Bertolucci Wrist Watches

Discount Bertolucci Wrist Watches

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.

Bertolucci North America LLC.
112 south country road
Bellport, NY-11713

Tel: +1 631 776 1135
Fax: +1 631 776 1136