Tissot History | Shocking Failures & Epic Success 1853
You see “1853” stamped on every Tissot dial, but have you ever wondered what really happened in the 170 years since? It is a story way bigger than just the popular PRX. Did you know that Tissot is actually older than Rolex and once shared a secret partnership with Omega? You might be asking yourself, “Wait, was my affordable Tissot once a luxury icon for Russian Czars?” The answer might surprise you. If you are tired of the boring textbooks and want the untold truth—from the Swiss mountains of Le Locle to the hidden innovations that saved the watch world—this guide is written just for you. Let’s look beyond the date.
Beginning: From Humble Roots to Global Icon
We all see “1853” on the dial, but did you know Tissot’s story is much wilder than just being an old Swiss brand? Founded by Charles-Félicien Tissot (the father, a watch case maker) and his son Charles-Émile Tissot (the son, a watchmaker). in Le Locle, Tissot wasn’t just making watches; they were crafting history.
Did you know that before the revolution, Tissot was the chosen brand of the Russian Czars? It’s true—from the funky 1916 “Banana” watch to the Art Deco “Porto” that inspired modern giants like Franck Müller, Tissot was a trendsetter long before the PRX. And here is the kicker: in 1930, they actually merged with Omega, cementing a powerful legacy that still stands under the Swatch Group today. If you are wondering how a brand goes from Russian royalty to being the “affordable luxury” king, you are in the right place. Let’s unravel the history they don’t tell you on the box.
Innovations: Tissot’s First Game-Change
Everyone knows Tissot started in 1853, but the real story is what happened next. Did you know that in 1929, Tissot and Omega actually joined forces to survive the Great Depression?
That’s right—your vintage Tissot might share the same mechanical “heart” as the famous Omega Moonwatch! From shipping timepieces to Russian Czars to creating the wild RockWatch in the 80s, Tissot has always been a bit rebellious. We are talking about a brand that used the same dial makers as the Rolex Daytona (Singer) but kept the price reachable for us normal people. If you are wondering how a company can be both a luxury legend and a “weird” innovator, you are in for a surprise. Let’s dive into the history they don’t teach you in school.
The “Secret” Omega Connection (1930)
Did you know Tissot and Omega merged in 1930 to form the SSIH group? This means many vintage Tissot watches share the same legendary Lemania movements found in the famous Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch.
Tissot Dials
In the 1960s, Tissot used Singer to manufacture their dials—the exact same company that made the dials for the million-dollar Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona. (Look for the Tissot Chronograph Ref. 808A!)
The Czar’s Chosen Watch
Long before the Swiss PRX craze, Tissot was the official supplier to the Russian Imperial Guard in 1858. The Tissot “Banana” watch was actually designed for a Russian courtier.
Pioneers of the “Firsts”
Tissot didn’t just follow trends; they invented them. They created the world’s first mass-produced pocket watch with two time zones (1853) and the first anti-magnetic watch (1930)—innovations we take for granted today.
The Real Story Behind the PRX
The modern Tissot PRX isn’t a new design; it’s a reissue of a 1978 classic that democratized the “integrated bracelet” look, offering an affordable alternative to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak during the quartz crisis.
Survival of the Weirdest
While other brands died during the Quartz Crisis, Tissot survived by getting creative. They experimented with wild materials like stone (the RockWatch), wood, and pearl, proving they were never afraid to break the rules.
Official Timekeeper of World Sports
The “Hidden” F1 Connection
Watch the Formula 1 movie Rush closely and you will spot Tissot logos on the cars. Tissot began sponsoring racing legends in 1974, long before many modern luxury brands entered the track.
The “Plastic” Watch that Saved the Industry
In 1971, Tissot released the Astrolon, the world’s first plastic mechanical watch. It was a radical experiment during the Quartz Crisis that actually laid the technological groundwork for the Swatch Group’s later success.
More Than Just a Logo
Tissot doesn’t just sponsor sports; they run the game. As the Official Timekeeper for the NBA and FIBA, they provide the actual shot clocks and timing systems used in professional games.
Born on the Racetrack (The PR 516)
The iconic Tissot PR 516 from the 1960s wasn’t just “sporty”—it featured a bracelet famously designed to look like a racing steering wheel, cementing Tissot’s authentic bond with motorsports.
Mastering Every Terrain
While other brands stick to tennis or golf, Tissot dominates timing in extreme environments, serving as the official authority for the Tour de France (cycling), MotoGP, and even the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships.
Collections Of Tissot
In 1983, Tissot joined the Swatch Group, the biggest watchmaker in the world. This move gave them access to better resources and technology while keeping their unique style alive.
