value for a longer time than their competitors. It also reduces the amount of maintenance the time piece will need to undergo over time to virtually a fraction of watches with other types of movement.

Another factor in Omega watches retaining their value is the quality which they are produced with. Each new Omega movement has to pass extensive standards. The movements are tested in existing Omega watches, and, at the same time, various lab examinations are conducted to verify the movement's ability to resist temperature, shock and vibration. The precision of the movement is also tested. Along with this, when a new case has been produced, it is subjected to various tests as well. The decision on whether to manufacture a new case is only taken if the new prototype passes all tests assuring great quality.

Omega watches are heavily sought after time pieces due to the company's thorough advertising campaigns, and endorsement of major worl wide athletic competitions, such as the Olympics. By participating in massive marketing campaigns that drive sales, the Omega brand is has a universal perception of quality, precision and design.

The benefits of investing in Omega watches are plentiful. For one, after the severe financial crisis of 1975 to 1980, their debt was bought by banks in 1981. Switzerland's other watch-making giant Allgemeine Schweizerische Uhrenindustrie AG (ASUAG) was similarly saved a year later.

In 1983 the Holding ASUAG-SSIH was established, after significant downsizing, as well as the reformation of R&D. The new company achieved quick success and substantial growth. It is now considered one of the largest watch companies in the world. In 1998 the company changed its name to Swatch Group. It now owns Blancpain and Breguet. Although the company diversified over the years, its leading brand is still considered to be OMEGA.

Omega Watches With Superior Quality and Appearance Are in Vogue

As one of the members of Swatch Group, the Swiss watch manufacturer Omega is always dedicated to producing the best timepieces for the world. Omega watches are all about high precision and accuracy. In the past of more than 150 years, they have won a lot of achievements and created great milestone for the whole watch industry.

In the modern society, though various designer luxury watches in distinctive style and function rush into people's life, Omega is still one of the highest selling watch brands. Almost every keen fashionistas or businessmen crazy for one Omega watch. Why these highly-priced Omega watches get extreme popularity?

First, I think it mainly because of their superior quality. It is really a great fact that Omega is always on the way of creating various perfect watches in the finest materials and greatest accuracy. The brand really knows what our customers really want. You see, top quality is absolutely the unique selling point when we decide to buy. Omega watches with perfect accuracy and advanced technology are just the smart choices.

Second, impressive style is also an important key. According to different favor, Omega always creates unique styles to meet individual need. A wide range of collection including classic, Seamaster, Speedmaster, constellations etc are available in the market. Some of them are designed for sports lovers, some for space mission or noble, elegant look.

So in conclusion, we just pay what we will get. Omega watches of high class and prestige really worth every penny to purchase.

The in Vogue Omega Watches

For many decades, Omega watches have been the most popular timepieces for most people and the ideal item for collectors. Omega watches are the best choice for those people who enjoy the power of luxury and want to show off.

Though some collections of these watches were launched many years ago, they were still appealing to most people even today for their stylish designs, superior qualities and outstanding craftsmanship. These collections include the Speedmaster Collection, the Seamaster Collection and the Deville Collection. All these models are regarded as a symbol of excellence, accurate precision and exquisite beauty, which enable them endure the test of times and rank at the top of most luxury brand watches.

One prominent timepiece named Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was worn by the astronaut Buzz Aldrin on his mission to the moon. And in 2007 Omega unveiled a limited edition Speedmaster Professional Chronograph to celebrate the golden anniversary of the timepiece as well as memorizing the first mission to the moon.

Omega is also in close partnership with James Bond, who is often seen wearing these watches especially the Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer. And in 2002 Omega unveiled a limited edition almost identical to the Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer to celebrate its 40 th anniversary. Omega watches and James Bond movies have a long standing association as long as 15 years.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph Ladies' 600m Watch

Women who love Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph watches now can have a new choice since Omega has released the Seamaster Chronograph Ladies' 600m. The new Omega ladies watch is powered by Omega's Co-Axial Calibre 3313, a chronometer certified movement fitted with a free sprung balance and a colum-wheel mechanism. Sized at 37.5mm, the Seamaster Chronograph Ladies's 600M is presented on solid stainless steel and has incorporated all features of an Omega diver watch.

