Tissot, the Innovators by Tradition, as the brand slogan says is a Swiss watch brand that is a subsidiary of The Swatch Group since 1983. From its foundation in 1853, Tissot has now reached more than 150 countries.
History of Tissot Watches
Humble Beginnings
The father-and-son tandem Charles-Felicien Tissot and Charles-Emile Tissot founded the Charles-Felicien Tissot & Son in 1853. It started as a small assembly shop in Crêt-Vaillant, Le Locle, Switzerland.
Among its first crafts are gold pocket watches, and Tissot watches are primarily intended for export. Within their first year, the company has already reached and sold its items in the United States. Five years later, in 1858, Tissot has reached Russia.
Tissot’s expansion to Russia was made possible when the third generation from the Tissot family, Charles Tissot, went to Moscow in 1885. He was just supposed to manage a local branch there. Yet, later on, decided to settle down with a Russian woman and establish his own family there.
As a result of this personal connection and relationship with the locals, the Russians have form part of the majority of customers of Tissot watches. The watch brand became widely-known in Russia that it even reached the court of Tsar Alexander II.
Watch this video on the History of Tissot:
Setting Trends and Innovations
Charles Tissot facilitated the building of the company’s own factory in Chemin de Tourelles, Le Locle in 1907. Therein, they strived to meet the demands of their customers across the globe. Up to the present, the headquarters is still situated there.
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- 【Liftable platform】The liftable platform is designed for better alignment of the punch pin and the watch link pin hole, helping you to complete the adjustment of the strap more efficiently.
- 【Multifunction】We have combined the watch link remover and strap holder into one tool, you only need this one tool to remove and install the watch link pin.Screw-on watch straps are not applicable.
- 【9PCS replacement punch needles】There are two different lengths of replacement needles in the kit. For most of the straps, you can remove the watch link pin by just using the short punch needle pin. For some very wide straps, you can use the long needle to push the watch link pin out a little further for easy removal.
- 【3PCS punch pins of different diameter】Three different diameter punches for different strap pin diameters, compatible with a wider range of watch straps.
- 【Instruction manual】The instruction manual（in English） combines pictures and text to explain to you in detail the right way to use the tool, avoiding wrong operation to damage your watch, and helping you to solve watch problems at home.
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By 1910, the company has started producing wristwatches for women. These pieces primarily stood out because they are made of gold and platinum; some even come with diamonds. Next, Tissot offered wristwatches for men way before they became popular.
Continuing with the company’s developments, Tissot became a manufacturing company in 1917. It manufactured its own movements and so produced high-quality watches and offer them at an affordable price range.
Although the watch styles are pretty much common, Tissot stood out because of its technical innovations. As such, the brand produced the first non-magnetic wristwatch in 1930.
Wider and Bigger
Still in 1930, Tissot merged with Omega forming the first Swiss watchmaking association also known as the SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère).
In 1933, the Tissot Plan was launched. It is an action plan on marketing Tissot watches devised by Paul Tissot. The Tissot Plan, in general, provided for targeting specific markets and distributing the company’s catalogs to the retailers for free.
100 Years and Going
1953 marked the 100 years of Tissot in the watchmaking industry, and yet, it didn’t even come near to closing. Instead, it was revolutionized.
Backed up by the Single Calibre principle, the production of movements with and without complications such as a calendar has been simplified. Accordingly, Tissot was able to manufacture both manual and automatic watches.
Because of the brand’s fame, many high-ranking officials and executives from around the world have visited Tissot’s headquarters. In 1960, they were even privileged to host the prince and princess of Monaco.
Years later, Tissot then started including the teenagers in their target market. As such, the brand offered timepieces that are colorful, chic and uniquely stylish.
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- Complete Watch Band Repair Tool Kit: Includes a watch link remover, spring bar tool, hammer, watch band holder, 4 replacement punch pins, 4 replacement remover punches, 108 spring bars (8-25mm), 20 watch links, a cleaning cloth, and an instruction manual. Suitable for various watch brands such as Swatch, Longines, Tissot, Seiko, and more
- Remove & Replace Metal, Leather & Rubber Straps: The spring bar tool allow easy replacement of full-size straps. The kit includes a total of 108 spring bars (8-25mm), enabling prompt replacement of lost components and saving you the time of repurchasing
- Two Tools to Adjust Metal Bracelet Length: The link adjustment tool extends or shortens bracelets up to 30mm wide, with adjustable height to fit holes in bands of varying thickness. The hammer and anvil block combination offers wider compatibility for adjusting metal bracelets of various sizes on the market. Includes 20 spare watch link pins (16-24mm)
- Video & Illustrated Instructions: Comes with detailed illustrated instructions and video guides, helping beginners quickly master band repair techniques within minutes, saving you the cost and time of visiting a watchmaker
- Premium Quality & Stable Operation: Tools are crafted from durable 304 stainless steel, resistant to bending during pin removal. Tightly fitted components ensure the link remover remains solid and stable, preventing tool damage caused by angled use
Tissot and The Swatch Group
Though the watch company has survived for years, it was still affected by the Quartz Crisis along with other watch brands. In order to maintain a spot in the watchmaking industry, Nicolas Hayek recommended for Tissot to join and merge with the big and popular watchmaking group back then.
