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Inexperienced new member looking for advice on this TISSOT

  1. Diana34 Feb 14, 2019

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    Hi, I m just new to this forum and on the hunt for my very first vintage watch. I m not experienced at all and would be really thankful for your opinions on this Tissot. I discovered it in a local antique store. Seller told me it would date around 1940’s and was just serviced.
    Now I m curious if this could be a nice first watch for me?

    E3F69797-AD8D-4DB6-8820-D024C935C8E6.jpeg 09F62823-D71D-42F5-8928-63076EEB4FA7.jpeg 9B049095-4411-4550-9E5E-C34DD4449503.jpeg
     
  2. Alphasports Feb 14, 2019

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    Beautiful watch looks to be maybe 32-34mm? Looks authentic and unpolished. Is there any service history with it? Does it run? Should you risk letting it run if it hasn't been serviced in decades? A lot of important questions but if the price is right it could be a nice find (tho' I know nothing about that vintage of Tissot).
     
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  3. X350 XJR Vintage Omega Aficionado Feb 14, 2019

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    "Seller told me it would date around 1940’s and was just serviced."
     
  4. Diana34 Feb 14, 2019

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    Thank you very much for this helpful information!
     
  5. Dan S Feb 14, 2019

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    It's attractive, and Tissot certainly made good watches, so it could be a reasonable entry-level piece for you. One consideration is the case material. It's hard to tell from the photos, but you will want to know whether the case is solid stainless steel, or chrome-plated. I seem to be seeing some damage on the backs of the lugs suggesting that it is chrome-plated, but I don't want to jump to conclusions since the photos are a bit blurry, and I could just be looking at dirt. Stainless steel is obviously more robust and desirable (and valuable). Chrome (or gold) plating can be damaged over time, exposing the underlying base metal, which is not attractive. A plated watch can be ok if the plating is still in good condition and you expect to treat the watch carefully. But you should at least be aware of what you are buying, and the price should reflect the case material. If we could see a photo of the inside of the case-back, there would be writing that would make it clear.
     
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  6. Vitezi Feb 14, 2019

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    It looks good to me! The hands and dial and maybe even the crown are all original. Probably manufactured in the early 1940s, maybe even the late 1930s. I'd guess the diameter is about 31mm (not including the winding crown) and is probably chrome plated because of the snap-back case, but as @Dan S notes, we can't tell for sure until you obtain pictures of the insides, both of the mechanical movement and the inside caseback. On a slim wrist a 31mm watch will look great. :thumbsup:

    If you decide to buy it and wear it, your first stop should be at a watchmaker in your area that services vintage watches. All vintage watches need to have the inside mechanism serviced (cleaned, oiled and timed) before wearing on a regular basis. Servicing your watch is an extra cost that you need to be aware of before buying any vintage watch.

    If you're interested, you can see some other vintage Tissot in these threads:
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/do-you-like-tissot-many-pics.58233/
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-tissot.63179/
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-tissot-with-bumper-movement.76693/
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/tissot-sector-dial-from-the-1930s-thoughts.71220/
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/tissot-marine-standard.89240/
     
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  7. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Feb 14, 2019

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    Price ?
     
  8. Diana34 Feb 15, 2019

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    He is asking 200.- for it
     
  9. Diana34 Feb 15, 2019

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    Thank you so much for all your very helpful input! Really great to have this support for me as a newbie! I have been able to make shots from the case and the movement. Case diameter is 30mm. 7ED697CE-253E-4D01-A5A9-892D95823564.jpeg 7C2CFB7B-7B58-4489-BF4E-FA21B2B8308B.jpeg
     
  10. S.H. Feb 15, 2019

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    Says "Fond Acier Inoxydable" = stainless steel back, so the case itself is chrome plated, prone to pitting/plating loss. Less interesting and durable than stainless steel.

    No antishock protection, barely dustproof by design = take care if you want to use it regularly.

    If you want to use regularly/collect vintage watches, the first step may be shopping around for a watchmaker/repair shop you can trust. Sometimes repair shops have a small selection of watches for sale, and stand behind them.
     
  11. Wryfox Feb 15, 2019

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    $200 for an attractive, clean 70yr old Tissot mechanical that has been recently serviced?...good deal, primarily because its a size few people want.

    But if they are blowing smoke (and sadly it is all to common to say it was serviced as long as it runs...who's to know, right?), no.

    The fact is you can't tell by looking at it.

    At that low price, you're probably going to have to take their word. Antique shops aren't typically the best place to find good watches.

    I agree with S.H. that a local watchmaker probably has these type and size for sale quite cheap, and will stand behind them. Non tradesman wants to sell a problem. They know it'll just come back to them.
     
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  12. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Feb 15, 2019

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    Unless you have proof* of a service from a known reputable service provider I would count on doing a service when you consider the purchase. If it ends up not needing a service, consider that a bonus.

    * - not just their word, but proof in the form of an invoice that is traceable to that watch.
     
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  13. Diana34 Feb 16, 2019

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    Again thank you so much - I pass this one due to chrome top and may be with the help of a forum member I will soon have my first nice vintage pice. Great support and I enjoy to be here!
     
  14. bardamu Feb 16, 2019

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    That’s a nice watch, original and just serviced.
    30mm is quite démodé as a size nowadays, but I found it delicious.
    200 is a fair price, I would definitely go for it.
     
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