Why This Watch Matters This Tissot chronograph from the 1940s is just oozing vintage charm. The Full Story As you may know, Tissot and Omega merged in 1930. After the economic crisis of 1929, Tissot was in trouble and, thus, found a reprieve in partnering with Omega. This relationship explains why this Tissot chronograph uses the famed caliber 321 chronograph movement often seen in Omega chronographs, including Pre-Moon Speedmasters from the 1950s and 60s. The 321 was actually developed all the way back in the 1940s, the period that this Tissot was produced, as a product of Lemania, another partner of Omega. We don't see all too many Tissots from this period. Actually, examples from this Omega/Tissot era of the brand's history are quite sought after by collectors today for not only their relative rarity but for their quality. The example we have here is in great condition and features, beyond that caliber 321 movement, a pulsometer scaled dial. This is that little detail really throwing this watch over the edge of cool and interesting. The dial also is two-tone with a silver track around the numbers. On the movement, we see a "HON" mark indicating that the watch was imported into the US for the original sale. We paired this Tissot chronograph with our Smooth Calfskin strap in taupe for a classic chronograph look that is suitable for any occasion. The Fine Print Maker: TissotModel: ChronographReference: 6216/174Year: 1940sCase No: 1730226Movement No: 264299Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 35nn diameter; 13mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Tissot, manually-wound, caliber 27.41Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Watch StrapLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Crisp and clean overall condition- Same movement as Omega Caliber 321- Pulsations track on dial- Two-tone dial Things To Know: - Light scratches on case- Light patina on dial This Tissot is in overall great and honest condition. The case is strong with light scratches and nice edges to the subtly twisted and faceted lugs. The case has some light nicks on the edges. The bezel edges have remained sharp. The engravings on the caseback are all strong and clearly visible. The dial has developed a patina with consistent light spotting throughout and a few tiny scratches and marks. There is a shadow on the dial from the hands coming from the center towards the 11 o'clock marker, collectors refer to this as radium burn. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to a dark color. The lume on the hands has also developed patina and is a bit greener than that of the dial. The lume in the hands has possibly been redone, they glow the same under UV and fall off at the same rate as the lume on the dial. The hands have developed patina. The crown is correctly unsigned. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Tissot. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
