Legendary Figures of Watchmaking: Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec

Up until 2013, Nicolas Rieussec was known as the watchmaker to have developed the first ever chronograph. In 2013, Louis Moinet’s chronograph was found to be the first ever produced, however Rieussec still plays an important part in the creation of the chronograph.

Rieussec was born on July 20, 1781 in Paris, France right before the French Revolution. At a young age he opened his watchmaking store in Paris and his business was memorialized in a book that detailed all businesses located in Paris in 1810. He was one of 222 watchmakers located in Paris.

He soon became one of the seven watchmakers that served the King of France and was commissioned by the King to create a device that could time horse races which the King was a huge enthusiast for. Rieussec’s brother was an important figure in the French Equestrian circle which allowed Rieussec to create and test his device live for horse races. In 1821 he presented his invention to the French Academy of Science. Watchmaker Breguet was one of the watchmakers to examine the watch for the Academy. After the presentation, the Academy approved the watch as a chronograph and Rieussec sought a patent where he then commercialized the sales of his chronographs. Rieussec is known as being the first watchmaker to sell chronographs which definitely set the stage for future sales.

Rieussec had a son, but there is no record of his son continuing his fathers business. Rieussec later passed on June 18, 1866 in Paris. His impact on watchmaking will always be remembered for the influence he had on the history of chronograph.

Enjoy!