Kelton
Besançon, France · Fondée en 1962
Kelton était la marque de montres bon marché lancée par Timex en France dans les années 1960, produisant des montres abordables pour le grand public français.
- Fondée en
- 1962
- Siège social
- Besançon, France
- Groupe
- Other
- Segment de prix
- Entrée de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 1993
Kelton a été progressivement absorbée dans la stratégie de marque de Timex, perdant son identité distincte.
Kelton fit entrer la montre fiable dans chaque famille française — la démocratie horlogère à prix Timex.
Collections phares
- 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.
Chronologie
- 1962 — Lancement de la marque Kelton en France par Timex.
- 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.
Questions fréquentes sur Kelton
- Kelton était-elle liée à Timex ?
- Oui, Kelton était la marque commercialisée par Timex en France, utilisée pour contourner les restrictions à l'importation et s'adapter aux préférences du marché français.
- 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.