It was not until 1998 that Tissot finally resolved to join SMH (that was later became known as The Swatch Group). Another courageous step that the company took is reinventing itself by developing new iconic watches including the RockWatch, the WoodWatch, and the PearlWatch.
Modern Developments
Tissot kept on developing new concepts for its timepieces. Towards the end of 1990s, Tissot launched the T-Collection that features new models with more advanced features.
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By 1999, Tissot introduced the first tactile watch – the T-Touch. The company, later on, developed it to be solar-powered which is another first in the world and named it the T-Touch Expert Solar.
Tissot also actively involved its name in the sports arena – being an Official Timekeeper in various sports events.
This includes the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), MotoGP, Women’s National Basketball Association, Fencing World Championships, ice hockey, and cycling, among others.
Up to the present, Tissot is still onto innovating timepieces that are being sold across the world. In estimates, roughly 4 million Tissot watches are purchased from all over the globe each year.
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- 【Watch repair tool kit】- JOREST watch repair tool kit contains common tools required for repairing watches, suitable for adjusting and replacing watch straps, opening watch covers, replacing watch batteries, gaskets, etc., and has detailed operations Manual to help you solve watch problems at home and save expensive repair costs.
- 【Adjust the strap】- Metal watch band link remover, watch band holder, pin punches, double-headed hammer and spring bar tool with scale are used to replace various watch straps, adjust the length of the strap to fit your wrist.We are equipped with 15PCS spare needle to improve the service life of the tool, suitable for pin punch and metal watch band link remover.
- 【Suitable for different watch covers】- Watch back case opener is used for watch cases with grooves；watch case opening pry is used for the watch case with a pry opening；Screwdriver is used for watch case fixed by screws；tweezer is used to remove the battery.The use range of the watch back case opener is 15-60mm, and the drill bit spacing is set by rolling the adjusting wheel to fit the groove of your watch back.
- 【Five-in-one watch screwdriver】- Five types of screwdriver bits are suitable for many situations: watch battery fixing screws, watch case screws, watchband screws, and can also be used for glasses screws. The cover at the end of the screwdriver can be opened, and the inside is hollow for storing other screwdriver bits.
- 【The purpose of the watch case holder】 - The watch case holder can be used with other tools in the kit to help fix the watch and reduce the risk of sliding and scratching the watch. It is suitable for watches of various sizes, and can be used for watches with a diameter of up to 50mm.
Where Are Tissot Watches Made?
From its origins up to the present, Tissot has been keeping its headquarters in Le Locle, Switzerland. As such, all Tissot watches are fully Swiss-made. This means that the parts are sourced locally, the movement used is also Swiss, and the assembly and inspection are also being done in Switzerland.
With everything originating and done in the same country, the overall production cost is cheaper, which allows the brand to offer its timepieces at affordable prices.
How to Spot a Fake Tissot
Although it’s not as common to encounter a replica Tissot watch compared to other brands such as Rolex or G-Shock, there are still some watches claiming to be Tissot but their parts are from China or manufactured somewhere in the Asia Pacific.
In addition to the inscribed “Made in China”, you can easily spot a replica even when you hold it just one. Replicas instantly feel cheap and noticeably lighter compared to other genuine timepieces. If it is attached to a bracelet (and not a strap), you would hear a tiny rattle sound with every move.
If it’s a chronograph, then just by looking at the subdials, you can instantly confirm if it is a fake. If they are not moving and functioning as they should, then that’s a clear indicator.
Tissot Watch Reputation
With its long history and for being a genuine Swiss brand from the start, Tissot has gained and was able to keep a good reputation in the watchmaking industry. Its recent merger with the Swatch group has also propelled its marketing and released more cutting edge designs that have breathed new life into the brand.
Tissot is a long-established brand that is well-known for producing great quality watches.
The design and build of Tissot watches are exceptional and many watch enthusiasts consider Tissot as an “affordable luxury” brand.
Tissot has also been innovating the designs and functionalities of their timepieces, making sure to either keep up or maintain a step ahead of the current trend. Some of its innovations, such as the WoodWatch and the RockWatch, may seem off to some because of their outstanding originality, yet there are still those who found innovations like these more appealing.
