Manufacturer: Tissot Year: Circa 1951 Movement No: 2'508'975 Case No: 18'977 Material: 14K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal.28.5-21, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed by maker, case further signed by case maker
Catalogue Essay
Given the high loss rate of its production process, enamel has always been used with extreme parsimony in watchmaking. This intrinsic rarity combined with its undeniably striking looks have rendered any enamel technique an extremely sought after trait to the collector. Cloisonné enameling, however, is considered the “king” among enameling techniques in virtue of the mastery required to create a cloisonné dial and the immediately recognizable naive aesthetics it imparts to the watch.
The present piece is testament to how such a technique was employed even by smaller brands during the mid-twentieth century for extremely exclusive dials.
Combining one of the most sought-after decorative techniques in watchmaking with a truly iconic design (the map of the Americas has been famously employed by Rolex and Patek Philippe as well, around the same time this watch was made), the present piece is an unmissable value proposition for the connoisseur of fine watchmaking.