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 steel oversized time-only model dates to the 1930s and offers an exceptional value relative to its contemporaries. Its glossy black Arabic dial is as richly aged and patinated as any gilt Sub or vintage Speedy, and features a subsidiary seconds register and a stunning steel 'feuille' handset. The snap-back 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.
But the best part is its nearly forgotten heritage, signified by the double-signed Omega Watch Co/Tissot branding on the dial.
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
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.
During the 1930s, 40s and 50s, Omega and Tissot produced a number of co-branded models for the South American market, offering brand recognition and a tremendous value proposition for collector's today!