The uni-directional rotating bezel is offered in two options-black or orange. Accordingly, the chronograph pushers is fitted with rings of the same color. And the one with orange bezel sports an orange "12" in anodised aluminium on the dial while the black version has a rhodium-plated "12". The helium escape valve is located at 10.

As a professional watch, the glossy black dial has sufficient Super-LumiNova applied on applied indexes and faceted hands to offer nice legibility anywhere. In addition, the Omega logo and the hands in subdials are rhodium-plated. The chronograph second is orange tipped. The date window is found between 4 and 5

The Omega watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet with Omega's patented screw-and-pin system. Like the case, the bracelet feature excellent contrast between brushed and polished finish. The diver's clasp ensures optimal comfort on a wetsuit. Thanks to Omega's exclusive Co-Axial technology,this watch is water resistant to 600m,

Well, in my eyes, the Seamaster Chronograph Ladies' 600m is just a smaller version of male version, no any particular feature is shown. But overall, it will sure look nice on woman's wrist for classic sporty look that is no second to any pieces.

Add Uniqueness to Your Style With Replica Omega Watches

In the realm of extravagant watches industry Omega has gained a great fame all over the world for its manufacture of splendid timepieces. Omega is a Swiss origin company, with a reputable history that dates back to 1848. The splendid timepieces that manufactured by the brand have been well received since their first launch into the market. At first the company mainly produced watches to meet the needs of predominantly European market, and now it expands its business all over the globe.

With the popularity of designer Omega watches, replica ones have also been riding high in recent years. Most people except some famous stars and several big shots in the corporation world can afford the design watches. For the average people, they can only go for the replica timepieces and give a vent to their dream of purchasing the finest watch at affordable rates.

Replica Omega watches can be used ultimately the same as the original articles. They are produced under professional guidance and the supreme workmanship is displayed in the same features and capabilities. However, they can save you a lot of money. These watches are appealing to people in different fields. People who want to experience the same luxury as their favorite Hollywood stars can go for these timepieces. A lot of famous Hollywood stars are spotted wearing Omega watches.

In all, those people who want the best for themselves but with financial constraints can opt for replica ones. You can find a trustworthy retailer and choose your favorite timepiece from the glittering arrays of watches that are obtainable on the internet.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch - Apollo 11 - 40th Anniversary Limited Edition

The year 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing. On that landing, Buzz Aldrin worn the Omega Speed-master Professional Moon Watch. Paying tribute to this milestone event in both aviation history and Omega watch-making history, Omega has released the Speed-master Professional Moon Watch Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Obviously, the new watch carries the features of the original one while it is endowed with a few major distinctions. The case is 42mm at diameter. It has incorporated with a special crystal made of acrylic compound. This material has excellent shatter-proof performance. However, it gets scratches easily. The OMEGA logo has been etched inside the crystal.

The most attractive part on the black dial is the medallion which serves as small seconds. The medallion, a symbol of peace, was designed by Michael Collins, the Command Module Pilot in the Apollo 11 capsule. It depicts an eagle approaching the moon surface with an olive branch in its claws while the earth is visible far above the horizon.The dial also showcases "02:56 GMT"- the exact time that Nail Armstrong made his "one small step" onto the moon-in red.

The Speed-master Professional Moon Watch Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Limited Edition watch is available in platinum version(limited to 69 pieces) and stainless steel version(limited to 7969 pieces). The medallion is the only thing to tell two versions apart. The gold is for platinum version while the sterling silver is applied on stainless steel version.

