Election
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1892
Election was a Swiss watch brand from La Chaux-de-Fonds, founded in 1892. Known for chronometer-grade movements and winning multiple observatory prizes, Election produced quality timepieces for over a century before the quartz crisis sealed its fate.
- Founded
- 1892
- Headquarters
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1995
Election gradually faded after the quartz crisis, unable to rebuild its identity in the post-crisis luxury watch landscape.
A century of Swiss precision that the electorate of collectors has largely forgotten — Election's Grand Prix movements deserved better.
Key Collections
- Grand Prix — Election's flagship collection celebrating the brand's numerous chronometry competition victories and observatory prizes, featuring precision-certified movements.
- Doublematic — A technically accomplished automatic watch featuring both day and date complications, representative of Election's mid-century mechanical expertise.
- Election Chronograph — Sporty chronograph models produced primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, often housing reliable Valjoux or Landeron movements.
- Election Automatic — Core collection of self-winding watches that formed the backbone of Election's catalogue from the 1950s onwards, known for reliable timekeeping at accessible price points.
Timeline
- 1892 — Election founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, entering the competitive Swiss watchmaking industry.
- 1914 — The brand establishes its reputation for precision timekeeping, beginning to compete in Swiss observatory chronometer trials.
- 1950 — Post-war expansion sees Election develop its automatic movement range and gain distribution across European and Latin American markets.
- 1970 — The quartz crisis begins, severely impacting Election's traditional mechanical watch production and market position.
- 1985 — Election struggles to adapt to the changed market landscape, significantly reducing its product range and workforce.
- 1995 — Election ceases production, ending over a century of Swiss watchmaking after failing to recover from the quartz crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Election
- When did Election stop making watches?
- Election ceased production in 1995 after gradually declining throughout the 1980s. The brand never recovered from the quartz crisis that devastated traditional Swiss mechanical watchmaking in the 1970s.
- Are Election watches still valuable?
- Vintage Election watches hold modest value among collectors, particularly chronograph models and pieces with documented chronometer certifications. Their observatory prize-winning heritage adds historical interest, though prices remain accessible compared to better-known Swiss brands.
- Can I still buy an Election watch today?
- New Election watches are no longer available as the brand is defunct. However, vintage Election timepieces regularly appear on secondary markets, auction houses, and specialist vintage watch dealers.
- What made Election watches notable?
- Election distinguished itself through chronometer-grade movements and multiple observatory competition victories. The brand was recognised for producing precision timepieces that competed successfully against established Swiss manufacturers in accuracy trials.
- Where were Election watches sold?
- Election had strong distribution networks across Europe and particularly in Latin American markets, where the brand developed a loyal following throughout the mid-twentieth century.