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- UPGRADE COMPLETE 155 PCS WATCH REPAIR KIT suit for professional and general use, which can solution for most watch repair requirements
- MULTIFUNCTION DELUXE WATCH TOOLS SET has every tool you need, 3 point watch wrench case opener (extra large), watch band link remover tool, pin punch, hammer, pliers, spring bar removal tool, band holder, 5x screwdriver, tweezers, case pry
- INCLUDED XL WATCH WRENCH CASE OPENER up to 55MM, easy to open groove type oversize watches. This kit is perfect for common watch trouble, like opening watch back cover, watchband adjustment, changing watch batteries, watch band remover, watch resize, watch pins remover. You will never pay pricey watchmaker fees again
- THE METAL WATCHMAKING TOOLS are made of high quality solid 304 stainless steel, they are sturdy, portable, practical and very easy to use
- EXCELLENT WEARABILITY NYLON STORAGE BAG holds the whole watch repair set neatly, and this portable zipper case is easy to carry, you can transport it to fix your watch anywhere you want
Having said these, when it comes to quality, build and design, Tissot can be considered a high-end or premium brand.
Tissot watches are often matched up against other affordable Swiss brands, such as Hamilton and are often compared head to head with Movado. If you are watch shopping, you may also want to compare Tissot to Bulova. Although with any of the brand comparisons, it’s difficult to compare the broad product lines of each brand to that of another brand.
It would be more accurate to compare specific watches head to head such as the Hamilton Thin-o-Matic vs Tissot Visodate rather than comparing the two entire brands.
Tissot timepieces are overall reasonably priced considering the high quality.
Are Tissot Watches Good Quality?
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More than a hundred and fifty years and Tissot is still widely-known across the globe as a quality watchmaker. From its foundation, the company grew, expanded and improved. Combine that history with 35 years under the Swatch group and the brand is still gaining popularity.
Classic models such as the Tissot Visodate has been around since 1953 and continues to be a classic watch or the Tissot Le Locle which landed on our list of best dress watches under $500 with its 80-hour power reserve, called Powermatic 80.
If you are still not convinced, the brand’s partnership with celebrities and players, and sponsorships of various sports events should be valid indicators of how great Tissot is.
Among the famous wearers of Tissot watches are Angelina Jolie, Nelson Mandela, Grace Kelly, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine.
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- 【Difference with other products】 -- Compared with other products, we added the leather strap punch, you can punch to adjust the length of your leather strap; we lengthened the length of the pin punch, increased the grip handle of the double-headed hammer, more conducive to operation; shortened the pin of the pin punch pin, and use metal to protect the pin is not easy to bend and can be replaced.
- 【Two strap remover with use】--metal strap remover is more suitable for taking out the strap pin directly; watch bracket and double-headed hammer is convenient to insert the strap pin, two tools with use more convenient.
- 【Precautions】--When you use the metal strap remover and fail to eject the pin, please check whether the following situations occur: 1. The direction of the punching needle is inconsistent with the direction indicated by the arrow on the strap 2. The pin hole of the strap is not aligned The gap at the front end of the metal strap remover; please adjust the strap, otherwise it is easy to cause the punching needle to bend and damage your watch.
- 【Easy to use】 -- Turdy and durable, easy to carry, practical, easy to operate, you can solve the problem of the watch at home, save the expensive expenses, suitable for beginner families, can be used as a gift for friends and fathers.
- 【High quality professional set】-- A set of professional watch repair tools comes with a user manual（in English）, detailed pictures to explain the correct use for you, help beginners to use this tool to avoid wrong operation causing injury to your watch, correct operation helps to improve the service life of the tool.
Tissot Watch Warranty Policy
All Tissot watches are covered by a two-year international warranty from the date of purchase provided that the owner can present a fully accomplished warranty certificate stamped by an official Tissot dealer.
The international warranty covers the material and manufacturing defects. These will be repaired or replaced as necessary at no cost to the owner upon presenting a valid warranty certificate as previously described.
On the other hand, the international warranty does not cover the watch’s battery, normal wear and tear, and any damage to the watch that may be due to negligence or accident on the part of the watch’s owner.
Regardless, should you wish to have your watch serviced, regularly cleaned or repaired, you may visit any authorized Tissot Service Center anytime.
Should you want to learn more, read the details of Tissot watches international warranty here.
Where to Buy Tissot Watches
Tissot watches are available worldwide – from the United States to Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Tissot’s official website features a store locator to easily help you find local stores or service centers near you.
You will also find the brand’s new models and best sellers on their website. You can browse through a wide range of designs, features, and movements, and buy your chosen timepiece online. And, if you are wondering, you can also purchase authentic
Tissot watches through Amazon. There are over a thousand watches for you to choose from.
See Tissot watches on eBay here.
Closing Words
Over the years, the brand has proven its credibility in the watchmaking industry. Its partnerships and sponsorships with celebrities, athletes and official sports events are also testaments of how great their products are.
If you’re still worried that perhaps Tissot is just about durability and accuracy, and not minding the aesthetics, then worry not. You would also surely find a design that will come perfectly with your style.