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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco tonneau dress watch

Tissot 9k Gold Art Deco Dress Watch

Partially verified

This vintage Tissot dress watch is housed in a tonneau-shaped 9k gold case reported by the source as made by British case manufacturer Dennison. Dated to circa 1932 or circa 1935 by the seller, the watch features an ecru sector dial displaying black Arabic numerals, blued steel leaf hands, and a rectangular subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed 'Tissot NON-MAGNETIC' and 'SWISS MADE'. According to the listing, the watch is powered by a manual-winding 15-jewel Tissot calibre 20 mechanical movement. The case measures 23.5 mm in width and 36 mm in lug height, with a 13 mm lug width, fitted to an adjustable leather strap.

Dial and case view of the Tissot tonneau dress watch worn on the wrist
Dial and case view of the Tissot tonneau dress watch worn on the wrist — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco tonneau dress watch
Maker / attribution
Tissot
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws3738
Source-reported date
c. 1932
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Dimensions

The watch features a tonneau-shaped yellow gold case with stepped lug profiles. According to the seller listing, the case was manufactured in 9k gold by British maker Dennison. Physical dimensions stated in the listing include a width of 23.5 mm, a lug height of 36 mm, and a lug width of 13 mm.

A fluted winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock, and the specification sheet lists an acrylic crystal. The watch is fitted with an adjustable black leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tonneau-shaped yellow gold case with stepped lug profiles.”
  • “9k gold tonneau-shaped case by Dennison”
  • “Lug width 13mm”

Dial and Hands

The dial displays a two-tone ecru sector layout marked with printed black Arabic numerals. Time is indicated by blued steel leaf hands, paired with a rectangular subsidiary seconds dial located above 6 o'clock.

The dial is signed 'Tissot NON-MAGNETIC' beneath the 12 o'clock position and 'SWISS MADE' along the lower perimeter below the subdial register.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-tone ecru sector dial printed with black Arabic numerals and a rectangular subsidiary seconds dial.”
  • “Blued steel leaf hands and fluted winding crown at 3 o'clock.”
  • “Dial signed 'Tissot NON-MAGNETIC' beneath 12 o'clock and 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom edge.”

Reported Movement and Dating Uncertainties

The internal movement is not depicted in the source photos and is described only through the seller's documentation. The listing reports a manual-winding, 15-jewel Tissot calibre 20 mechanical movement, while noting that the model reference and power reserve are unknown.

The seller documentation presents conflicting approximate dates for the watch, stating 'c.1932' in the title and specification table while citing 'c.1935' in the narrative description. Specific movement serial numbers or case hallmarks are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual-winding Tissot 20 calibre movement, a reliable 15-jewel mechanical heart”
  • “Date of Issue c.1932”
  • “Stunning Sector Dial, c.1935”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks, date letters, and sponsor marks are stamped on the interior case back to verify the British assay office and production year?
  • What movement serial number is stamped on the Tissot calibre 20 movement to resolve the source's conflicting dates of c.1932 and c.1935?
  • Does the interior case back bear Dennison reference numbers indicating the specific case model used for this Tissot caliber?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tissot 9k Gold Art Deco Dress Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MakerDennison“9k gold tonneau-shaped case by Dennison”
Case Material9k Gold“Case 9k Gold”
CalibreTissot 20“manual-winding Tissot 20 calibre movement”
Jewel Count15“Jewels 15”
Case Width23.5mm“Width 23.5mm”
Lug Height36mm“Lug Height 36mm”
SKUvws3738“SKU: vws3738”
Lug Width13mm“Lug width 13mm”
Crystal MaterialAcrylic“Crystal Acrylic”
Movement WindingManual“Winding Manual”

Visible details

  • Tonneau-shaped yellow gold case with stepped lug profiles.
  • Two-tone ecru sector dial printed with black Arabic numerals and a rectangular subsidiary seconds dial.
  • Blued steel leaf hands and fluted winding crown at 3 o'clock.
  • Dial signed 'Tissot NON-MAGNETIC' beneath 12 o'clock and 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom edge.
  • Fitted with a black embossed leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • The source cites two conflicting approximate dates: 'c.1932' in the title and table, and 'c.1935' in the narrative description.
  • Movement calibre 20, jewel count, and Dennison case markings are source-reported and not directly visible in the image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Tissot - 9k Gold Art Deco Dress Watch - Dennison Case - c.1932 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ffde76c2c1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.