1970s, plated, put a leather strap on it and it'll be as cool as a cool thing
A friend has recently inherited a watch. He is looking to get it tidied up and running smoothly.
Does anyone know anything about these? Age, gold/gold plated, movement, value etc.
Also, any suggestions on what style of strap the watch may have been on or what might suit it well?
1970s, plated, put a leather strap on it and it'll be as cool as a cool thing
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
Vintage Tissots can be dated by the movement serial number:
As it is an inheritance then money doesn't really come into it, however be aware that a full service will probably cost more than the watch is worth.
Age, 70s or maybe early 80s.
Gold plated, probably gold plated brass.
Movement: Don't know, other than obviously automatic. ;-) Would need to be opened to check.
Value: In working condition on a strap, probably £100-£150. [Update: See below]
As for original style of strap, it would most likely have been sold either on a leather strap or gold-plated expanding metal strap. Expanding metal straps were popular in the era of this watch and could have been supplied either by the manufacturer[1] or by the retailer.
A current strap suggestion would be a good quality, croc-pattern, either brown or dark burgundy, leather strap. Would look fantastic.
Footnote:-
1: I don't know offhand if Tissot were in the habit of supplying expanding metal straps at the time but it is feasible.
** Update **
I just looked at prices on eBay for similar watches and they've shot up since I last checked. Gold plated brass watches tend to be less valuable than stainless steel but, even so, a price of £100-£400 might be achievable. I suggest such a wide range because prices really do vary.
Last edited by markrlondon; 25th November 2021 at 18:05. Reason: Updated price estimate
In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.
^^^ I was wrong: They did do gold plated bracelets for this (or similar) models.
From the period adverts it would appear that a (black or v dark brown) Hirsch Rally strap would be appropriate.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283639107325
Thanks so much to all those who have commented. I have passed the information on and my friend is really pleased, particularly with the print ads, dating chart and strap suggestions!
For completeness, the watch did come on a gold plated expander bracelet which we suspected was added later, hence him removing it for the photos.
Last edited by Progressive; 25th November 2021 at 22:41. Reason: Update
Just opened mine and checked the serial number with the year dater linked above, mine falls into 1969.