Hi guys,

I've recently got this tiniest Tissot ladies watch in the photos below. Here is what I know about the watch so far:

- According to the serial number, the watch was manufactured in c. 1955. The way the Tissot sign on the deal written confirms that the watch is from 1950s, too.
- The case, the dial and the mechanical movement are all in excellent condition, 20 micron gold plated case hasn't been polished and the watch as whole keeps excellent time almost with no second loss over a day.
- the dial is as small as c.18mm, the case is 21mm excluding the crown.
- Though it looks a bit too below (under 6 o'clock) in the pics, Swiss Made is also perfectly written on the dial.
- some could-be reference watch pics are added far below.

What I don't know, want to know and wish to consult with you guys are as follows:

1. Despite searching all over the web with the inputs I've got (also note the no on caseback, 21000 1), I couldn't really id the watch. What model of Tissot would this be?
2. As a future reference to myself, "PLAQUE L 20 MICRONS" stands for "20 m. gold plated", doesn't it? "L" is however less clear than "Or". And how should I interpret the carat of the plating or does it really matter at all, given that it's probably a very very thin layer?
3. How much would be its market value at your whereabouts or trusted dealers?

Personally, I'd like to give this watch as a present to my old lady and don't plan to sell it. But I'm always interested to find out the story and "economic" worth of the watch beyond its emotional value, so please feel free to comment, speculate, correct or point me to any useful direction. Thanks to all contributors in advance!

My watch





Reference watches:


a model from 1960s: https://www.ebay.com/itm/COLLECTIBL...-LADIES-HAND-WINDING-WRISTWATCH-/124061950551Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network




The 15 jewel movement and dial of 1959 version: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHs-Tiss...al-Crown-15-Jewels-Wind-Up-Runs-/352846113376Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

See also;

- Double alpina: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1950-TISSOT-1953-LADIES-20MM-YFG-20M-Double-Alpina-445-15J-ORGNL-BOX-SERVICED-/264555141052?nma=true&si=T9AeI9EknHPWpXoestbj0rBevGQ%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
- A non-functioning 1960s model: https://www.ebay.com/itm/COLLECTIBL...1?pageci=f5344542-47de-42ec-94b7-db0a98195ad2Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

An additional question:

4. Not sure if the crown is the original or what an original crown of this model would look like.

 

1) ladies watches weren't often parts of named collections/lines. Unless you find a catalog cut describing the watch, it's unlikely you'll even find out the model name, if it even ever had one.

2) my French is a bit too rusty for that, but you're probably on the right track

3) I've seen similar ones go between $20-$200 on eBay, depending on who see the auction and falls in love. More often than not, they're on the low end and have been relisted 2-3 times before they sell. Not a strong market at all.

4) I don't know if Tissot was doing signed crowns that early. I have a ladies Seastar from the 70s about that size that does have a signed crown (crossed T).

I think yours is in lovely condition, and depending on your mom's style and taste, a wrap around strap (Hermes style) might give it a bit more modern flair.

 

It's a manual winder: no reason to expect the crown to have worn out on a barely used watch.

 

@connieseamaster and @Michael156 , thank you for your contributions! So I feel more convinced to tell mom to use the watch freely on daily basis with some care she's a bit too cautious when it comes to vintage watches but I don't think this watch is one to be "preserved" rather than used daily.

 

Pretty much. I wouldn't trust it around water at all (take it off when she's expecting her hands to get wet), but other than that it's a lovely watch to wear day to day.

 

For sure! She's usually out for work but I think it's for the sake of common sense to not wear a vintage beaut whilst doing housework, even though it's marked "waterproof"