Vintage Tissot Seastar Seven UFO Swiss Watch, NOS, Ref. 42588-1, Automatic Cal. 781-2 1970s
Some watches are defined by their complications, others by their heritage - but every once in a while, a watch comes along that is defined purely by its shape. The Tissot Seastar Seven "UFO" is that watch.
What makes this particular example exceptional is its condition. This is a New Old Stock piece, and it shows. The gold-plated case retains its original finish, the fluted bezel is crisp and even, and it comes on its original Tissot strap - something almost never encountered on watches of this age. Reference 42588-1, measuring 40mm across the bezel and 35.5mm dial-side with a slim 9mm profile, it wears with a presence that belies its thickness.
Inside, the Caliber 781-2 — a manual-wind Swiss movement with 17 jewels and Incabloc shock protection — ticks reliably and quietly. This is a genuine NOS vintage Swiss made watch: unworn, original, and ready to be discovered by its first collector.
CASE
- Case size: 40mm x 35.5mm
- Thickness: 9mm
- Lug width: 18mm
- Gold-plated case
- Distinctive UFO-style case with fluted bezel
DIAL
- Silver-tone dial with clean, minimal layout
- Applied baton hour markers
- Matching gold-tone hands
MOVEMENT
- Tissot Caliber 781-2
- Automatic movement
- Swiss made
About Brand
What makes Tissot an important vintage watch brand?
Tissot was founded in 1853 in Le Locle and has long been recognized for producing reliable Swiss watches that combine innovation with accessibility. In the vintage watch market, Tissot is valued for its solid in-house movements, practical design, and strong presence in mid-20th-century watchmaking. Vintage Tissot watches offer collectors authentic Swiss quality with excellent historical context.
Why is Tissot significant in vintage watch history?
Tissot played an important role in industrialized Swiss watch production while maintaining high technical standards. The brand was closely associated with sports timing and tool watches, producing robust chronographs and everyday watches for professional use. Vintage Tissot chronographs and automatic models from the 1940s–1970s are widely respected for their engineering and reliability.
Are vintage Tissot watches suitable for everyday wear?
Yes. Many vintage Tissot watches were designed as durable, practical timepieces for daily use. Models powered by movements such as the Tissot caliber 27, 28, 784, or early automatic calibers are known for their robustness and ease of servicing. With proper maintenance, a vintage Tissot watch can be worn regularly while remaining a collectible vintage watch.
What should collectors look for when buying a vintage Tissot watch?
When buying a vintage watch from Tissot, collectors should focus on originality and condition. Key elements include:
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Original dial and hands with period-correct details
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Matching case reference and movement caliber
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Clean movement condition and intact serial numbers
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Evidence of professional servicing
Tissot watches are often valued for honest wear and originality rather than excessive restoration.
Which vintage Tissot models are most collectible?
Some of the most sought-after vintage Tissot watches include:
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Manual-wind and automatic dress watches from the 1950s–1960s
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Early Tissot chronographs
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Military-issued and tool watches
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Tissot Seastar models from the 1960s and 1970s
These models are appreciated for their functional design, reliable movements, and strong position in the vintage watch market.
Are vintage Tissot watches a good investment?
Tissot offers strong value in the vintage watch segment. While typically more accessible than some luxury brands, vintage Tissot watches benefit from consistent collector interest and historical credibility. Well-preserved examples, especially chronographs and early sports models, continue to gain recognition among vintage watch collectors.
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Informations sur l'entretien des montres
Toutes les montres de notre boutique sont en parfait état de marche et ont été révisées par un horloger certifié. Chaque montre est soumise à une inspection finale avant expédition afin de garantir sa qualité et sa fiabilité.
Expédition
Livraison standard : 7 à 21 jours ouvrables, selon la destination. Gratuite pour toutes les commandes.
Livraison express : 3 à 10 jours ouvrables, selon l'emplacement, au coût de 30 $.
Délai de traitement : 3 à 5 jours ouvrables pour toutes les commandes, quel que soit le mode d'expédition.
Tous les colis sont entièrement assurés et soigneusement emballés pour garantir leur livraison en toute sécurité. Pour connaître les délais de livraison spécifiques à votre pays, veuillez consulter cette page .
Garantie
Chaque montre achetée chez nous est garantie pour garantir sa qualité et ses performances. Cette garantie couvre le mouvement et les problèmes de fonctionnement, avec des conditions spécifiques selon le type de montre (1 an pour les montres mécaniques et automatiques, 6 mois pour les montres à quartz). Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter cette page .
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