T-Classic
The Tissot T-Classic collection is the perfect blend of tradition, style, and Swiss quality. While Tissot is known for accuracy, this specific collection best represents the brand’s rich heritage and commitment to excellence.
Among these timepieces, the Tissot PR 100 stands out as a top seller. True to its name—which stands for Precise and Robust—this watch is built to last. The latest models offer a fresh, modern look while keeping the reliable Swiss mechanics inside. If you are looking for a luxury watch that combines daily durability with classic design, the PR 100 is the ideal choice.
T-Sports
Inspired by Tissot’s partnerships with world-class athletes and major sporting events, the T-Sport collection offers everything you could want in a performance watch: precision, toughness, and style.
A standout model in this lineup is the Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph. Designed for those who love speed, th Centuryis watch features a look inspired by vintage car dashboards and is built with high-tech materials. With its bold stopwatch dials and tachymeter bezel, the V8 makes a powerful statement on the wrist. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking to combine sporty energy with a classic, reliable design.
T-Lady
The T-Lady collection is designed for the modern woman who values style and versatility. Whether for daily wear or special occasions, these watches reflect current fashion trends through beautiful colors and premium materials.
A standout piece in this lineup is the Tissot Le Locle Automatic Small Lady. Named after Tissot’s hometown in the Swiss mountains, this best-seller embodies the brand’s heritage. With its automatic movement, classic Roman numerals, and elegant signature, it offers a timeless look that is both chic and sophisticated.
Expansion in 21st Century
The “Smartwatch” Before Apple
A major breakthrough came in 1999 with the launch of the T-Touch. This watch was ahead of its time, featuring a touch screen that offered a compass, altimeter, and thermometer. It proved that Tissot wasn’t just about tradition—they were true innovators in modern technology.
From 1853 to NYC
Tissot isn’t just a European relic; it is a global juggernaut. With their first dedicated NYC Boutique opening in 2014 and presence in over 160 countries, they have successfully transitioned from a local Swiss workshop to a worldwide symbol of accessible luxury.
The “Squelette” Secret
Think Tissot is just mass-market quartz? Think again. The T-Complication Squelette is their “mic drop” to snobs—a fully skeletonized mechanical masterpiece that shows off 175+ years of watchmaking muscle, usually for a fraction of the price of high-end rivals.
A Watch for Every Wrist
Whether it is your first luxury watch or your fifth, Tissot’s range is unmatched. From the classy Le Locle Automatic (a tribute to their hometown) to the rugged solar tactical gear, they have mastered the art of making “Swiss Made” accessible to the masses.
Top Ambassadors of Tissot
Primož Roglič
Primož Roglič is a world champion with a truly unique story. Born in Yugoslavia, he started his athletic career as a successful ski jumper before switching to cycling in 2011.
His rise was incredibly fast. Within just a few years, he was dominating the world stage, winning major races like La Vuelta and becoming the number one road cyclist in the world in 2020. Roglič calls his partnership with Tissot a perfect match, saying, “Time measurement is an essential part of my life and my
Liu Yifei
Actor and singer Liu Yifei is a woman of incredible talent. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, she first captured hearts across China in TV hits like The Legend of Sword and Fairy.
Her skills quickly caught the eye of Hollywood, leading to roles alongside legends like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Nicolas Cage. She gained massive international fame starring as the title character in Disney’s 2020 live-action Mulan. With her global influence and grace, Tissot is proud to have Liu Yifei representing their brand.
Klay Thompson
In 2018, Tissot welcomed NBA star Klay Thompson to their family of ambassadors. His career is incredibly impressive: he is a three-time NBA Champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and a legend of the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson values the brand for its consistency and quality. As he explains, “Tissot is a brand that embodies both performance and reliability—two critical parts of the game on and off the court.”
Damian Lillard
Drafted by Portland in 2012, Damian Lillard wasted no time making an impact, winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2013. Since then, he has stayed loyal to the Trail Blazers, becoming a true legend of the team.
Known as a once-in-a-generation talent, Lillard brings his unique style to everything he does—including his choice of watches. He explains his partnership with the brand simply: “I like attractive, accessible watches that adapt to every style. That’s why I love Tissot.
Final Thoughts:
Far from it. As we have seen, this is a company that went from supplying Russian Czars in a small Le Locle workshop to revolutionizing the modern industry with the PRX. It is a rare story of resilience—a brand that survived wars and the Quartz Crisis by innovating when others folded. Whether this is your first “real” watch or the fifth gem in your collection, Tissot offers a slice of genuine horological history that most rivals charge triple for. You aren’t just buying affordable Swiss luxury; you are buying into a 175-year legacy of innovation, precision, and grit. Don’t just wear it because it looks good—wear it because you know the real story.
