Baselworld 2010: Tissot
By Melvyn Teillol-Foo
NOVELTIES
Tissot PRS 516 Chrono Auto Valjoux
The Tissot PRS 516 is a nostalgic legend, with the original version showing on and off the racetrack in the 1960s. We all remember the adverts with the racing driver’s gloved wrist and the circle cut-outs on the steel bracelet. For 2010, the new Tissot PRS 516 Chrono Auto Valjoux pays tribute to the brand’s deep-rooted passion for motorsport.
The design incorporates high-tech silver or black dials to contrast with a choice of leather or stainless steel bracelets that integrate cutout circles like the original. The motor racing theme continues with the detail resembling tyre tread inside the case. The new Tissot PRS 516 series offers an automatic version, as well as five quartz models with 42 mm cases. Well at least one of them is mechanical.....
Tissot Visodate 1957 Automatic
The new Tissot Visodate 1957 Automatic is inspired by watches released in the 1950s when Tissot celebrated its centenary. Then, the integration of a date display into the automatic mechanism was a big deal, so the new watch presents this feature in a new way.
The domed sapphire crystal over a lightly curved dial is a nostalgic motif but with modern materials.The 40 mm case diameter and see-through caseback fit with modern fashion although the ETA 2836-2 movement ionly looks functional. There are four variations with combinations of stainless steel or black PVD case and black or silver. I show my favourite version.
Tissot Sailing-Touch Gent
The T-Touch technology is brought to the waves. Meteorological forecasting ability, a tide-calculator and a regatta countdown are amongst the extensive list of touch-activated functions.This includes a useful tool for ascertaining weather patterns, integrating a histogram to show conditions of the preceding six hours, plus the facility to measure relative pressure with the predicted trend being shown by the hands.
A tide calculator allows ocean sailing, with the hands showing the evolution of the tide at the port of destination. The regatta 10-minute countdown is another selectable function, using sonic beeps combined with the digital display. Finally, there is device to measure speed over distance, a compass, two alarms, two time zones, a perpetual calendar and a backlight function.
Guess what? Unlike the original T-Touch, the new Sailing-Touch is water resistant to 100m.
There is also a Tissot Sailing-Touch Lady in white with pastel blue bezel and white strap.
Conclusion:
Tissot may no longer be haute horlogerie but it is still an innovator for sporty practical watches.