At the intersection of precision and poetry lies Tessé Watches, a young horological atelier where Swiss-made elegance meets bold vision. Known for the Michel GMT, which established the brand’s reputation for refined design and robust craftsmanship, Tessé is now preparing to unveil its most ambitious creation yet: The Architect.
Launching on Kickstarter October 28, The Architect builds upon the Michel GMT case but pushes artistry to new heights with an intricate dial composed of 21 components, 13 lume blocks, and hand-polished half-circles, each meticulously assembled in Switzerland. Offered at just under $1,000 USD, not as a profit venture but as a showcase of Tessé’s capabilities, The Architect marks a new chapter in accessible haute horlogerie. With production already underway, Kickstarter serves as a platform to raise awareness and connect with new enthusiasts.
To learn more about the vision behind Tessé and this daring release, we sat down with founder Thomas Brissiaud to discuss inspiration, challenges, and the brand’s future.
1. The Road to Tessé
Can you tell us a bit about your personal background, and what inspired you to launch your own watch brand in such a competitive industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by the emotional side of watchmaking — how a watch can tell a story beyond just time. My grandfather was a huge inspiration; his watch was something he wore every day, a true companion through life. That idea of meaning, of connection, is what sparked Tessé. Before launching the brand, I spent years studying design and working closely with manufacturers to understand every detail of the process. It’s a competitive industry, yes, but I never set out to compete with big brands. Tessé was born to express something personal — a vision that combines design, storytelling, and honest craftsmanship.
2. From the Michel GMT to The Architect
How did your experience with the Michel GMT influence the development of The Architect, and what lessons carried over into this new creation?
The Michel GMT was my first real statement — it taught me patience, humility, and the importance of iteration. We rejected more than half the cases during prototyping to reach the level of quality I wanted. That experience really shaped how I approached The Architect. With the GMT, I learned how to balance aesthetics and function. With The Architect, I wanted to push boundaries — technically and visually — while keeping the essence of Tessé intact: simplicity, balance, and texture. Every lesson from the Michel carried into this piece, especially the commitment to not compromise.
3. The Art of Complexity
The Architect’s dial features 21 components, 13 lume blocks, and hand-polished half-circles. What inspired such a highly intricate design, and what challenges did it present during production?
The Architect’s dial was born from an idea of structure — almost like a building façade. I wanted to explore how depth, shadow, and geometry could interact within a clean composition. The 21 components of the dial aren’t there to show complexity for the sake of it — they serve a purpose: to create dimension and personality without clutter. The challenge was in precision. Each layer had to align perfectly, and even small tolerances could throw off the balance. We worked closely with the dial manufacturer to achieve this consistency — it took months of testing, but the result feels alive under light.
4. Swiss Craft, Global Vision
Why was it important for you to maintain full Swiss assembly, and how does Tessé balance traditional watchmaking with a modern, independent spirit?
Choosing full Swiss assembly was a decision made after multiple experimentation with different suppliers. Early on, I worked with manufacturers across several countries, but I found that the Swiss partners provided a consistency and attention to detail that matched the vision for Tessé. At the same time, I don’t see Tessé as a “traditional” Swiss brand. We embrace that heritage, but through a modern, independent lens — collaborating globally, sharing transparently, and designing with a sense of openness rather than prestige. It’s about authenticity, not luxury for its own sake.
5. Kickstarter, Not for Profit
You’ve emphasized that the Kickstarter launch is not about profit, but about awareness and community building. What do you hope collectors and new enthusiasts take away from this campaign?
The Architect’s production is already underway — just like we did with the Michel GMT. For me, the Kickstarter campaign isn’t about funding or profit; it’s about visibility. It’s a way to show as many people as possible what Tessé is capable of — the level of detail, finishing, and design quality that we’ve worked so hard to achieve. We genuinely believe that what we’re offering for just under $1,000 USD during the first day of the campaign represents outstanding value for a fully Swiss-made watch of this caliber. It’s also a way to stay connected with the community, to share the journey in real time, and to invite collectors to experience Tessé from the ground up.
6. The Future of Tessé
Beyond The Architect, how do you envision Tessé evolving — in terms of design philosophy, brand identity, and the kinds of collectors you want to reach?
Looking ahead, Tessé will continue to evolve carefully and deliberately. I have a lot of ideas — from introducing new complications to developing another, smaller-sized case in the future — but I want to take the time to do things correctly. Each release should feel thoughtful and intentional, not rushed. The goal is to keep refining what defines Tessé: balanced design, precise detailing, and a strong sense of identity that speaks to collectors who value authenticity and craft.
✨ The Architect will be available for pre-order on Kickstarter starting October 28. To follow the journey and discover Tessé’s vision, visit WatchDNA.com/tesse
