An equation reset

So far we’ve seen the Visodate and the Petite seconde from the Tissot Heritage line and now, it’s time for the Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph Automatic. Apart from the second variation, there’s also a Limited Edition. That conveys more than just Tissot’s ties to the ‘70s motor-racing world!

Presenting the trio

A re-issue of a seventies-style chronograph in three different styles – one of them is a limited edition – in different dial and strap color combinations. The Tissot Heritage 1973 trio proudly flaunts their presence in the historic Tissot stable, symbolizing a partnership with the Kessel Classics. They are a racing team and a home to classic cars in TICINO. The Kessel Group headquarters also got a separate facility for historic cars.

Going back a bit

The 1973 Chronographs relate to the Tissot Navigator from early 1972, which was worn by Loris Kessel, Swiss Formula 1 driver. The 1973 Chronograph was released a year later and it solidified the ties between Tissot and racing even more. They sponsored Loris fully in the 1976 Formula 1 Grand Prix. The new releases mark the restart of their relation with Kessel Racing and Ronnie Kessel – Loris’ son – and the Limited Edition Heritage 1973 mark the very moment of the reunion. Limited to a total of 1,973 pieces in very vintage-styled cushion-shaped cases, it features extensive brushing and beveling throughout.

What do they got?

The true spirit of the ‘70s racing timepieces through this oval cushion shaped chronograph watches – all of them – and domed lines adding prominence to their overall dimensions. The sapphire crystals are cut and polished from solid sapphire glass cubes. The functions for the counters and the tachymeter scale along the dials’ edge are same; together they bring a Panda effect. The patent of the overstitched black calfskin straps are Tissot’s own, obtained in the ‘60s.Its large perforations are identical to the covers on the steering wheels of those times. It’s just one of the most readily noticeable features of these vintage-inspired chronographs. However, there are plenty contemporary touches offering the necessary updates both in and out.

Materials and movement

  • Satin-brushed 316L stainless steel for the cases, mounted with polished 316L stainless steel bezels that are typical of the ‘70s. Water-resistant up to 100 meters.
  • Domed sapphire crystal (front); mineral glass exhibition (case back).
  • Panda dial aesthetics and layouts.
  • Decorated (perlage and gold-colored Tissot rotor), ETA (Valjoux) 7753 automatic movement with 27 jewels; 28,800vph (4Hz), 48-hour power reserve.

Functions and layout

  • Central hours and minutes hands; chronograph seconds-counting hand.
  • Sub-dial seconds at 9; 12-hour chronograph time counter at 6; 30-minute chronograph counter at 3.
  • Date between 4 and 5. Flush pusher at 10 o’clock; date setting requires tool (stylus/push pin). Note: The flush pusher sits flush to integrate with the case. Also called recessed pushers, they are not very common and are most definitely found on complicated and expensive timepieces, to control and correct the adjustments of complications such as the date, day, month, leap year, moon phase etc; individually or as perpetual calendars.
  • The dial adds a third sub-dial at 3 o’clock and pushes the Navigator’s date window to 4:30. The black sub-dials on the silvery white dial maintain the panda aesthetic of the original and orange hands on the 12-hour and 30-minute sub-dials (at 6 and 3 o’clock).
  • Green Super-LumiNova inserts on regular time keeping hands and hour markers offers enhanced visibility in darkness.
  • Tested under replications of real-life conditions for their ability to resist impacts, high/low pressures, penetration by liquids, gas, dirt, sludge and dust.

 

BELOW ARE GIVEN LINKS TO THE Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph Automatic WATCHES AND TWO MORE FROM THE HERITAGE LINE-UP. CLICK TO SEE AND BUY THEM: