The first prototypes, caliber Q 400, of the French syndicate 'Société d'Etudes pour la Montre Electronique' (Montrélec) reached the Basle Fair in 1974. The quartz crystal was developed by CEPE and research for the stepping motor was conducted by Claude Oudet of the company Socrem. A first series of a hundred pieces was marketed in June of the same year. Shortly thereafter the production came to a halt.