Beneath the good looking, there beats a manually-wound Omega 1891 movement, the same movement used in the original Speed-master Professional Moon Watch. In addition, the watch adopts Omega patented screw and pin system on the upgraded bracelet.

You Can Never Go Wrong With Omega Replica Watches

Watches what make time portable are really the must have in people's daily life, since time is money, and time is very important for us. Most people all over the globe are proud to wear Omega watches. Omega the world's best selling watch company, is a name that signifies style and status. Unique design and super functionality of Omega watches make them to be the most coveted accessories.

Unfortunately, Omega watches are all sold at very high prices. Therefore, lots of people are unable to afford them. For those people who would like to have a taste of luxury while with limited budget, it is really not an easy thing to get the authentic Omega watches. While, they can go for Omega replicas with all they have expected from the originals with cheaper prices.

Replica Omega watches are 100% imitated from the genuine timepieces. They are not only manufactured with superior appearance, but also with excellent accuracy. The weights of the watches, the craftsmanship, and the design have been impeccably modeled as per the original designs. Thus, it is difficult for us to tell the difference just by one glance. Besides, they are much cheaper than the genuine ones. You can spend the rest money on travel, automobile or other meaningful investment.

In a word, to keep up with the fashion trend and make deep impression, Omega replica watches are really smart options. High quality Omega replicas are really worth every penny to purchase and will never let you down.

ZFCS007 Yellow Tuning

Glowing in the dark hand, a yellow silicone strap : a pure sport style for cool boys! Hands colours are related to the dial to help the children to read the time. Glowing in the dark hands.

Rotating bezel: not for professional divers.
Silicone strap with relief, watch-head in aluminium with a mineral crystal glass, water- and shock- resistant.
SWISS MADE

Gender: for boys!

ZFPS024 Destination Sky

For all the boys who dream to be a pilot…let’s take the destination sky! Hands colours are related to the dial to help the children to read the time. Rotating bezel: not for professional divers.

Textile strap, watch-head in aluminium with a mineral crystal glass, water- and shock- resistant, machine washable (40°C/104°F).
SWISS MADE

ZFBN062 Crunchy Dino

The return of the dinosaurs on your Flik Flak watch! On the dial you’ll find the Flik and Flak hands that will helps children to learn how to read the time.

Textile strap, watch-head in aluminium with a mineral crystal glass, water- and shock- resistant, machine washable (40°C/104°F).
SWISS MADE

ZFBN064 Pink Bau Bau

A pink world for a cute dog playing in a magic garden. On the Dial you’ll find the Flik and Flak hands that will helps children to learn how to read the time. Pink crystals on the glass.

Textile strap, watch-head in aluminium with a mineral crystal glass, water- and shock- resistant, machine washable (40°C/104°F).
SWISS MADE

ZFBN063 Kalinka

Here comes the spring! Ladybugs flying around the flowers to bring you luck and joy! The dial is decorated with a ladybug, and the Flik and Flak hands that will help children to learn how to read the time.

Textile strap, watch-head in aluminium with a mineral crystal glass, water- and shock- resistant, machine washable (40°C/104°F).
SWISS MADE

Why Everyone Should Own a Swatch Watch

The Swatch Group introduced their first collection of watches on March 1, 1983, and since then, they have produced a large range of different quartz watches. The company began as a way of rebuilding the Swiss watch manufacturing business, which had lost ground to Seiko and other Japanese watch companies during the 1960s.

Swatch's first collection of watches, unveiled in Zurich, Switzerland, introduced a very bold style and design. The watch mechanics were simpler and required fewer parts, a design which made the watches both easier to work on and more efficient to manufacture. It was this innovative new design that helped put Switzerland back on top of the watch market.

