The Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph – Affordable Mechanical Goodness Returns

Every year at Baselworld, we take a look at Tissot. It’s a fun brand to visit and there are always a few gems mixed in with the mainstream volume pieces. The brand has a seriously rich heritage and while they tap into that to some degree, we’re usually left a touch wanting – especially in the chronograph direction. Well, in 2017, Tissot has entered with something that should please enthusiasts. Let’s take a brief look at the compelling Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph.

Tissot Embraces Its Heritage

Way back in 2015, we took a look at a vintage 1281 chronograph and spoke about how much we loved the brand’s heritage, the look and the back catalog. The new Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph takes a real step in the direction of the vintage piece we previously reviewed.

The Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph Checks In…

What is the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph? Quite simply, it’s a 39.5mm stainless chronograph available on a mesh bracelet or leather strap. It contains three sub registers, a quick set date at 4:30, and an automatic ETA 2894-2. It can be handwound, has some lovely flat pushers and a display back. The kicker – and this is what did it for me – the watch comes correct with a domed acrylic crystal. Yes, that’s right, the brand that has been a bit hesitant to jump into its history has issued a timepiece that really takes a major step forward – or backwards. Needless to say, I think this bodes well for the marque that has served as the les expensive sibling to Omega.

A look at the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph shows a watch with a 20mm lug width framed by nicely twisted lugs. The case is polished, simple, yet very attractive. Flipping it over, you’re met with all kinds of engraving on the back explaining the particulars of the watch while providing a nice view of the decorated movement.

A Dressy 1940’s Chronograph

Dial wise, the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph only comes in white, but it features applied dot markers, a Roman numeral “XII” and sunken, concentric circle sub registers. Hands are faithful reproductions of those found in 1940’s chronographs. All in all, it’s an attractive and legible dial that falls on the dressier side due to its lack of tachymeter scale. The date window is something I would have likely foregone, but it’s relatively unnoticeable here and doesn’t truly detract other than making the watch look a little more modern than it should.

An Acrylic Crystal

I mentioned the crystal on the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph because it’s this feature that adds a lot of “warmth” to the look of the watch when seen in person. I saw it and then gave it a light flick just to confirm my suspicions. Like I said, it was a pleasant surprise. On the wrist, it’s a great piece, perfectly sized (well done for not creating some 42-44mm behemoth) and should satisfy buyers looking for a modern interpretation of a classic vintage chronograph.

Seriously Affordable

Here’s the part when I talk about cost and it’s normally when people shake their head and turn away. Well, fear not because the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph is seriously affordable. When the chronograph arrives later this year (likely November), it will cost 1400 Euros on leather and just 50 Euros more for the mesh bracelet. To me, this represents serious value for a well-made watch and one that should scratch the itch of a regular watch buyer as well as an aspiring vintage collector. Well done Tissot – we’re excited to see what’s in store for the future!