This review covers the silver-dial Tissot Telemeter 1938, reference T142.462.16.032.00. It is a 42 mm automatic chronograph with a telemeter scale, tachymeter scale and a published power reserve of up to 68 hours. Tissot also sells a black-dial version, reference T142.462.16.052.00; specifications and prices below are tied to the stated reference and market.
What is the Tissot Telemeter 1938?
The Telemeter 1938 is a modern mechanical chronograph whose design draws on Tissot’s account of its sports-timekeeping history. In a July 2022 launch story, Tissot said the brand’s chronograph history at a ski race began when Vital Thiébaud started a Tissot chronograph during a race in Villars-sur-Ollon 84 years earlier. That is the brand’s account of the inspiration, rather than independent archival verification. Tissot’s launch copy describes the watch as having a “beautiful vintage-inspired dial design.” Tissot Pressroom, “Tissot Telemeter 1938”
What do the telemeter and tachymeter scales do?
The two scales support different kinds of measurement. The telemeter estimates distance from the delay between seeing an event and hearing its sound: for example, start the chronograph when lightning is seen and stop it when thunder is heard. The tachymeter is used to time speed over a known distance. These are the functions Tissot describes for the scales; they do not make the watch a substitute for dedicated measurement equipment.
How does the silver model fit on paper?
Tissot specifies a 42 mm 316L stainless-steel case, 13.85 mm thickness, 22 mm lug width and 102 g weight for reference T142.462.16.032.00. Those figures describe a substantial chronograph rather than a compact dress watch. They cannot establish how it will feel on a particular wrist; case shape, strap adjustment and personal fit all matter, and no independent wear test is available here.
#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
Dial, crystal and caseback
The silver-white dial has Arabic numerals. The crystal is sapphire with antireflective coating on both sides, and the caseback is see-through. These are manufacturer specifications, not proof of real-world legibility under every lighting condition or an assessment of finishing in person.
Strap compatibility
The stated lug width is 22 mm. Tissot lists compatible straps for the silver model, including strap reference T600048180. A generic strap with a nominal 22 mm width is not automatically compatible: confirm its attachment system and fit before buying. See the official silver-model listing and strap options.
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
Movement, chronograph and water resistance
Tissot identifies the movement as the automatic Valjoux A05.231 and specifies a Nivachron balance spring. The chronograph has a central 60-second hand and counters for 30 minutes and 60 seconds. Tissot lists a power reserve of up to 68 hours. These manufacturer figures do not establish an independently measured accuracy result or long-term reliability.
The published water-resistance rating is 3 bar (30 m). Treat it as a rating, not a guarantee that the watch is suitable for a particular water activity; consult Tissot’s guidance for the intended use.
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- Case Size: 42.00 mm, Band Width: 22 mm, Case Thickness: 8.05 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case with yellow gold PVD coating, Index 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
Silver or black: which reference is this review about?
| Detail | Silver dial | Black dial |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | T142.462.16.032.00 | T142.462.16.052.00 |
| Dial | White/silver with Arabic numerals (Tissot) | Black (Tissot) |
| Headline case and movement specifications | 42 mm steel case; automatic Valjoux A05.231 (Tissot) | Same headline case and movement specifications as the silver model (Tissot) |
| Listing price in source market | CHF 1,965 in Switzerland, on Tissot’s listing accessed 2026-10-08 | $2,400 in the United States, on Tissot’s listing accessed 2026-10-08 |
The listed prices refer to different countries and currencies, so they are not a direct price comparison. Prices and availability can change; check the official page for the market where you plan to buy. The black reference is listed on Tissot’s US product page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Tissot Telemeter 1938 worth buying?
It is a plausible choice if you want an automatic chronograph with period-inspired styling and scales that have defined timing uses. Before deciding, weigh the 42 mm case and 13.85 mm thickness against your wrist and preferences, and consider whether you will use the chronograph functions. Tissot specifies a two-year international warranty for the silver reference. The available manufacturer information does not establish wrist comfort, measured timekeeping accuracy, service costs, long-term reliability or comparative value against other watches, so those points should not be treated as proven advantages.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Case Size: 38.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 11.18 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index 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
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.