Swatch - a name which comes from combining the words "second" and "watch" according to Chairman Nicolas Hayek, launched a very aggressive marketing campaign alongside its new line of watches in 1983, and it was this campaign that allowed the company to easily sell 1 million watches that year. This campaign also saw Swatch reaching its peak in the United States during the 80s. In the US, the Swatch fad quickly caught on. In fact, the brand was so popular that people often wore two of them or used a Swatch to hold up their ponytails. Swatch even started making some very different kinds of watches, like the Pop Swatch, a Swatch that could be attached to shirts or vests. Artists also stepped in to create very unique, very trendy Swatch backgrounds and bands.

Swatch also gained popularity within the hip-hop community. In marketing to this community, Swatch created watches with interchangeable faces and bands. Swatch owners could quickly and easily change their watches look, color, and overall fashion statement by changing the cover and attaching it to a new vinyl band. Day-glow, neon colors, and pastel bands were all the rage.

Today, Swatch sales have dropped since the 80s, but the Swatch Group is still on top of the world's watch manufacturing industry and is the largest watch company in the world. The company has purchases Swiss luxury brands, including Breguet, Omega, Lonines, Tissot, Calvin Klein, Hamilton, and Endura, and has began diversifying its catalogue.

Swatch offers over a dozen different watch types, including specialty watches made for diving. Another innovative Swatch watch called the Papprazzi series allows watch wearers to connect to the internet and download news, weather reports, and more. Another watch, the Flik-Flak, is targeted at children, while the diamond-encrusted Swatches are designed with upper-class erudites in mind.

In addition to being known as a very innovative watch company, Swatch is also the main sponsor of the Beach Volleyball World Tour, for which it specially developed a Swatch for beach volleyball players. The company has also served as the official timekeeper of the 1996, 200, and 2004 Summer Olympic games.

Swiss Quality At Affordable Prices

The basic mean of reducing costs was to make the manufacturing process fully automated, use cheaper materials and keep the design simple. In fact a Swatch is an example of minimalism by using only 51 components. Compare that with a traditional watch which has a least 100 and you will begin to see the whole picture. As a matter of fact a Swatch watch has a cost making which is 5 time smaller than that of a traditional watch

2009 Swatch CreArt Collection Report - Wearable Art

When graffiti ties to fashion, both become indistinct. People can not tell which one natures the other one. Following the great success of Louis Vuitton Graffiti Collection, Swatch, the most creative watch brand, begins the Journey of Graffiti.

Swatch is away good at making "crossover" between art and fashion. The Swatch POP series, created together with British Punk Godmother Vivienne Westwood, has become a timeless classic with the iconic planet and cross. This year, Swatch cooperates with four internationally known artists to create a new fantastic works on the world's smallest canvas of Swatch.

Here Watch Impression gives briefer introduction of the artists and their wonderful watches that has greatly enriched Swatch CreArt Collection.

French Artist Billy believes in his " Art Returns to Reality" idea. He calls the reality "City ecosystem" which is like a kaleidoscope reflecting the diversity and pleasant elements of human spirit. His art concept turns the tradition around. While other artist turns reality into art, Billy makes art a reality. That is why his works have high art value as well as high commercial value. The Billy the Artist for Swatch CreArt Collection. hide mysterious faces in the complex patterns, which reflects the those restless hearts in the cities.

Grems is a young French Street painter, rapper, hip hop artist and designer. A man of various identities and positions. His works has elevated the street painting to another level. His art kingdom has expanded to the metro, showroom windows and the fashion activities. The Grems the Artist for Swatch CreArt Collection for Swatch features the Carton images of Street dancing, colorful symbols and letters, very interesting.

Matthew Langille is a prolific young artist living in New York. He was once fond of glass-blowing like a child. He joined the art installation in France and undertook ceramic making and life drawing in the United States before turning to print-making and drawing in colleges. His art has distinctive style with not a few witty elements. He walks freely in the ever-changing art and fashion world. The Matthew Langille the Artist for Swatch CreArt Collection continues his unique style. The lovely carton images in childish hands brings a funny feel.

