Exactus
Besançon, France · Fondée en 1920
Exactus était un fabricant suisse de montres actif dans les années 1950-1970, connu pour ses montres de précision et ses chronographes fiables.
- Fondée en
- 1920
- Siège social
- Besançon, France
- Groupe
- Independent
- Segment de prix
- Milieu de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 1976
Exactus cessa ses activités lors de la crise du quartz.
Exactus promettait la précision dans son nom — le quartz fut plus exact encore.
Collections phares
- Exactus Automatic — The brand's flagship automatic collection, offering reliable self-winding movements at accessible price points for the French domestic market.
- Diver 200 — A robust diving watch rated to 200 metres, representing Exactus's foray into professional tool watches during the 1960s sport watch boom.
- Chronographe — Mechanical chronograph models that demonstrated Exactus's technical capabilities, typically featuring manual-wind movements with two-register layouts.
Chronologie
- 1920 — Exactus founded in Besançon, the traditional centre of French horology.
- 1950 — Exactus s'établit comme fabricant de montres de précision.
- 1965 — Introduction of the Diver 200 collection as sport watches gain popularity across Europe.
- 1970 — The quartz crisis begins devastating the French mechanical watch industry, with Besançon manufacturers particularly affected.
- 1976 — Exactus ceases production as the French watch industry collapses under Japanese quartz competition.
Questions fréquentes sur Exactus
- When did Exactus stop making watches?
- Exactus ceased production in 1976, a casualty of the quartz crisis that effectively destroyed the French watchmaking industry. The company had operated for 56 years from its base in Besançon.
- Are Exactus watches still valuable?
- Exactus watches remain modestly valued among collectors of French horology, though they do not command the premiums of Swiss contemporaries. Diving models and chronographs tend to fetch higher prices due to their relative scarcity and historical interest.
- Can I still buy an Exactus watch today?
- Exactus watches can only be purchased on the vintage market through specialist dealers, auction houses, and online platforms. The brand has never been revived, making original examples the sole option for collectors.
- Where was Exactus based?
- Exactus was headquartered in Besançon, France, historically the capital of French watchmaking. The city's horological tradition dates to the 18th century, and Exactus was among dozens of manufacturers based there before the quartz crisis.
- What movements did Exactus use?
- Exactus primarily used French-made mechanical movements, along with ebauches sourced from various suppliers. The brand focused on practical, reliable calibres suited to its mid-range market positioning rather than haute horlogerie complications.