Holmbrook Limited, a company based in Dublin, has found itself in legal battles brought by the brands Longines Watch Co., Rado Uhren and now Tissot AG for hijacking Russian (.ru) domain names that the watchmakers believe are rightfully theirs.

In earlier proceedings, the Moscow Commerical Court sided with Longines and Rado, prohibiting Holmrook from using the domain names and awarding the claimants modest monetary damages, but Tissot has not been as successful. On December 6, 2011, the court ruled against the company, stating that Holmrook was neither the owner of the tissot.ru domain name, nor its administrator. Apparently, Holmrook had given the name and well as administration rights to an individual named Nikolai Mikhailyukov free of charge. Mikhailyukov has been using the site to post information about the French painter, James Jacques Joseph Tissot.

Tissot AG claims that the site was not dedicated to the painter until after charges had already been filed.

Why Holmrook is targeting Swiss watchmakers is unclear; what the company even does is hard to pin down with a simple Google search. Holmrook Limited has no website, no Wikipedia page and no presence within social media. In fact, the bulk of its public activity seems to be defending itself in court against angry Swiss watchmakers.

Steve Levy, a writer for The Fair Winds Blog: DomainStrategy.com, has a theory. “It would seem Holmrook’s main function is investing in domain names (some may call it cybersquatting instead of investing), and I view the use of content relating to the artist James Tissot to be a clever ruse which was specifically intended to avoid enforcement. It would be like someone registering apple.ru and posting pictures of fruit but with the real intention of waiting for the famous computer/mobile device company to seek out the owner and offer them a huge sum to buy the domain.”

On his website, Levy makes the comment that these problems tend to abound in Russian web spaces, due to “lax copyright enforcement and a rampant counterfeiting industry.” His suggestion to businesses is to register any important trademarks in the .ru domain quickly, before cybersquatters do.

An appeal by Tissot was scheduled for Feb. 8, 2012 before the Russian Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals. And it’s a good bet that Omega, Union Glashütte, Breguet, Tourbillon, Calvin Klein and other Swatch Group companies are registering .ru domain names as quickly as possible.

Last year, Tissot held a Valentine’s Day contest to give away one of their Tissot Lady Heart watches. The Lady Hearts have a heart-shaped cage on the face, making them a literal luxury watch valentine. But this year, Tissot is taking a new and more independent approach to the traditional holiday of love.

For Valentine’s Day 2012, Tissot released a special edition of their famous touch watch collection: the Tissot T-Touch II Lady Diamonds. More than just a watch, the T-Touch Lady Diamonds is the perfect gift for the bold, adventurous woman. First introduced in 1999, Tissot’s T-touch technology adds versatility through touch-screen sport features perfects for climbers, divers, sailers and racers. The Lady Diamonds features a touch screen altimeter, barometric pressure meter, thermometer and compass. The diamonds are set into a white mother-of-pearl dial in trapezoids at the 2, 12 and 10 positions and partially at 4, 6 and 8. The combination of advanced functionality and classic design makes the T-Touch Lady Diamonds unique. The Swiss-made Tissot T-Touch II Lady Diamonds features:

The Tissot T-Touch Lady Diamonds is the perfect unique Valentine's Day gift.

• Anti-magnetic polished titanium case with rotating bezel
• Water resistant to 100 meters
• Tactile scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
• White mother-of-pearl dial with Top Wesselton inset diamonds
• Genuine white leather bracelet
• Electronic LCD movement (caliber E48.311)
• Dial size 42.7 mm wide and 43.4 mm long
• Quartz movement with battery end-of-life indicator
• Butterfly clasp and push-buttons
• Alarm function
• Accurate compass, thermometer, altimeter and barometric pressure gauge
• Tissot signature T-touch technology

Tissot’s Valentine’s tribute combines Swiss timekeeping precision, advanced sport features and sophisticated design. Tissot says, “Through this gift you will be helping her reach for the stars, making sure she is never caught off guard by the cold winter temperatures and even shielding her from the storms ahead. But more importantly, no matter how far or high she goes, she will always be able to find her way back to you. Your love and protection will only be a touch away thanks to the timepiece’s amazing functions.” Those wishing to test out Tissot’s revolutionary touch technology can check out their app on the Apple App Store: Tissot T-Touch Expert. The fun app is free and simulates some of the features of the Tissot T-Touch watches.

Tissot is a luxury Swiss watchmaker that was founded in 1853. The company produced the first mass-produced pocket watch in 1853. Other firsts for the brand include the first watches made out of plastic, stone, mother of pearl, and wood. Tissot is the official timekeeper of organizations such as the Chinese Basketball Association, the Australian Football League, and NASCAR.

