Tissot Reintroduces a 1960s Archive Icon

Tissot reintroduces the 1965 Stylist collection inside its Heritage line, showcasing the richness of its heritage.

In 1965, Tissot launched their iconic PR 516 watch, influenced by the racetrack, with a perforated bracelet resembling the steering wheels of that period. The watch, characterized by a performance-oriented design, was sporty, contemporary, and highly coveted, even adorning the wrists of film icons such as Roger Moore. By 1968, the PR 516 had transformed into a chronograph and has since been a staple in Tissot’s collection, including several variations throughout the years.

That year also signified the introduction of another timepiece worthy of the brand's legacy: the Tissot Stylist, a watch that had been mostly overlooked until now. During that period, the ethos of the 1960s embraced audacious and expressive design. Consider the Rolex King Midas or the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse.

The 1960s represented a decade of dichotomies. Amidst the prominence of activism, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and anxieties about communism, design flourished. A counterculture motivated by liberty, defiance, and youth was contesting established norms, particularly in fashion and design.

The timepieces manufactured during that period were unconventional, distinctively designed, bold, and entertaining, and it is unsurprising that they continue to exude an enduring allure, enticing contemporary collectors. We were thrilled when Tissot reintroduced the Stylist inside its Heritage collection, a series that revitalizes the brand's most classic timepieces.

A Concise Historical Overview

Although Tissot is currently perceived as an entry-level brand for younger consumers, the Heritage line underscores the maison’s enduring legacy in Swiss watchmaking, originating in 1853.

Tissot was initially established by the father-son team of Charles-Félicien and Charles-Émile Tissot as a comptoir, assembling timepieces from various regional component manufacturers. Historically, timepieces were constructed incrementally by many artisans and subsequently assembled by these workshops. Although its timepieces were marketed in Switzerland, it discovered a flourishing market in the Russian Empire and garnered multiple accolades for its inventions.

In the 1920s, when Russia became isolated from foreign trade, Tissot was had to adapt. It flourished progressively, establishing itself as a pivotal entity in Swiss watchmaking throughout that era. It pioneered numerous innovations, including the 1971 Tissot Astrolon, or IDEA 2001, recognized as the world's inaugural plastic mechanical watch, and the 1985 RockWatch, constructed from Alpine granite.

The Heritage line has been pivotal in honoring its rich history: Recently, the extended "Banana" watch from 1916 has been reintroduced, featuring large numerals and an Art Deco aesthetic. Chronographs from the 1960s and 1970s have been pivotal to this resurgence, harmonizing historical authenticity with contemporary significance.

The Stylist, Revitalized

This leads us to the Stylist, which was reissued in 2024. Initially introduced in 1965, it was designed for mass production—a fashionable and appealing watch aimed at a youthful demographic with its economical price point.

It is essential to emphasize that this occurred prior to the quartz catastrophe, during a period when the watch industry was still manufacturing mechanical timepieces that were challenging to industrialize for mass affordability. The Stylist is an outlier of its day, exemplifying Tissot’s aptitude for discerning market wants and undertaking audacious, innovative ventures. The phrase, “Innovators by Tradition,” is evidently not an exaggeration.

The watch was available in multiple colors and was distinguished by its ombré dials. It included a tonneau-shaped case and a manually wound mechanism. Despite scarce historical information, the Stylist seems to have been manufactured long into the 1970s. We assert that the quartz crisis likely compelled Tissot to reassess and refine its watch selections, resulting in the Stylist being one of the affected models during that era.

In 2024, the Swiss horologist reintroduced the timepiece inside its Heritage range. Priced at USD 370, it is now fitted with a quartz movement, maintaining a slim profile of 7mm and dimensions of 32 x 32mm. The cushion-shaped case embodies contemporary design, including a minimalist aesthetic, brushed finish, ombré dials, and prominent lugs.

It is presently accessible in two variants, each presenting distinct styles. The initial variant is a stainless steel model featuring a blue fume dial, which indicates that the hue intensifies towards the periphery. The dial has silver Arabic numbers, and when combined with a dark blue strap, it represents the more contemporary of the two alternatives.

The second features a retro aesthetic: a silver-grey dial adorned with golden baton numerals and hands, complemented by a camel strap. The combination of silver and gold evokes nostalgia and retro aesthetics, attracting both collectors and vintage aficionados.

The watches from 1965, previously characterized as young, can now be categorized as minimalist and somewhat more formal—ideal for a first interview or for a collector in pursuit of Tissot's historical significance.