Welcome to Buzzufy's MSR Collection—highlighting the legacy of Manufactures d’Horlogerie Suisses Réunies SA (MSR), a pivotal Swiss watchmaking consortium that significantly influenced mid-20th-century horology.
Established in 1961 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, MSR was a federation of esteemed watch manufacturers:
Revue Thommen (Waldenburg)
Vulcain (La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Buser Frères & Cie SA (Niederdorf)
Phénix Watch Co SA (Porrentruy)
In 1976, Marvin Watch Company joined the group. MSR aimed to streamline production by consolidating resources, with each member specializing in different aspects: Revue Thommen focused on movement components, Buser on assembly, Vulcain on marketing, and Phénix on movement assembly. At its zenith, MSR produced over 600,000 watches annually, making it one of the largest Swiss watchmaking federations of its time.
MSR was renowned for its technical advancements:
Exactomatic Movement: Introduced in 1967, this automatic movement featured steel ball bearings under the rotor and reinforced plates for enhanced durability. It became a cornerstone in Revue Thommen and Vulcain watches from 1969 onward.
High-Frequency Quartz Movement: In the early 1970s, MSR developed a quartz movement operating at 1.5 MHz, showcasing their commitment to innovation during the quartz revolution.
LED Digital Watches: MSR ventured into electronic timekeeping by producing LED digital watches in the 1970s, reflecting their adaptability to emerging technologies.
MSR's influence persists through its member brands:
Revue Thommen: Continues to produce timepieces, with vintage models featuring MSR movements being highly sought after by collectors.
Vulcain: Renowned for the "Cricket" alarm watch, Vulcain has been revitalized and continues to honor its heritage.
Marvin: After a period of dormancy, Marvin was relaunched in 2007, blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.
Vintage watches bearing MSR calibers, such as the GT81 (MSR X3) and GT82 (MSR X1), are esteemed for their quality and historical significance.
At Buzzufy, we offer a curated selection of timepieces featuring MSR movements, celebrating the consortium's commitment to excellence and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a horology enthusiast, our MSR collection provides a window into a transformative era of Swiss watchmaking.
