Election
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Fondée en 1892
Election était un fabricant suisse de montres basé à La Chaux-de-Fonds, actif dans les années 1940-1970, proposant des montres de milieu de gamme fiables pour les marchés d'exportation. La marque a disparu lors de la restructuration de l'industrie horlogère suisse.
- Fondée en
- 1892
- Siège social
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Groupe
- Independent
- Segment de prix
- Milieu de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 1995
Election a cessé ses activités lors de la crise du quartz, n'ayant pas les ressources pour opérer la transition vers les mouvements électroniques.
Election gagnait des marchés d'exportation discrets — ni célèbre ni oubliée, simplement fiable jusqu'au bout.
Collections phares
- 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.
Chronologie
- 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.
Questions fréquentes sur Election
- Election était-elle une marque de luxe ?
- Non, Election était positionnée dans le segment milieu de gamme, proposant des montres fiables et bien finies sans prétention au statut de luxe. Sa force était la robustesse et la fiabilité sur les marchés d'exportation.
- 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.