====== 1978 ======

<WRAP year>
  *  [[Jean Lassale]] introduces their phenomenal [[ultra-thin]] mechanical watches.
  *  In May, [[Citizen]] creates the first watch with a movement measuring less than 1 mm thick. [[Seiko]] passes them in July with a 0.89 mm movement.
  *  The sister companies ETA SA and [[Adolph Schild SA]] merge to [[ETA]] and constitute the largest [[raw movement]] watch manufacturer in the world.
  *  The Zenith Radio Corporation as the owner of the watch manufacturer [[Zenith]] loses interest in mechanical movements and orders to stop the production and to destroy all movements, fournitures and machinery. The head of the [[chronograph]] studios, Charles Vermot, however, is opposed to this order and hides large quantities of movements, tools, machines, and all design and manufacturing drawings in the attic of the traditional [[manufacture]]. 
  *  [[Audemars Piguet]] introduces the world's thinnest automatic perpetual calendar watch, using [[AP 2120|Cal. 2120QP]] which measures just 3.95 mm in height.
  *  The [[Santos de Cartier]] is launched, a homage to the original [[Cartier Santos]] of [[1911]], regarded as "the world's first wristwatch."
  *  [[IWC]] introduces the [[Porsche Design]] compass watch, with a magnetic compass and [[ETA 2892]] automatic watch in one.
  *  Also [[Rolex]] relies, according to the zeitgeist, on [[quartz]] technology and brings out the [[Rolex Oysterquartz]].
  *  [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] and [[IWC]] sold to [[VDO Automotive]], forming the basis for today's [[Richemont Group]].
  *  [[Omega]] takes over the former [[Rayville]] ([[Blancpain]]/[[Moeris]]) factory in [[Villeret]].
  *  [[Breitling]] lays off all remaining workers and ceases production. The brand would be purchased and re-launched the following year.
<- [[1977]] | [[1979]] ->
</WRAP>


{{tag>Year}}