Ted Scapa, a famous artist from Holland has devoted a lifetime to paint and creative ideas. He has been writing, making and editing books about arts for 35 years. He has also been working as he has also been working as a painter, sculptor and designer of art objects ranging from rugs to lamps. The Ted Scapa the Artist for Swatch CreArt Collection presents a group of ski players performing super techniques. These four watches show Ted Scapa's love and enthusiasms to colors and creative ideas.

The brand new Swatch CreArt Collection has been launched for half a month. The "wearable art" is suitable for both children and adults for any casual and joyful moment.

The Swatch Watch Is Now A Collectors Item

f you are in your thirties or forties you will remember the 1980’s. Anyone who has a clear memory of these years and lived in the United States or United Kingdom knows how popular the Swatch Watch was. The name 'Swatch' means 'Second Watch'

Main Features of Swatch Watches

Swatch watch is owned by Quartz and their watches are manufactured by the Swatch Group Limited. Swatch uses cheap materials and manufacturing plants to make a simple watch. Swatch Watches have just over fifty components in their watches compared to over one hundred used by its competitors in more expensive time pieces. By using cheaper materials and fewer components the Swatch Watch was a cheap watch to make and by having lots of customers Swatch was able to keep the prices down. Prices nowadays can go into the thousands.

The Swatch watch was a very fashionable piece of jewelry amongst teenagers in the eighties however sales fell in the nineties and Swatch had to make some changes. They reverted to their old ways and their simple designs but also adding a bit of luxury.
The luxurious Swatch Watches included brands such as Rado, Breguet and Jaquet Droz to name a few.

Trends in Swatch Watch

Swatch Watches have so many different designs with so many functions it is hard to believe some of them are actually a Swatch Watch. They now make metal watches, scuba watches and also very thin watches.

Swatch Watches Today

In todays modern world swatch makers have concentrated on making quality watches. You are still able to buy the bright colorful Swatch Watches that we all know and love but they now also offer the buyer a classy alternative. Swatch watch is one of the most popular types of watches across the planet and there are collectors everywhere. Some of the very early models have been sold for thousands.

ZFBN061 Sea Anchor

Funny boats and sea friends playing all together in the sea. The dial is decorated with a sea anchor and the Flik and Flak hands that will help children to learn how to read the time.

Textile strap, watch-head in aluminium with a mineral crystal glass, water- and shock- resistant, machine washable (40°C/104°F).
SWISS MADE

SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour

The Swatch and FIVB (the International Volleyball Federation) signed the partnership deal in Lausanne, Switzerland on Feb. 27, 2003. Swatch became title sponsor for the Beach Volleyball World Tour.

Swatch, being quite experienced in the field of innovations, has provided FIVB with financial support as well as timing and technical innovations, with the electronic scoreboards supply and speed of service measurements among many others.

Through its international partnership with FIVB, Swatch supports the growth of public and media interest in beach volleyball, appreciated worldwide as one of the most rapidly developing summer sports. As the company has continuously maintained links with the world of sports, the global sponsorship agreement with FIVB became another important step in that involvement.

Swatch also participates in all FIVB Beach Volleyball world tour events through establishing points of sales and organizing side and merchandising activities. As part of the partnership, the company also develop each seasons two Swatch watch dedicated to the SWATCH FIVB Beach Volley World Tour.

Product lines

There are five families under the swatch brand. The five families are

Swatch Originals

The Originals are plastic cased watches. They are available in various sizes, shapes and designs. The originals have sub-families as well.

Swatch Irony

The Irony family contains all the metal cased watches produced by swatch. They too come in different sizes and shapes.

Swatch Skin

The skin family contains two sub families; which are Original Skin and Skin Chronograph. The original skin was introduced on October 6, 1997 as a thinner version of the original swatch watch. It is ultra thin, standing at 3.9 mm thin hence the name Swatch Skin. The swatch skin later went on to enter the Guinness world book of records as the world’s thinnest plastic watch. The Swatch Chronograph is just the swatch skin with a chronograph function. It has two additional buttons on the side of the watch.

