History
1911 - 1968
1911 marks
the beginning of Bertolucci through Mimo Watch, reputed workshop
for the assembly of mechanical watches. It was set-up in the
region of Bienne and run by Robert Chopard.
Marcel Michelotti
Became an apprentice in the company in 1936, before going on
to become owner some 12 or so years later.
His daughter,
Pierrette Michelotti married Remo Bertolucci in 1968 and both
of them rejoined the family company, as head of administration
and head of purchases and sales respectively.
Watches adapted
to the wrist made sporadic appearances as early as the late 1500s.
Queen Elizabeth I is said to have been given one. In the early
1800s the wristwatch made more frequent appearances when jewelry
and watchmakers began creating gem encrusted timepieces for royalty.
Impact
of War:
Toward the
end of the 1800s, women began to embrace the wristwatch as an
item of adornment. Despite the feminine association, the concept
became accepted as indispensable to military campaigns as mechanization
in war grew. The ability to read time with a quick glance rather
than having to dig through pockets was critical in battle.
Officers in
the South African Boer war (1899-1902) used wristwatches. By
World War I, military organizations began to demand them. They
became especially crucial to fledgling aerial combat operations.
As demand
for wristwatches in warfare grew, rugged timepieces covered with
metal grids were introduced. The first chronograph wristwatches
were developed, and luminous hands and markers were developed.
Between the Wars:
Following the war, automatic
(self winding) wristwatches were created, drawing on technology used in pocket
watches. Initially they were unreliable, but were perfected by the late 1930s
and early 1940s. In the 1920s, the wristwatch became the dominant means of
timekeeping among both men and women. Then, as now, men seemed to prefer
more rugged, sportier models, including chronographs. Rolex created the first
water resistant watch which was worn unscathed by a woman channel swimmer
in 1927. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart strapped on wristwatches for
their celebrated flights.
During the Great Depression,
demand for wristwatches withered and many top watchmaking companies went
out of business. Despite reversals, many design innovations were introduced.
With the advent of World War II, watches in most countries were an unattainable
luxury and production ceased for all but military needs.
Neutral Switzerland continued
making wristwatches to fulfill military orders. Watches were developed for
fighter pilots and for underwater specialties requiring far greater water
resistance.
Following World War II,
civilian production resumed and many innovations were seen, leading to the
1957 introduction of the first electric battery powered wristwatch made by
Hamilton Watch Company in America.
Competition among manufacturers
in the 1950s and 60s revolved around reductions in size. In 1969 the first
automatic cronograph wristwatch was developed, and Neil Armstrong wore an
Omega Speedmaster as he made his giant leap for mankind.
