Record Watch Company
Geneva, Switzerland · Fondée en 1903
Fondée par Egon Frey, Alfred Gobrecht
Record Watch Company était un fabricant suisse de montres fondé en 1903 à Tramelan, fournissant des calibres de qualité à de nombreuses marques horlogères suisses et internationales. La manufacture a été absorbée par Longines dans les années 1970.
- Fondée en
- 1903
- Siège social
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Groupe
- Swatch Group
- Segment de prix
- Milieu de gamme
- Statut
- Disparue
Cessation: 1961
Record Watch Company a été acquise par Longines lors de la restructuration de l'industrie horlogère suisse, ses ressources étant intégrées dans les opérations du groupe ASUAG.
Record fournissait la précision derrière des centaines de marques — souvent sans que quiconque ne sût son nom.
Collections phares
- Datofix Triple Calendar — Record's celebrated triple calendar complication featuring day, date, and month displays, often paired with moonphase indicators. These models showcased the brand's technical prowess and remain highly collectible.
- Split-Seconds Chronograph — Sophisticated rattrapante chronographs demonstrating Record's mastery of complex timing mechanisms, produced in limited quantities for serious horological enthusiasts.
- Standard — The brand's reliable workhorse collection offering robust timekeeping in understated cases, representing excellent value in the mid-century Swiss market.
- Record Genève Chronograph — Elegant chronograph models bearing the Geneva designation, featuring column-wheel movements and refined dial layouts typical of quality Swiss craftsmanship.
Chronologie
- 1903 — Fondation de la Record Watch Company à Tramelan, en Suisse.
- 1904 — Company relocated operations to Geneva, establishing its identity as a Geneva-based manufacture.
- 1930 — Introduction of the Datofix triple calendar collection, establishing Record's reputation for complications.
- 1945 — Post-war production expanded with chronograph models finding favour among collectors and professionals.
- 1961 — Record absorbed by Longines as part of industry consolidation; several Record calibres continued in production under the Longines name.
Questions fréquentes sur Record Watch Company
- Qu'est-ce que Record Watch Company produisait ?
- Record produisait principalement des ébauches et des calibres de qualité pour l'industrie horlogère suisse, ainsi que des montres sous sa propre marque pour le marché de milieu de gamme.
- Are Record watches still valuable?
- Yes, vintage Record watches command respect among collectors, particularly the Datofix triple calendar and split-seconds chronograph models. Their quality movements and relative scarcity make them sought-after pieces in the vintage market.
- Can I still buy a Record watch today?
- Record watches are only available through the vintage market, specialist dealers, and auction houses. The brand has not been revived, so no new production exists.
- What happened to Record's movements after the Longines acquisition?
- Several Record calibres were retained and continued to be used in Longines production following the 1961 absorption, testament to the quality and reliability of Record's in-house movements.
- Was Record considered a prestigious brand during its active years?
- Record occupied a respected position in the mid-tier Swiss market, known for well-finished movements and reliable complications. While not competing with the highest prestige marques, the brand earned recognition for excellent value and technical competence.