Kelton
Besançon, France · Est. 1962
Kelton was the French brand name used by Timex from the 1960s through the early 1990s. Due to French trade restrictions on foreign watch brands, Timex sold under the Kelton name, building a strong identity in the affordable French market.
- Founded
- 1962
- Headquarters
- Besançon, France
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1993
Kelton, Timex's French subsidiary brand, was discontinued in the early 1990s as Timex consolidated globally and the separate French brand identity was no longer needed.
Timex spoke French through Kelton — it took a licking in francs and kept ticking until the parent said stop.
Key Collections
- Kelton Automatic — Affordable automatic watches that brought self-winding technology to the French mass market during the 1970s.
- Waterproof — Water-resistant models marketed for everyday durability, reflecting Timex's emphasis on robust, practical timepieces.
- Calypso — A sporty line aimed at younger consumers, featuring colourful designs and quartz movements during the 1980s.
- Kelton Electric — Battery-powered watches introduced in the late 1960s, bringing early electric movement technology to budget-conscious French buyers.
Timeline
- 1962 — Kelton established as Timex's French subsidiary brand to circumvent import restrictions on American watches.
- 1965 — Production expanded at Besançon facility, establishing the brand as a leading affordable watch name in France.
- 1972 — Kelton becomes one of France's best-selling watch brands, competing successfully against Swiss imports in the budget segment.
- 1983 — Introduction of quartz-dominated collections as the brand adapts to changing technology and market demands.
- 1993 — Kelton discontinued as Timex consolidates global operations and phases out regional brand identities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelton
- When did Kelton stop making watches?
- Kelton ceased production in 1993 when parent company Timex consolidated its global brand strategy, eliminating the need for a separate French marque.
- Are Kelton watches still valuable?
- Kelton watches hold modest value among vintage collectors, particularly early automatic models and quirky 1970s designs. They remain affordable entry points into French horological history rather than high-value collectibles.
- Can I still buy a Kelton watch today?
- Kelton watches can only be purchased on the secondary market through vintage dealers, auction sites, and French flea markets, where they appear regularly at accessible prices.
- Why was the brand called Kelton instead of Timex in France?
- French trade regulations in the 1960s restricted the import and sale of foreign-branded watches, prompting Timex to create a locally-branded subsidiary to access the French market legally.
- Where were Kelton watches manufactured?
- Kelton watches were assembled at facilities in Besançon, France's traditional watchmaking capital, using movements and components from Timex's global supply chain.