At the end of 2024, I discovered the Instagram account of a new brand called Tessé Watches.
Obviously, at first, there weren’t any renderings of their future watches, but they have made some posts in an artistic style that I really liked. So, I decided to follow them and take a closer look at their work.
The brand will officially launch on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. So this interview is timely, and it will introduce you to Thomas and his new creation.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your story with watches?
Watches have always been more than just timekeepers for me—they are stories, emotions, and heritage wrapped around the wrist. My fascination started young, influenced by my grandfather’s watch, which sparked my appreciation for both mechanical craftsmanship and timeless design. Over the years, I’ve grown from an enthusiast to a creator, channeling that passion into Tessé Watches.
When did the idea to create a new brand come to you? When did you start working on it?
The idea had been in the back of my mind for years, but it truly took shape in 2023. I wanted to create a watch that balanced vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern craftsmanship—something that told a story. The process of development, sourcing, and prototyping began soon after, and now, after couple years of refinement, we are preparing for our official launch in 2025.
Could you tell us where the name of your brand comes from?
Tessé is the name of a village in France where I spent a large part of my childhood. It’s a tribute to personal heritage, nostalgia, and the importance of time spent with family. I wanted a name that felt authentic and meaningful, not just another brand name but a connection to my own story.
What’s the most important thing in the process of creating your timepieces?
Every detail matters. For me, the most important aspect is achieving the right balance between design, functionality, and craftsmanship. A watch should not only look beautiful but also feel great on the wrist and be built to last.
What steps do you go through to develop and produce them?
It starts with an idea, often inspired by a specific era or design philosophy. From there, I sketch concepts, refine them into digital renders, and work closely with manufacturers to perfect proportions and finishing. Choosing the right movement is crucial, and after extensive prototyping, we fine-tune every component before final production.
Where do you draw inspiration for the design of your pieces?
My Grandfather Michel had one watch that he wore in any setting: an iconic LIP from the 70’s. He was very proud of this “Made in France” watch that represented him in so many ways.
For me, 1970s was a special era for watch design—bold, elegant, and full of character. That era heavily inspires my design, and I also published a small book about watchmaking during that period. I also draw from architecture and industrial design, combining vintage influences with contemporary refinement.
Do you have an anecdote about the design and creation phase of your timepieces?
One of the biggest challenges was finding the perfect case proportions for our first model, the Michel GMT. Early prototypes felt either too bulky or too slim.
After many iterations and hands-on testing, we finally found a balance that felt just right. It was a reminder that even the smallest adjustments can make a world of difference. I really wanted to explore what was possible with the finishes, for example I find that the sides of the case are always an after sought for many brands, so I decided to create this unique pattern on the side.
From your perspective, what makes your watches special?
I believe that Tessé Watches are about more than just aesthetics. Each piece is a blend of thoughtful design, high-quality Swiss craftsmanship, and a deeply personal story. I also focus on creating watches that feel timeless—pieces that could have existed decades ago yet still feel relevant today.
Could you tell us how your collection is composed and what is the price of your watches?
The debut model, the Michel GMT, is a Swiss-made timepiece featuring a GMT complication, elegant proportions, and meticulous finishing in 5 different colourways.
We are launching on Kickstarter on April 22nd at just under $1250 USD, offering exceptional value for a Swiss-made GMT.
You have planned to launch the brand in spring 2025. What feedback have you already received?
So far, the feedback has been fantastic. Enthusiasts appreciate the attention to detail, and many have commented on how the design feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s reassuring to see that the vision resonates with people who love watches as much as I do.
Do you have a favorite piece in the Tessé collection or maybe in your own?
That’s like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! But I have to say that really like the Electric and the grey.
And, when I don’t wear my own brand, I tend to rotate between a blue Tissot PRX, a Tissot heritage World timer and a Christopher Ward Bel Canto with a stunning red dial.
Social networks are really important for microbrands like Tessé Watches. How do you use them, and what’s your strategy to stand out?
Instagram is the key platform for me. I use them to share the journey of building the brand—behind-the-scenes insights, design decisions, and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Since I’m not comfortable being in front of the camera myself, I focus on creating visually engaging content that lets the watches speak for themselves. You can find us @tesse.watches
Let’s talk about distribution. You’ll be using direct sales—can you tell us about your approach?
Direct-to-consumer allows us to maintain a closer connection with our customers and offer better value by avoiding unnecessary markups. The initial launch will be via Kickstarter, giving early supporters a chance to be part of the brand’s journey from day one.
While based in Canada, I am also in discussions with US partners to have orders fulfilled directly from the US to minimize the impact of the recent tariffs announcements for our US customers.
Do you plan to participate in watchmaking events in the coming months?
Yes! We’ll be at the Vancouver Timepiece Show at the end of April, and at the Toronto Timepiece show in September where people will get a first look at the Michel GMT in person.
It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and share the story of Tessé Watches. I am also contemplating some US shows for 2026.
When launching a brand, we often have ideas for future products. What are your plans?
While the Michel GMT is our focus right now, I already have concepts for future models. I’d love to explore different complications and case designs while staying true to Tessé’s DNA—elegant, wearable, and timelessly inspired.
What aspects of your brand do you think people should know more about?
I’d love for people to know how much thought and effort goes into every detail—from the choice of materials to the finishing of each component.
For example, finding the right partner for the case manufacturing was quite a challenge, and the tolerance for the precision of the finishing (the brushed and polished surfaces) is very slim. During the prototyping phase, more than 50% of the cases produced were rejected during quality control.
Also, the personal inspiration behind Tessé Watches is something I hope people connect with.
Now, something more personal: What’s the most important thing to find in a watch?
A watch should feel right. It’s not just about specifications—it’s about how it sits on your wrist, how it makes you feel when you wear it. A great watch is an extension of yourself.
To finish, are you also a watch collector? If yes, what kind of watches do you collect?
Yes, though I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore collector.
I appreciate watches with strong design language and historical significance. I like the design language of the French brand Bell & Ross for example. My latest additions include a vintage LIP sport model from the 1970’s, as well as a stunning Christopher Ward Bel Canto with a red dial.
Hope you guys have enjoyed this interview. You can follow Tessé Watches on the social networks :
If you’re interested to buy one of them during their Kickstarter campaign, jump right here on this LINK.
And if you want to know more about the brand, just click HERE.
Jonathan Kopp
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