Danica Patrick’s racing career began in 1992 as a 10 year old go-kart racer. At 16, Patrick moved to England and began racing in British national series events. On May 25 2005, after a return to the United States, Patrick became the fourth woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500. She also became the first woman to lead the race. In 2009, Patrick finished third at the Indianapolis 500, the highest finish ever for a woman at that race. She currently races within the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Danica Patrick is a Brand Ambassador for Tissot.

The partnership between Tissot and Patrick is a long one. In addition to Patrick being a brand ambassador, Tissot has also been a sponsor in her career, serving as the primary sponsor on Patrick’s No. 7 Car in the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series. The PRC 200 (Danica Patrick 2011) is the watch associated with Tissot and Patrick.

Tissot has a relationship with auto racing as well as having a reputation for being an innovative watchmaker. Because of this, it makes perfect sense in choosing Danica Patrick as one of it’s brand ambassadors. Patrick is an innovator in the field of auto racing, forging a new path in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men.

Tissot, a Swiss luxury watchmaker that is part of the Swatch group, has been selected to be the Official Watch Partner of the Jungfrau Railway’s Centenary, happening this year.

Jungfrau Railway in Switzerland

Jungfraubahn, the 5.8-mile mountain railway in Switzerland, was inaguarated on August 1, 1912, after 16 years of construction. This year, it will celebrate it’s 100th year in service, with Tissot as its official watch partner.

The reason for such a partnership is the significant need for timing and precision on this, Europe’s highest-altitude railway. Climbing to over 3,000 meters above sea level, the ability to keep track of precise engineering is key to the Jungfrau Railway’s functionality. The company decided Tissot will be the perfect partner, so two of the Swiss watchmaker’s clocks will count down in the Jungfrau Region to the zero hour on Aug. 1 2012 to mark the railway’s 100th birthday.

The partnership between the two companies is not unlikely; both are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Moreso, despite its cold temperatures and frequent snowstorms, the railway station is a common attraction for tourists. Referred to as the top of Europe, Junfraujoch is a tourist melting pot, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Tissot and the Jungfrau Railway share roots of location as well as in values, such as unparalleled innovation and success in challenging climates (both literal and figurative). Unfavorable geographical settings and weather conditions are difficult landscapes for any conglomerate to prosper, but each stayed committed to producing a product for people that kept them at the top of their class.

Tissot Watches

Some of Tissot’s innovations include introducing the first mass’produced pocket watch, as well as the first pocket watch with more than one time zone, in 1853. The manufacturer is also pioneer for the production of the first anti-magnetic watch in 1929. In terms of materials used in manufacturing, Tissot was the first to use plastic, stone, mother of pearl, and wood, all created throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The company’s partnership with the first railway to pioneer such high altitudes is certainly appropriate, as Tissot, too, has proven the ability to exceed expectations by reaching and surpassing people-pleasing limits.

Tissot's Blue Quadrato

If you are searching for a great, sporty watch, I might just be able to help you out.  Tissot has many luxury sport versions, but the other day I ran across this square dial model.  The Tissot Quadrato Men’s Watch T005.510.11.047.00 is the timepiece I’m speaking about.  First off it’s a Tissot, which means high quality, then there’s the styling, which is manly and handsome.  This Tissot Men’s watch offers a large square faced dial, which is presented in beautiful blue.  The numbering is bold and silver and the arms have been designed with a sharp sword look.  The Tissot Quadrato is a Swiss Quartz movement.  This watch has been crafted with a beautiful scratch resistant sapphire crystal and stainless-steel case.  The bezel and bracelet is also made from strong stainless-steel, which has been polished.  The Tissot Quadrato Men’s Watch T005.510.11.047.00 offers a multi-link band with fold over clasp.  This watch is water resistant to 330 feet and made in Switzerland.

After all that, you might think this watch is out of your price range, but that is the best part…the Tissot Quadrato Men’s Watch T005.510.11.047.00 retails for just around $200.  That’s a deal you can’t afford to pass up.

Tissot Offers Elegant Women's Watches

Today let’s look at some of the luxurious women’s watches by Tissot.  Yes, the official timekeeper to NASCAR makes some really beautiful ladies timepieces.  One of my absolute favorites is the T73314576 Fine Lady in 18 carat gold.  Tissot has always been dedicated to precision quality watchmaking, but in recent years they have added a lot more style to their designs, especially for us ladies.  This Tissot women’s watch is an exceptional example of that touch of elegance.  Its graceful lines are more in tune with a piece of fine jewelry. The Fine Lady watch comes with a delicate round dial, which is set in Mother-of-Pearl.  The dial is beautifully accented with luxurious diamonds and gold arms and hands.  The bracelet on the Fine Lady is a rope type link that has been doubled over.  The design has a very soft affect and adds to the feminine allure.  This is a dainty and small ladies watch by Tissot, who is famous for their big and bold men’s designs.  Yes, it’s delicate looking, but the Fine Lady watch is equipped with all of Tissot’s quality and precision watchmaking technology.  Don’t let these pretty looks fool you, this women’s watch has the Tissot name on it, and that means excellence.

