Revue Thommen
Waldenburg, Switzerland · Est. 1853
Founded by Gédéon Thommen
Revue Thommen was a Swiss watch and instrument maker from Waldenburg, founded in 1853. Famous for aviation instruments and the Airspeed line of pilot watches, the brand was also known for producing alarm calibres used across the industry.
- Founded
- 1853
- Headquarters
- Waldenburg, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 2015
Revue Thommen's parent company Grovana went bankrupt, and the brand ceased production after failing to find sustainable new ownership.
Waldenburg's aviator — Revue Thommen put altimeters in cockpits and chronographs on pilot wrists for over 160 years.
Key Collections
- Airspeed — Aviation-inspired pilot watches drawing upon Revue Thommen's expertise in aircraft instrumentation, featuring legible dials and robust construction.
- Cricket — Mechanical alarm watches utilising the brand's renowned in-house alarm calibres, which were also supplied to other prestigious manufacturers.
- Diver Professional — Purpose-built diving watches offering substantial water resistance and professional-grade specifications for underwater use.
- Classic — Traditional dress watches emphasising clean aesthetics and Swiss mechanical craftsmanship in a more formal presentation.
Timeline
- 1853 — Gédéon Thommen established a watch components factory in Waldenburg, Switzerland.
- 1885 — The company began manufacturing complete pocket watches under its own name.
- 1936 — Revue Thommen commenced production of aircraft instruments, establishing its aviation heritage.
- 1950 — Introduced mechanical alarm calibres that would become widely adopted throughout the Swiss watch industry.
- 2002 — The brand was acquired by Grovana Watch Company, relocating production within Switzerland.
- 2015 — Parent company Grovana declared bankruptcy, leading to the cessation of Revue Thommen watch production.
Frequently Asked Questions about Revue Thommen
- When did Revue Thommen stop making watches?
- Revue Thommen ceased watch production in 2015 when its parent company, Grovana Watch Company, went bankrupt. The brand had been under Grovana's ownership since 2002.
- Are Revue Thommen watches still valuable?
- Vintage Revue Thommen watches retain collector interest, particularly models featuring the brand's acclaimed alarm movements and aviation-themed Airspeed pieces. Their value lies in solid Swiss engineering and the brand's historical significance in alarm calibre production.
- Can I still buy a Revue Thommen watch today?
- New Revue Thommen watches are no longer manufactured, but pre-owned examples regularly appear on secondary markets and auction platforms. The Airspeed and Cricket alarm models remain the most sought-after.
- What made Revue Thommen's alarm movements special?
- Revue Thommen developed highly regarded mechanical alarm calibres that were not only used in their own Cricket watches but were supplied to other prestigious Swiss brands, demonstrating the technical excellence of their movement production.
- Did Revue Thommen only make watches?
- No, the company was also a significant manufacturer of aviation instruments from 1936 onwards. This expertise in aircraft instrumentation directly influenced their Airspeed watch collection and enhanced the brand's credibility among aviation enthusiasts.