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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Tissot Telemeter 1938 is a 42 mm automatic chronograph whose dial carries both a telemeter and a tachymeter scale. The black-dial model is reference T142.462.16.052.00; Tissot lists a 68-hour power reserve, 22 mm lug width and 3 bar water-resistance rating. Those details distinguish it from the separate, smaller Tissot Heritage 1938 collection.
What does the telemeter scale do?
A telemeter estimates the distance to an event that produces something you can see and hear, using the difference in arrival time. For example, start the chronograph when you see lightning and stop it when you hear thunder. The telemeter scale then indicates an approximate distance. Tissot describes this function on the Telemeter 1938 as measuring the distance between an event seen and heard afterward; it is a practical estimate, not a substitute for a dedicated measuring instrument. Tissot’s July 2022 launch story also explains the dial’s tachymeter scale, which is used to time speed over a known distance.
Telemeter versus tachymeter
- Telemeter: relates the delay between a visible event and its sound to distance.
- Tachymeter: relates elapsed time over a known distance to speed.
Both scales rely on operating the chronograph and reading the relevant scale. They answer different questions, so one does not replace the other.
What is the Tissot Telemeter 1938’s story?
Tissot traces the watch’s sports-timing inspiration to 1938, when Vital Thiébaud used a Tissot chronograph at an Alpine ski race in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. In the company’s July 2022 account, it says Thiébaud set the chronograph “whirring” at the race and calls the moment the beginning of a sports-timekeeping story. Its phrase “84 years ago” refers to the interval from 1938 to that 2022 launch story—not to the present.
#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
The Telemeter 1938 draws on that chronograph heritage through its timing functions and vintage-inspired presentation. The account is Tissot’s own history of the model’s inspiration; it is not an independent assessment of the watch’s performance.
Black-dial model: specifications
The main reference covered here is the black-dial T142.462.16.052.00. The figures below are specifications published by Tissot, not independent measurements.
| Specification | Tissot listing |
|---|---|
| Reference | T142.462.16.052.00 |
| Case | 42 mm diameter; 13.85 mm thick; 316L stainless steel |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Crystal and caseback | Sapphire crystal with double-sided antireflective coating; see-through caseback |
| Water resistance | 3 bar (30 m / 100 ft) |
| Movement | Swiss automatic chronograph; Tissot’s launch story identifies it as the Valjoux A05.231 with a Nivachron balance spring |
| Power reserve | Up to 68 hours |
| Dial | Black with Arabic numerals and chronograph counters; telemeter and tachymeter scales |
| Strap and clasp | Brown embossed cow-leather strap with synthetic backing; butterfly clasp with push-buttons |
| Official strap reference | T600048179 |
| Warranty | Two years on the US product listing |
Tissot’s US listing displayed the black-dial reference at $2,400 when checked on October 8, 2026. That is a market- and date-specific displayed price, not a guaranteed price in other regions or at a later date. Check the US product page for current price and availability.
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
How big is it, and what strap does it take?
The case measures 42 mm across and 13.85 mm thick, with a 22 mm lug width. The diameter alone does not determine how the watch will wear: thickness, case shape and strap fit also matter, so trying it on is the surest way to assess its proportions.
The black-dial version comes on a brown leather strap and has a listed 22 mm lug width. Tissot gives its strap reference as T600048179. A 22 mm measurement identifies the lug width, but does not by itself confirm that every third-party strap will fit the attachment; verify the connection and exact compatibility before ordering.
What does 3 bar water resistance mean for ownership?
Tissot rates the watch at 3 bar (30 m / 100 ft). This is the manufacturer’s stated rating, not a blanket assurance that the watch is suitable for swimming, diving or any particular water activity. Do not infer an activity recommendation from the depth equivalent alone; consult Tissot’s instructions or customer service for guidance on use and care.
Rank #3
- 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
Tissot’s customer-service index includes a Telemeter 1938 manual entry. The official customer-service index is the appropriate place to locate the manual and manufacturer support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the white-dial version differ?
The white-dial reference is T142.462.16.032.00. Tissot’s listing gives it the same 42 mm case diameter, 13.85 mm thickness, 22 mm lug width, 3 bar rating and up-to-68-hour reserve as the black-dial model. It is a separate reference with its own strap details; do not assume the black model’s brown strap or T600048179 reference applies to it. See the white-dial product page for that variant’s configuration.
Do not confuse either Telemeter 1938 reference with the Tissot Heritage 1938 COSC family. That is a separate 39 mm product family with different movement and specifications; its details do not describe this 42 mm chronograph.
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
Is the Tissot Telemeter 1938 worth buying?
It is most compelling for someone who specifically wants an automatic chronograph with vintage-inspired sports timing, a telemeter and tachymeter on the dial, and a mechanical movement with up to 68 hours of stated reserve. Its 42 mm case and 13.85 mm thickness are important fit considerations, while the 3 bar rating makes it a poor choice if your priority is a watch with a clearly established swimming or diving use recommendation.
The official US listing’s $2,400 price, checked October 8, 2026, gives a useful reference point only for that page and date. No independent accuracy or wear-test results are established here, so purchase decisions should rest on the published specification, wrist fit, preferred dial and strap configuration, and current local pricing.
Quick Recap
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.
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