• Website: tissotwatches.com
• Founded: 1853, Le Locle, Switzerland.
• Founders: Charles-Félicien Tissot and Charles-Émile Tissot
• Owned By: Swatch Group
• Known For: PRX, Le Locle, Seastar, T-Touch, Powermatic 80, sporting timekeeping
• Category Focus: Mechanical watches, quartz watches, dress watches, sports watches, diving watches, chronographs, solar watches, connected watches
Tissot is one of Switzerland's most established watch brands, renowned for accessible Swiss watchmaking, practical innovation, and a longstanding connection to sport. Founded in Le Locle in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile, the company developed from a family watchmaking business into an international name spanning mechanical, quartz, solar, and connected timepieces.
Known for combining traditional craftsmanship, reliable performance, and versatile design, Tissot makes Swiss watchmaking approachable across different lifestyles. Brand signatures—including the PRX, Le Locle, Seastar, and tactile T-Touch—connect its historical expertise with contemporary technology.
Today, Tissot is part of Swatch Group, continuing to develop its collections and international sporting partnerships under Chief Executive Officer Sylvain Dolla. Tissot: Heritage and Innovation in Watchmaking
PRX Powermatic 80
PRX Quartz
Le Locle Powermatic 80
Gentleman Powermatic 80
Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
PR516 Mechanical Chronograph
T-Touch Connect Solar
Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80
Tissot's story began in 1853, when Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile established their watchmaking business in Le Locle, Switzerland. Their partnership combined production expertise with commercial ambition, building the foundations of an international brand.
Throughout its development, Tissot explored practical improvements in timekeeping alongside unconventional materials and distinctive designs. Antimagnetic watches, the granite-cased RockWatch, and the tactile T-Touch illustrate its willingness to experiment beyond familiar watchmaking conventions.
Sport became another defining part of its identity, with precision timekeeping connecting the brand to international competition. Today, collections such as the PRX reinterpret historical designs, while mechanical movements and connected technology demonstrate Tissot's broad approach to everyday Swiss watchmaking.
Key milestones:
• 1853: Charles-Félicien Tissot and Charles-Émile Tissot establish the company in Le Locle, Switzerland.
• 1930: Tissot introduces its Antimagnetic wristwatch, advancing protection against magnetic interference.
• 1965: The PR 516 debuts, establishing a distinctive sports watch collection.
• 1978: Tissot introduces the integrated-bracelet quartz design that later inspires the modern PRX.
• 1983: Tissot becomes part of the group that develops into today's Swatch Group.
• 1985: The RockWatch launches, featuring a case crafted from natural granite.
• 1999: Tissot introduces the T-Touch, allowing users to access functions through a tactile crystal.
• 2015: Tissot becomes the Official Timekeeper of the NBA, expanding its international sporting presence.
• 2020: The T-Touch Connect Solar launches, combining tactile controls, solar power, and connected functionality.
• 2021: The PRX returns, with quartz and Powermatic 80 models bringing its historical design to a new generation.
Tissot transformed a family watchmaking business into an international Swiss brand, combining practical innovation, recognizable design, and a lasting dedication to precision.
“Tissot brings Swiss watchmaking into everyday life. Its strength lies in combining technical curiosity, recognizable design, and dependable craftsmanship that makes a rich horological tradition accessible across generations.”
Tissot matters because it connects traditional Swiss watchmaking with accessible design, practical technology, and precision on the international sporting stage.
Its influence can be seen across:
• The accessibility of Swiss mechanical watchmaking
• The revival of integrated-bracelet sports watches
• The development of tactile and solar-powered timepieces
• The connection between everyday watches and professional sporting timekeeping
By combining Swiss craftsmanship, historical inspiration, and continued innovation, Tissot remains an influential name in contemporary watchmaking.
