How Tissot weaves history into their collections

Borna Bošnjak

In a world where heritage is often a deciding factor when it comes to credibility, Tissot’s long-standing existence is certainly a plus. The brand has never strayed from looking back at its catalogue and re-releasing a winner – the PRX is the only proof of that you’ll need – but the way Tissot intertwines their heritage throughout their current offering goes further than just retro reissues. To explain my point further, let’s look at three of their collections – PRX, Chemin des Tourelles and Le Locle.

A notable omission from this article are their models from the Heritage family, but it’s for good reason. Their designs are often lifted straight out of the back catalogue, (usually) scaled up and given one of ETA’s many Swatch-group exclusive movements. Still, the executions are nearly always top-notch, like the Telemeter 1938. Those applied numerals and well-finished dials cement Tissot’s spot as an excellent value proposition.

Chemin des Tourelles

Recently refreshed, the Chemin des Tourelles collection is available in three sizes. The 42mm continues the successful predecessor’s size, while two new variants in 39mm and 34mm increase the appeal for smaller wrists. Also new is the sleeker case design, with rounded edges and domed dials and crystals, which is a vast improvement on the slab-sided case of the model’s predecessor.

So, how does Tissot play into their history with the Chemin des Tourelles? Well, for starters, the name itself, literally translating to “path of turrets”, comes from the street that Tissot has been operating from 1907, their headquarters still residing at this address. With the re-vamp of the collection, Tissot plays into its mid-century design a lot more with the given refinements, especially when combined with one of the hobnail-equipped models, with the pattern following the gentle curve of the dial. The new CdT collection is available from the Time+Tide Shop, with prices starting from A$1,175.

PRX

The PRX needs no introduction, quickly becoming a watch that many enthusiasts dreamed of. It was affordable, desirable and actually obtainable, save for a few periods of sold-out models due to soaring popularity. With a myriad of colour, size and movement options, Tissot is showing no signs of slowing down with the PRX, and seemingly ever new release is a winner. The initial 40mm quartz models were followed up by the hugely successful Powermatic 80, before a selection of 35mm battery-powered options went close to the 1970s Seastars and PRXs.

Not long after, we also got the PRX Chronograph that was long-anticipated and teasted, sporting a modified Valjoux calibre. Though large and chunky, its appeal was undeniable, just as with its time-only siblings, considering the collection was perfectly on-trend with the integrated bracelet craze. It gave customers a big brand name at an affordable price, and with heritage to back it up – all in a package that was (and still is) in-demand. All up, it’s an absolute winner. Check the Time+Tide Shop for the full PRX collection, including the brand new icy blue colourway.

Le Locle

Originating from Le Locle, it’s predictable that Tissot would use their place of origin as the idea for a watch model. It’s also unsurprising that it’s one of the most classically styled watches in the brand’s offering, with Roman numerals, hobnail dial and a simple, polished case. Not only does this watch carry the Le Locle name, it was also one of the earliest models that championed the Powermatic 80 movement, introduced in 2011. Throughout its lifetime, it has gone through COSC-certified variants winning timing competitions, regulator and chronograph layouts, and various sizes – but always impressing from a value standpoint. You can check it out in the Time+Tide Shop, including a few new open heart variants.