Tissot Watches Love Their Heritage

Although Tissot watches have been a well-known watch brand for over 150 years, the company continues to break down old barriers, and enter new markets.  Partnering with high profile Ambassadors in some high-tech, fast-paced worlds have kept the Tissot name fresh in our minds, and on our wrists.  Tissot watches are created from a continued dedication to quality and innovation, and Tissot still remains one of the most affordable Swiss precision timepieces on the market…how do they do that?  Tissot’s Sovereign Men’s Watch from the Heritage Series is a great example of the character, elegance, and style that makes Tissot watches.  The T66.1.723.33 Heritage Sovereign is a real gentlemen’s timepiece.  It has clean, classic lines and a nostalgic appeal.  This is one of Tissot’s automatic mechanical watches, with a 2824-2 Tissot caliber movement.  The face is a white, with a silver/grey ribbon where the Roman numerals reside. The only other embellishment is the Tissot name, tastefully placed at the 12 o’clock setting.  The dial is covered with a glass made of hesalite, and the watch face is matched with a deep black leather strap.  What a handsome men’s watch!  If you prefer, the Heritage also comes in a rose gold finish, with brown leather strap.  If you can’t choose…get them both!

Tissot's Fabulous Garden Collection

Let’s talk about the softer side of Tissot watches.  Tissot’s women’s line is elegant and sophisticated, with all the quality and technology built right in, as well.  The Fabulous Garden collection is a perfect example of design and function.  This line of women’s watches come in five different versions…all are lovely.

My favorite comes in highly-polished stainless-steel.  The bracelet on this sweet women’s watch is grey steel with a floral embossing, and the face is in black Mother-of-pearl.  What a stunning combination!  The face of the Fabulous Garden is embellished with a silver framing and a floral cut-out.  The style and design of this watch is feminine and fun.  This comes in a ladies size and sparkles with diamonds on the face frame.

The Tissot Fabulous Garden also comes in all stainless-steel with white Mother-of- pearl, white leather bracelet, and pretty pink leather bracelet with white Mother-of pearl face.  All are genuine Swiss made movement and possess the qualities that have always made Tissot famous.  This company has been watchmaking since the 1800’s and has only become more innovative in their craft.  This lovely ladies line of watches demonstrates their ability to merge Tissot technology into a stylish and elegant Women’s timepiece.  Discover Tissot.

Tissot Ambassador, Margherita Granbassi

Innovators of technology, Tissot’s passion for creating precision timepieces has brought them into the worlds of high-speed racing, biking, hockey, and even fencing.  One of Tissot’s high profile Ambassadors is Fencing champion, Margherita Granbassi.  Granbassi is the first Italian Tissot sports Ambassadors, and winner of the 2006 Fencing championship.

In a sport steeped in tradition…precision, speed, and dexterity play key roles in one’s success.  Margherita has practiced these skills and put them to good use.  Tissot also recognizes the importance of keeping your opponent on his toes, by introducing surprisingly new and innovative technology.

Teaming up with Margherita to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the introduction of the ground-breaking touch technology, Tissot gives us the T-Touch Expert Stainless-steel.  This watch comes in a gentlemen’s size, made of highly polished stainless-steel.  It is paired with a white silicon bracelet, white face with black and red accents.  This striking timepiece is Quartz movement, water-resistant to 100m, and is equipped with a tactile sapphire crystal.

The expert is highly functional and the perfect watch for any fast-paced sport (indoor or out).  It is Margherita Granbassi’s pick, and it’s easy to see why.  The proportion of this watch is masculine, but the lines and contrasting color design, gives the Tissot Expert a feminine touch…with an edge.

When the app is opened, a high-quality graphic image of the Tissot T-Touch watch appears.  All the touch areas found on the watch are active on the graphic representation, giving iPhone users a watch in their pocket.  The iPhone’s integrated GPS technology facilitates the altimeter and compass found on the watch, while the chronograph and alarm functions operate in the same manner they do on the watch.  Dummy values are inserted for the thermometer and barometer functions.

In addition to these functions, the app also provides important information on the Tissot watch.  This information is provided in order to guide potential buyers in their purchasing decision.  The app not only provides information on the T-Touch, but on a wide variety of brand news and information. Going even one step further, the app also incorporates a store locator to show users their closest dealer.