Tessé Watches

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Overview

Tessé Watches is a Canadian microbrand founded by Thomas Brissiaud, producing Swiss-made watches assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The brand focuses on architectural dial designs and 1970s-inspired aesthetics blended with modern craftsmanship, offering GMT and three-hand models. It positions itself as an independent maker emphasizing precision engineering and vintage-contemporary fusion in the microbrand segment.

History

Tessé Watches was founded by Canadian designer Thomas Brissiaud in 2023-2024, with development starting in 2023. The brand officially launched in April 2025 with the Michel GMT model. It draws from Brissiaud's background in architecture, vintage aviation, and 1970s watchmaking, as detailed in his book on the era.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Michel GMT (tonneau-cushion GMT watch)	1970s heritage-inspired traveler's watch	$2,000 - $3,000
Architect (three-hand architectural dial watch)	contemporary non-vintage design focus	$2,500 - $3,500

Manufacturing

Watches are Swiss-made and assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. They use movements such as Sellita SW330-2 for the Michel GMT and ETA 2892-A2 for the Architect, with cases featuring exhibition backs.

Notable Products

Michel GMT - Tonneau-cushion case GMT with Sellita SW330-2 movement, 10.8mm thick, 1970s design influences.
Architect - Three-hand no-date watch with 21-component dial and 13 luminous blocks, ETA 2892-A2 movement, slim profile.

Reputation

Tessé is regarded positively by watch enthusiasts for its thoughtful architectural designs, high-quality Swiss finishing, and slim profiles in the microbrand space. Reviewers praise the vintage-modern balance and build quality, though as a new 2025 entrant, it lacks long-term reliability data. Some note its Canadian roots add uniqueness to Swiss production.

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