The Tissot Heritage 1973 is a modern automatic racing chronograph with a 43 mm steel case, an ETA Valjoux 7753 movement, 100 m water resistance and a perforated leather strap. Tissot connects its design to the brand’s motor-racing history and limits the cited models to 1,973 pieces. This is a reference-specific guide, not a claim of personal wrist time: the .031.00 reviewed in 2019 and the .031.01 on Tissot’s U.S. listing are distinct versions.
What is the Tissot Heritage 1973?
Tissot describes the Heritage 1973 as a reissue of a seventies-style chronograph and ties it to the Kessel Classics racing team. The brand’s product copy says, “As innovators by tradition, Tissot celebrates its historic ties to motor-racing with a re-issue of a seventies style chronograph.” Tissot’s U.S. product listing frames the watch as part of that heritage; Hodinkee identifies the 1970s Tissot Navigator as the design blueprint, noting the tonneau-shaped case and panda-style registers.
That reference to the Navigator describes the design lineage, not a claim that the modern watch reproduces every historical component. Hodinkee contrasts its domed crystal with the plexiglass expected of watches from the earlier period.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 316L stainless steel; 43 mm diameter, 46.6 mm length and 14.8 mm thickness, according to Tissot’s U.S. listing |
| Movement | ETA Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph, according to Tissot |
| Power reserve | Up to 65 hours on Tissot’s current U.S. listing; 46 hours in WatchTime’s test/specification entry for reference T1244271603100 |
| Functions | 12-hour, 30-minute and central 60-second chronograph indications; date |
| Crystal and back | Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; see-through caseback |
| Water resistance | 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft), according to Tissot |
| Lug width | 22 mm, according to Tissot |
| Strap | Leather; Tissot describes perforations and over-stitching. Color depends on reference. |
| Edition | 1,973 pieces for the models described in the cited Tissot listings |
Specifications are drawn from Tissot’s U.S. listing and WatchTime’s test/specification entry. The power-reserve figures differ by source; they should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 39.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.10 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Arabic dial type, Date
- Leather strap/bracelet, interchangeable quick release bracelet,standard buckle closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bar (50 m / 165 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
How the size and design translate
A substantial chronograph
At 43 mm across and 14.8 mm thick, the Heritage 1973 has substantial dimensions for a chronograph. Tissot gives its case length as 46.6 mm and lug width as 22 mm. Those figures help set expectations, but they cannot determine fit on an individual wrist. Fratello also characterized the 43 mm reference .031.00 as large in its 2019 hands-on review.
Racing cues and strap
The silver-dial version described by Tissot pairs matte black counters with a domed sapphire crystal. Tissot says its calfskin strap has large perforations and over-stitching, drawing on a design the brand says it invented and patented in the 1960s. Fratello reports a 22 mm strap and a butterfly deployant clasp with safety buttons on the .031.00 it reviewed; check those details against the exact reference rather than assuming every variant has the same strap color or clasp.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 39.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.10 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Arabic dial type, Date
- Leather strap/bracelet, interchangeable quick release bracelet,standard buckle closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bar (50 m / 165 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Which limited-edition version is it?
The cited references and official regional listings include different dial colors. Tissot’s U.S. listing identifies reference T124.427.16.031.01, while Fratello’s 2019 review covers T124.427.16.031.00. Tissot’s regional pages also represent blue- and black-dial variants. The suffix matters: confirm the reference, dial, strap and clasp for the specific watch being considered rather than treating every Heritage 1973 listing as identical. The official listings describe the cited models as limited to 1,973 pieces, an allusion to the year in the model name.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Power reserve and price: keep the source and date attached
Tissot’s U.S. page lists up to 65 hours of power reserve for .031.01; WatchTime gives 46 hours in its test/specification entry for reference T1244271603100, published around 2021. The available figures conflict, and the sources do not establish why. For a particular watch, consult the relevant reference documentation rather than assuming one number applies to every listing.
Rank #3
- Case Size: 39.30 millimeter; Band Width: 19 millimeter; Case Thickness: 9.75 millimeter
- Swiss automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Roman dial type, date
- Leather bracelet, butterfly clasp closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 3 bar (30 m / 100 ft): Suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
Prices also belong to their specific reference, market and date. Fratello reported a launch-era price of €1,990 ($2,100) for .031.00 in its 2019 review. Tissot’s U.S. page displayed $2,575 for .031.01 when captured in 2026; that is a regional listing snapshot, not a guaranteed current price. Neither figure establishes current inventory or resale value.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case Size: 45.50 mm, Band Width: 22, Case Thickness: 12.82 mm
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp with safety, diver extension and push-buttons, interchangeable quick release bracelet closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Rank #4
- Case Size: 43.00 mm, Band Width: 22, Case Thickness: 14.80 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, Date
- Leather strap/bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons 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
Who should consider the Heritage 1973?
- It may suit you if: you want an automatic chronograph with an explicit Tissot racing connection, a vintage-inspired dial and a perforated leather strap.
- Check carefully if: you prefer a smaller or thinner watch, need a specific dial and strap combination, or are buying a replacement strap. Verify the exact reference and 22 mm compatibility, including clasp fit.
- Before buying: compare the suffix and regional product listing, confirm the watch’s condition and included parts with the seller, and verify any price or availability directly. The cited information does not establish stock or authenticate individual marketplace listings.
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.
