WATCHES & STYLE

The Case For Classics

A Special Feature by Tissot
18 Dec 2017

History, heritage, and a utilitarian spirit – just some of the factors that determine a timeless classic

They’re called classics for a reason. A crisp, white oxford shirt. Levi’s jeans. A Burberry trench coat. Converse sneakers. While utilitarian in nature, these items also withstood the test of time because of thoughtful design and their ability to address the needs of the time when they were brought to life. As a result, they’ve made their way into the wardrobes of discerning gentlemen around the world – whether it was in the 20th or 21st century.

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Tissot manufacture, 1949 © Tissot Archive

However, the distinction of being a timeless classic is not enjoyed by everyone. And when it comes to timepieces, Tissot’s Heritage 1948 is one of the lucky few – so much so that the original watch is now a permanent part of the brand’s museum collection.

  • HERITAGE LIVES ON
  • A CLASSIC, RECOGNIZED

Heritage Lives On

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Tissot Heritage 1948 with leather strap

As its name suggests, the collection is inspired by a Tissot watch that dates back to 1948, particularly a model that was geared towards engineers, technicians, doctors, and sports men; individuals who needed a reliable instrument of precision.

 

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Tissot Heritage 1936

This range also follows the footsteps of the Tissot Heritage 1936, which is a reinterpretation of a piece that played a pivotal role in the shift in the preference of watch styles – from pocket watches to wristwatches.

After almost seven decades, Tissot still offers that utilitarian nature in the Heritage 1948, bringing with it enhancements like a beautiful automatic movement that is displayed with the see-through caseback.

Meanwhile, the classic look of the heritage timepiece anchors the new version’s aesthetics, as demonstrated by a lighter colored case that plays with satin and polished finishes, a useful date display between the indices 4 and 5, as well as a choice between sleek leather straps with a butterfly clasp or a trendy Milanese bracelet with a jewellery clasp. What’s more, the Heritage 1948 boasts Hesalite crystal, which, unlike sapphire crystal, does not break into tiny fragments on impact, as well as water resistance of up to a pressure of 3 bar (30m/100ft).

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Tissot Heritage 1948 with Milanese bracelet

But at the heart of the Tissot Heritage 1948, uniting past and present is of utmost importance, which is why features from the original remain. Standout features include two pushers, a subtle dial with a stunning vintage minute track and silver stud indices, the distinctly shaped lugs, as well as 3 discreet counters.

  • HERITAGE LIVES ON
  • A CLASSIC, RECOGNIZED

A Classic, Recognized

All these considerations have definitely paid off because in addition to being a beautiful timepiece that will surely look good on any wrist, the Tissot 1948 Heritage was recently awarded the "Public Prize" at the Watch of the Year 2017 awards, earning a staggering 12,000 votes from both readers and watch lovers.

For more information on the Tissot Heritage 1948, click here