Swatch Beat

The beat family launched in 1998 and incorporated beat watches across the three existing family but adding twists. Swatch Beat is the digital line and integrate Internet Time.

Swatch Bijoux

The bijoux line is the jewelry line that swatch released in the new millennium. A company that is known for innovations and fashion it went the next step. It partnered with Swarovski to encrust their bijoux line and watches.

The first collection

The first collection of twelve Swatch models was introduced on March 1, 1983 in Zürich, Switzerland. Initially the price ranged from CHF 39.90 to CHF 49.90 but was standardized to CHF 50.00 in autumn of the same year. Sales targets were set to one million timepieces for 1983 and 2.5 million the year after. With an aggressive marketing campaign and a very reasonable price for a Swiss-made watch, it gained instant popularity in its home market. Compared to conventional watches, a Swatch was 80% cheaper to produce by fully automating assembly and reducing the number of parts from the usual 91 or more to only 51 components.

Origin

This concept was realised in the early 1980s, under the leadership of the then ETA SA's CEO, Ernst Thomke with a small team of enthusiastic watch engineers led by Elmar Mock and Jacques Müller (see: [1]) , who had had the idea to use the case back as a movement main plate (platine), as it had been done to realise the flattest watch in the world, the Delirium, suppressing a lot of parts. And designed for easy assembling.

Conceived at the beginning as a standard timekeeper in plastic, Franz Sprecher, (see [2] ), a marketing consultant hired by Thomke to give the project an outsider’s consideration, soon led the project into what it has become: a fun “Brand” with a full brand identity and marketing concept, instead of developing just another watch collection, which could have soon been matched & killed by the competition.

Swatch was originally intended to re-capture entry level market share lost by Swiss manufacturers during the aggressive growth of Japanese companies such as Seiko in the 1960s and 1970s, and to re-popularize analog watches at a time when digital watches had achieved wide popularity. The launch of the new Swatch brand in 1983, then led under the auspices of Nicolas G. Hayek, was marked by bold new styling and design.

This combination of marketing and manufacturing expertise restored Switzerland as a major player in the world wristwatch market. Synthetic materials were used for the watchcases as well as a new ultra-sonic welding process and the assembly technology. The number of components was reduced from 91 or more to 51, with no loss of accuracy

The Real Swatch Story

Contrary to press releases, the Swatch is NOT a revolutionary concept and horological design novelty. According to news reports, Swatch was first to pioneer an approach to watchmaking that allows total automation and reduces the number of parts by half. It took 200 engineers, two years and $8.5 million, to come up with a way to reduce the number of parts to a mere 51 trimming production costs by over 80%. The movement is built into the plastic case which serves also as the movement main plate and then a laser seals the crystal. If the Swatch breaks down the owner can only throw it away -- it can't be repaired. For your information, this so-called new technology and design is not completely new. I bring to your attention an important development which took place fourteen years ago (1971) and was presented at the Swiss Watch Fair. A *plastic mechanical watch* put out by Tissot Watch Company, Tissot started to investigate the field of plastics in 1952 and in 1971 introduced *Astrolon* a movement and case in which the wheels, pinions, escapement, case and plates were all cast from plastic. The number of parts had been reduced to 52 from 90 and by moulding the whole movement, Tissot eliminated 40 time - and cost - consuming operations. Oiling was unnecessary since the plastic was self-lubricating. And assembly work was reduced, requiring only 15 distinct, mostly semi-automatic, operations that were done on an assembly line.

