Revue Thommen

Revue Thommen is a Swiss watch brand with historical roots in Waldenburg. The municipality introduced watch production there in 1853; the enterprise was privatised in 1859. These dates concern the factory's origins, not the introduction of the combined Revue Thommen name.

Names and businesses

The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates production under the Revue brand to 1908. The American brand presentation dates the combined name to 1987. Thommen also developed instrument manufacturing, including aviation instruments, from 1936. Grovana obtained a licence for Revue Thommen watches in 2001. Instrument production and wristwatches therefore require separate historical treatment.

Examining an older watch

Record the wording on dial and movement, references, case numbers and supporting documents. An older Revue watch should not automatically be described using every later brand name or model designation. Movement origin, functions and condition need investigation for the individual watch. A historical connection with aircraft instruments does not establish military service or cockpit use for a particular example.

Sources: HLS: Bernard Degen, Thommen, 2012; Revue Thommen USA: History.