In 1951, the future of CONSUL became closely linked with another big Swiss watch industry brand, Girard-Perregaux, through the marriage of Charles-Edouard Virchaux to Madame Paulette Graef, owner of Girard-Perregaux.   The collaboration between these two companies became closer over the years, until it was made official in 1969, by the foundation of Girard-Perregaux Holding SA, of which Charles-Edouard Virchaux was to remain managing director. This holding company comprised Girard-Perregaux SA, CONSUL SA and their overseas subsidiaries.   That same year, Charles-Edouard Virchaux was very proud to introduce (under the Girard-Perregaux brand) a quartz movement oscillating at 32'768 Hertz, the frequency that was to become the standard for all quartz watches the world over. This standard frequency can be considered as a real technical revolution.   While the Swiss Watch Industry was being shaken by the revolution caused by the arrival of the quartz movement and many companies were being forced into liquidation, CONSUL stood at the forefront of technology.   In 1979, Charles-Edouard Virchaux took a well deserved retirement after almost 50 years of service with CONSUL SA, of which 37 were as its director.   The company was taken over by Desco of Zürich, who was to divest itself of Girard-Perregaux SA in 1985.   The effort to reinforce the individuality of the CONSUL brand was underlined by the creation of the CATAMARAN brand in 1983 and then by the transfer of its head office to Bienne in 1986.   After belonging to the Desco Group for 17 years, CONSUL was sold to a new owner, a watch-making enthusiast, whose aim is to continue to expand the company and its brands.   In 1998, CONSUL returned to Neuchâtel, close to its origins in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

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