Because the new plastic watch works were cheaper to produce and easier to assemble than conventional metal models, Tissot hoped that this new invention would revolutionize watchmaking and would inject huge profits into their company and the distributors of this product under many different brand names. Indeed this watch watch was sold in the U.S.A. by Sutton Time, Dynasty, Sears & Roebuck and others for prices ranging from $22.50 to as low as $8. Though the watch was so light at 5/8 of an ounce (less strap) that it almost floated, this was not a children's toy. Its light weight enhanced its shock resistant qualities which enabled it to withstand the rigors of repeated shock trials. Being plastic, its non-magnetic qualities, too, were enhanced. The watch also withstood normal water immersion tests at 30psi. Furthermore, Tissot's engineers claimed that the timepiece was so reliable and accurate that it could even compete with a chronometer.

So here you see the striking similarities between the Swatch and, undoubtedly its predecessor, the Astrolon, which never became a hit with the consumer. Why then does most of the industry remember nothing about this big invention of little more than a decade ago (now 27 years)? It is incredible that Tissot Watch Co. is not given any credit for their novel idea, which truly was the original concept used in the manufacture of the Swatch. The answer may be because the whole success of Swatch depends on marketing and news releases. Swatch's own destiny seemed uncertain at the start. Though the product caused a big stir when it was introduced in Switzerland, it didn't exactly fly off the shelves when it was test-marketed in parts of the U.S.A.

The Swiss, this time, realized that they needed professional marketing help. To sell Swatch, the manufacturer hired a crack marketing director from outside the hidebound watch industry - Jacques Irniger, a veteran of Colgate-Palmolive. With a heavy advertising campaign created by McCann-Erickson in Switzerland and adapted by the agency in New York, they bet on high stakes. This high-style marketing and aggressiveness conducted with Swatch was not a prevalent method used by the usually conservative Swiss in the 1970's and not tried with the Tissot Astrolon *plastic mechanical watch*. This time around, the Swiss used Swatch's high-tech and high-fashion mystique to recapture their share of the market. That's the difference!

Swatch® Launches Line of Fun Scuba Watches

Swatch® has launched a new range of watches targeting scuba divers, called the Fun Scuba Collection. The watches are designed for lovers of scuba diving rather than professional divers, but they are water-resistant up to 200 metres and do measure the length and the depth of each dive. There are eight colourful and fun designs from Moray's Bite to Squid Bubbles!

In a similar way to more professional dive watches, the watch will self-activate once the swimmer reaches a depth of one metre. From here a dive profile is recorded for up to 90 minutes and a depth of 40 metres.

The watches have a logbook function which automatically records the swimmer’s last dive and a ‘favourite’ setting stores memorable dives. Though not a replacement for your dive watch, this is a fun alternative for the non-diver in your family or for a water sports enthusiast. To learn more visit http//www.swatch.com Dive News - September 2004.

Swatch® from a plastic nobody to a global brand name in 18 years.

In the 1970s the Swiss watch making industry, worldrenowned for its precision, quality watches, was in crisis. In just ten years its export market had dropped by half, with Hong Kong and Japan now occupying the top spots. In 1978 the Japanese introduced a watch that was just 2 millimetres thick. Switzerland’s largest watch group, ASUAG, rose to the challenge and developed a gold watch that was just 0.98 millimetres thick. This technological masterpiece was a huge success and inspired further research at ASUAG. Could a watch be made entirely of plastic?

The answer was yes. In 1985 Swatch® registered their first trade mark. Up until then, the Swiss watchmakers had been specialists in precision, exclusive and expensive watches. Now, not only had ASUAG produced a watch that was made totally from synthetic material, a completely new phenomenon, but they were pioneers in the world of mass production, producing a watch that was inexpensive and available in a range of colours. This was something completely new in the watch industry and an enterprise with a difference was launched.

Behind the success of Swatch® were the masterminds who believed in their vision. Everything about the watch was innovative, from the technology to the way it was launched onto the market. This dedication to creativity and enterprise has resulted in Swatch® developing over 2000 registered designs.

