Telemeter 1938 Watch T1424621603200

The Watch

Since 1930, Tissot has grown closely aligned with Omega, ultimately forming the Swatch Group as we know it today. This partnership gave Tissot access to significant technical advantages, particularly in the field of chronometry. In 1938, the result was a magnificent single-pusher chronograph. With it, Tissot became the official timekeeper of several ski races in the Jura that same year. In 2022 - 84 years later - came the reissue of an iconic model, this time with two pushers: the Telemeter 1938 T142.462.16.032.00. The 316L stainless steel case trades its original 37 mm diameter for a more contemporary 42 mm, with a thickness of 13.85 mm - making room for the Tissot movement derived from the 7753. It is topped with a domed sapphire crystal, scratch-resistant for a sporting edge, with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The caseback is snap-fit and transparent, offering a window onto the rotor and balance wheel in motion. Pushers and crown are positioned classically on the right side of the case.

The Dial

Round in shape and predominantly light in tone - shifting between silver and white - the dial features a double-circle finish with a silver center showcasing the subtle brushed finish well known in the watchmaking world. Three "sword"-style hands radiate from the center of the watch in a highly legible blue - marking hours, minutes, and the running seconds of the chronograph. Two counters at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock indicate elapsed time up to 30 minutes after chronograph activation and small seconds respectively, all with matching blue hands. The watch features two calculation scales. The first, as the name suggests, is a telemeter - positioned along the white outer ring of the dial in a discreet yet readable blue. The telemeter measures distance based on a sound event - a classic use being storm distance: trigger the chronograph at a lightning flash and stop it at the thunderclap to read the distance in kilometers. The telemetric scale is based on the speed of sound (approximately 1 km every 3 seconds). The second scale is a tachymeter - printed in red in a spiral across the center of the dial, with a base of 1000 (expressing speed in km/h), it calculates the speed of a moving object between two points. Note the black Arabic numerals and a black minute railroad track. The brand's name, rendered in a vintage style, appears toward the center of the dial.

The Movement

The Tissot A05.231 automatic movement, developed by ETA on the basis of an ETA Valjoux 7753, powers the case and delivers all the functions mentioned: hours, minutes, small seconds, tachymeter, telemeter, and 30-minute counter. Running at 28,800 vph with a power reserve of 68 hours, it houses 29 jewels and features a Nivachron balance wheel and hairspring.

The Strap

Completing this highly refined model, you'll find a leather strap in brown with contrasting white stitching. With a 22 mm lug width, it fastens via a silver-toned butterfly deployant clasp.

Water Resistance

With water resistance of 30 meters - 3 atmospheres in watchmaking terms - this watch is no water baby. Its delicate movement's worst enemy is moisture, and our team strongly recommends keeping it well away from water. Rain or a bit of dishwashing? Fine. But skip the shower, the bath, the pool, and definitely the ocean floor - this one prefers staying dry.