Why We Love It
Often times in the hobby of watch collecting, there can be a bit too much focus on what the hot watch of the moment might be - the piece that no one can get, or the watch that everyone wants to own purely so they can say they own it.
But in this frenzy of emphasis on what the next big windfall investment piece might be, there are literally tons of watches and brands which slip woefully under the radar. Tissot is among those brands.
This 'antimagnetique' Tissot, undoubtedly on the smaller size by todays standards, presents exceptional value relative to its full-sized counterparts. Its glossy tropical dial is as richly aged and patinated as any gilt Sub or vintage Speedy, with equally warm and aged luminous material. The case is well loved and worn, showing evidence of a real life having been worn and used, not merely relegated to the dark corner of a safety deposit box.
Sometimes a vintage watch doesn't need to shout from the rooftop of its coroneted pedigree or six figure exclusivity. Sometimes all a watch needs to be is understated, old, and beautiful.
Discerning collectors take note - this is just such a watch.
The Story
Whatever you think you know about Tissot, forget it.
The Tissot of today is one of the Swatch Group’s more accessible brands, but the Tissot of yesteryear produced watches of the highest caliber. Founded in 1853 and in nearly continuous production ever since, Tissot is one of the oldest surviving watch manufactures, sporting a back catalog replete with highly collectible wristwatches.
In the minds of many collectors, the golden age of Tissot was during the mid-20th century, shortly after the company merged with Omega and Lemania to form the partnership Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère, or SSIH. This partnership lasted until 1983, when SSIH and other watchmakers were brought together under the umbrella of the Swatch Group.
In 1930, Tissot became the first manufacturer to bring an antimagnetic wristwatch to market. This achievement was and is notable, especially for the time, mainly due to the increase in electronic appliances and therefore the increase in demand for a watch that could combat the growing magnetic fields in day-to-day life.