Omega

Description: One of the first-ever Omega models, fitted with the renowned 19''' calibre (''' = lines; 19''' = 43 mm diameter), characterised both by the perfection of its design, by François Chevillat, and the ingenuity of certain mechanisms, such as time-setting using the winding stem and by the relatively modest price. It was manufactured using methods that were revolutionary at the time: mechanise or industrial-scale production and "divided" assembly, i.e. a production line based on the complete interchangeability of each component in the movement. A production system adopted progressively by the entire Swiss watch Industry.

Considered the last word in watchmaking technology of the time, the movement was named Omega by analogy with the 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet, a synonym for accomplishment, completion, summum, maximum, perfection and crowning excellence. It was an astonishing success and its name was given to the company in 1903. With its successors ranging from the small ladies calibre 9''' to the large observatory 21''' chronometer, 6 million units would be produced by 1931.

This last calibre, designed in 1911, would be renamed the 47.7 mm in 1919. Regulated by the famous watchmaker Alfred Jaccard, this symbol of OMEGA high quality beat the world record in precision in all categories at the London Observatory of Kew Teddington in 1933, and then in 1936, with a score of 97.8 out of 100: a staggering result that has remained unequalled throughout the history of watchmaking.

Tissot

From 1853 to the present day, Tissot has continually surprised and delighted customers with its product innovation. A relentless pioneering spirit led the company from its foundation in the small Swiss Jura town of Le Locle, to a presence in 150 countries. From its first pocket watch with two time-zones in 1853 to its revolutionary touch-screen technology T-Touch watch, Tissot has presented a series of "firsts" in terms of technology, materials and design – even to the extent of creating watches made of rock, wood and pearl.

From day one, Tissot was also dedicated to taking its innovations to destinations well beyond the Swiss borders. In 1858, the founder's son, Charles-Emile Tissot, left Le Locle for Russia and successfully sold Tissot savonnette pocket watches across this huge and influential empire. International expansion went from strength to strength and Tissot is today the leading producer of the traditional Swiss watch industry in number of units. Being sold by 16,000 Points of Sale across five continents, Tissot products offer a wide selection of watches to suit diverse functional needs and tastes.

Over the years many key figures have owned Tissot watches, including actress Sarah Bernhardt, singer Carmen Miranda, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly and Nelson Mandela.

The proud Tissot Ambassadors of today are:
Danica Patrick, IndyCar® driver and first lady ever to win an IndyCar race,
Deepika Padukone, Actress and Model
Margherita Granbassi, 2006 Fencing World Champion
Barbie Xu, Actress and Singer
Michael Owen, International football player,
Nicky Hayden, 2006 MotoGP World Champion,
Tom Lüthi, 2005 MotoGP 125cc World Champion,
Steven Stamkos, 2008 NHL Draft 1st Overall Pick

Swatch

Swatch overcomes crisis and leads to the survival of the Swiss watch industry.

In the mid-seventies, the Swiss watch industry was in the midst of its worst crisis ever. Technologically speaking, the Japanese competition had been outclassed in 1979 with the launch of the "Delirium," the world´s thinnest wristwatch with a limited number of components. But the event that marked the upturn in the industry´s fortunes was the founding of SMH, the Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries. And its answer to the crisis was Swatch-a slim plastic watch with only 51 components (instead of the usual 91 parts or more) that combined top quality with a highly affordable price. It first went on sale in 1983. Since this time, it has gone on to become the most successful wristwatch of all time, and The Swatch Group, the parent company, is the largest and most dynamic watch company in the world.

For many years, new developments have been taking place alongside the standard Swatch watch in plastic-from Irony (the metal Swatch) to the Swatch SKIN Chrono (the world's thinnest chronograph) to Swatch Snowpass (a watch with a built-in access control function which can be used as a ski pass at many ski resorts throughout the world), and Swatch Beat (featuring the revolutionary Internet Time).

Outstanding technical capabilities and advances in the fields of science and technology were already proven by Swatch during its role as the Official Timekeeper in several Olympic Games and Ski and Snowboard World Cup competitions.