Tissot - RockWatch

The Tissot RockWatch, introduced in 1985, is one of the most unique and unconventional watches in Swiss watchmaking history. It emerged during a challenging era for the Swiss watch industry, following the quartz crisis of the 1970s, when traditional mechanical watchmaking was nearly brought to its knees by cheaper, mass-produced quartz watches. Amid this turmoil, Tissot innovatively designed the RockWatch, crafting its case from actual stones sourced from Swiss regions like Graubünden and Ticino. Each watch was unique due to the natural variations in the stones used, including materials like granite, jade, and aventurine, making every piece distinct.

Powered by the Swiss-made quartz ETA 976.001 movement, the RockWatch stood out not only for its material but also for its vibrant design. Its hands were brightly colored in red and yellow, drawing inspiration from the trails in the Swiss Alps, and were designed for legibility. This bold move helped Tissot regain its footing in the market, particularly in the United States, where the brand had not been active for over a decade. Despite its unconventional design, the RockWatch was a commercial success, with over 800,000 units sold by the mid-1990s. It remains an iconic symbol of Tissot’s resilience and creativity during a pivotal moment in the history of horology.