If the idea of the brand was (partially) born in the United States, it is indeed in the cradle of French watchmaking, in Besançon, that Kelton was born in 1955. After going through a difficult period, the icon of the 1960s-70s made a nice comeback in the limelight.
But what are Kelton watches really worth today? We give our opinion in this article.
The history of the Kelton brand
The story of Kelton begins in the 1950s. It is presented to us as “the result of the meeting between the American giant Timex and Stéphane Boullier”, who was then running the watchmaking brand Vixa.
Stéphane Boullier’s wish is to copy the American model on the European market, to marry the commercial mastery of Timex with European watchmaking expertise. The American brand accepts the deal on the condition that a brand new brand is created. This is how the first Kelton assembly workshop was created at 14 rue des Villas, in Besançon, in 1955. Initially, the watches are manufactured in Scotland, in Timex factories, and only assembled in France. But the style, the quality and (especially) the prices are there and Kelton enjoys huge success in the 1960s.
A new factory is born in Besançon, in which some 3000 people work, and Kelton’s production approaches 4 million units sold in 1972. Stars as diverse as Sylvie Vartan or F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi contribute to growing the popularity of the brand around the world. But like so many others, the French brand is permanently affected by the quartz crisis and faced with new Asian competition.
We will have to wait several decades to see Kelton return to the forefront, relaunched by the AsConseil group in 2016. The recipe for the “little French Swatch” remains the same, with colorful, reliable and cheap watches. Even the slogan stays (almost) the same: “You change, change your Kelton.”
Nostalgics are persuaded, as well as the younger generation, making Kelton a key figure in affordable watchmaking again.
Our opinion on Kelton
With its models available for less than 100 euros, Kelton is an excellent brand for those seeking a stylish accessory to wear on their wrist. These quartz models have nothing to envy other seemingly more trendy brands like Daniel Wellington or Nixon, for example.
It is particularly noteworthy that Kelton also offers in its collections beautiful automatic watches, animated by Miyota or Seagull movements. With prices generally ranging from 300 to 400 euros, the offer remains once again very interesting compared to the competition.
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The iconic watches of Kelton
The most iconic collection from Kelton is not necessarily the one you think of first. It’s not just a simple fashion watch, but a sporty-looking automatic watch: named 1955, it refers to the year the brand was founded and can rely on a new ambassador of choice in the person of Stanislas Huille, double champion of France in swimming.
Produced in 100 numbered copies, the 1955 40 ATM watch is a true 39.5 mm steel diver, driven by a Miyota 8215 movement. Designed and assembled in France, it embodies all the watchmaking expertise of Kelton.
In a completely different style, the Colorama and its XXL Grande Colorama version demonstrate that Kelton has not lost any of its originality since the 1970s. Aiming to offer a “playful” collection, the brand bet on a unique case, neither round nor square, with interchangeable straps bound to appeal to a wide audience. Priced between 89 and 119€, these models are among Kelton’s current best sellers.
Finally, how can we not mention the watch born from the collaboration between Kelton and Chapal, which brings together the expertise of two French brands, each iconic in their own right?
The 1972 chronograph also features a rounded square case and the watch is adorned with a very pretty box strap with vegetable tanning, handmade and hand patinated, equipped with a brass button clasp.
Where to buy Kelton watches?
Despite the opening of a pop-up store in Paris in December 2023, Kelton does not (yet?) have a store in its name but can rely on numerous sales points all over France. For online shopping enthusiasts, opportunities are not lacking either, the brand being listed on Ocarat, Bijourama, Les 3 Suisses, Amazon…
The best Kelton offers
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