A Tissot Antimagnetique Jumbo is best understood as a vintage Tissot Antimagnetique watch described by collectors as unusually large for its era—not as a confirmed formal Tissot model name. Tissot’s archive says the company developed its non-magnetic wristwatch in the 1930s by replacing steel in the movement’s regulating parts with materials it described as unaffected by magnetism. A 38.2 mm example discussed by Fratello illustrates the “Jumbo” label, but its dimensions, estimated date and movement identification apply to that watch alone.
What “Antimagnetique Jumbo” means
Antimagnetique (also rendered Antimagnétique) refers to Tissot’s historical approach to reducing the effect of magnetic fields on a mechanical watch. “Jumbo,” by contrast, is collector language for a watch that was large for its time. The cited collector article uses roughly 35.5–36 mm and above as a broad vintage convention, not a universal rule or an official Tissot specification. It does not establish “Jumbo” as a formal model name.
That distinction matters when searching for or assessing one: the wording on a dial may identify the Antimagnetique story, but it does not by itself prove a particular reference, production year, size, originality or present-day magnetic resistance.
How Tissot developed the Antimagnetique
Tissot’s archival pamphlet links interest in non-magnetic watches to the spread of electrical devices. It says magnetic fields could disrupt a watch or stop it, and that in the 1930s Tissot replaced steel in the movement’s regulating organs with materials the company described as unaffected by magnetism. Tissot calls the result the “world’s first non-magnetic wristwatch”; that is the brand’s historical priority claim, not an independently established conclusion. Tissot’s pressroom history likewise places the company’s work with the Swiss Laboratory for Watchmaking Research of Neuchâtel in the 1930s.
#1 Best Overall
- Tissot Chrono XL Quartz Khaki Dial Men's Watch T116.617.36.092.00
The pamphlet also describes a chrono-electromagnet ordered by Tissot technicians in 1938. The apparatus generated magnetic fields at variable intensity so the company could test watches. This detail shows that the story involved both changes to movement materials and deliberate resistance testing, rather than merely a name printed on a dial. The source describes the Swiss laboratory as an independent body.
Tissot’s official history places this work alongside a broader period interest in durability. It identifies the Camping (1938) and Aquasport (1939) as early water-resistant models and describes them as antimagnetic, shockproof and dust-tight, with stainless-steel cases and unbreakable glass. Those collection names provide historical context; they should not be conflated with the Antimagnetique.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 45.00 mm, Band Width: 22, Case Thickness: 11.02 mm
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case with black PVD coating, Arabic dial type, Date
- Leather strap, interchangeable quick release bracelet, standard buckle closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
What the “Jumbo” example measures
In a 2018 article, Fratello author Balazs Ferenczi describes his particular Antimagnetique as 38.2 mm across and less than 8 mm thick. He says its slim bezel makes it appear larger. These are measurements of that individual watch, not confirmed dimensions for every Tissot with Antimagnetique dial text. Fratello’s account of the example calls it a time-only, manual-wind watch with a 15-jewel movement.
The author identifies the movement cautiously as most likely a derivative of Tissot caliber 27. He estimates the watch at around 1949 because its serial number—about 2.2 million—appeared to align with a serial chart, while saying he could not date it more precisely. Treat both the caliber and date as estimates for his example, not definitive specifications for the Antimagnetique line.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Case Size: 40.00 millimeter; Band Width: 12 millimeter; Case Thickness: 10.40 millimeter
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, date
- Stainless steel bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 meter / 330 feet): Suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
How to assess a vintage example
No single dial marking or serial number settles whether a watch is authentic, original or correctly dated. Assess the components and supporting evidence together; the following are useful collector checks, not a formal grading standard.
- Case: Record diameter and thickness, then inspect the shape, finishing and signs of polishing. A large measurement may support a collector’s “Jumbo” description, but does not establish a model reference.
- Dial and hands: Examine condition and whether their style appears coherent with the watch’s other period clues. A well-preserved dial is not, by itself, proof that it has never been replaced.
- Logo: Compare the dial typography with period examples and catalogs. A Fratello reference article describes a long-T logo period from 1931 to 1959 and a typographic change in 1959, but logo resemblance is a clue rather than authentication. The logo and vintage-watch reference article also notes that the serial chart it reproduces has unknown original provenance.
- Movement: Have a watchmaker identify the caliber and assess condition and service evidence. Do not treat a probable caliber attribution from another individual watch as a specification for yours.
- Serial and date: Treat charts as leads, not proof. A chart of uncertain provenance cannot establish an exact production date on its own.
- Strap and buckle: Consider them separately from the watch. In Ferenczi’s example, they carried a later Tissot logo than the dial; he suggests they may reflect later service or replacement. That observation does not establish the history of another watch’s accessories.
Tissot has an archive, and the cited account says an extract can be requested, but it does not establish the current request process or terms. For a consequential purchase, seek a qualified vintage-watch specialist’s inspection and supporting documentation rather than relying on a dial inscription or seller’s date claim alone.
Rank #4
- Tissot T-Sport Chronograph Quartz Black Dial Men's Watch T116.617.36.052.02
Does an old Antimagnetique still resist magnetism?
The historical design intention does not prove a particular surviving watch’s current performance. The cited sources do not provide a modern resistance test for the 38.2 mm example or for every Antimagnetique. Age, condition and any later repairs mean an old watch’s present behavior cannot be inferred from the name on its dial; a qualified watchmaker can assess the individual watch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PROFESSIONAL DIVE PERFORMANCE – Water-resistant up to 600 m / 2,000 ft for demanding underwater use.
- POWERMATIC 80 MOVEMENT – Swiss automatic movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve.
- CERAMIC ROTATING BEZEL – Features a durable ceramic bezel ring with an anti-clockwise rotating bezel.
- SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL – Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflective coating for enhanced clarity.
- BUILT FOR ADVENTURE – Stainless steel case, screw-down crown, helium valve, and durable black rubber strap.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
