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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco tank wristwatch

Tissot Antimagnetique Art Deco Tank Case Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage Art Deco tank-cased wristwatch by Tissot is dated by the seller to circa 1932. Encased in stainless steel measuring 22 mm in width by 37 mm in lug height, the watch features a two-tone bronze or copper and cream rectangular dial framed by black numerals and blued steel hands. A central rectangular chapter ring echoes the case geometry, complemented by a recessed subsidiary seconds counter positioned above six o'clock. The seller reports it is powered by a 15-jewel manual-wind mechanical Calibre 20 movement housed beneath a faceted plexiglass crystal and fitted to a brown leather strap.

Wrist view of the Tissot Art Deco tank wristwatch showing the two-tone dial and faceted crystal
Wrist view of the Tissot Art Deco tank wristwatch showing the two-tone dial and faceted crystal — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco tank wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Tissot
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws3146
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

Dial and Case Construction

The watch features a rectangular stainless steel tank-style case measuring 22 mm in width, 37 mm in lug height, and an 18 mm lug width. The dial presents a two-tone bronze and cream finish framed by black numerals and blued steel hands.

A central chapter ring follows the rectangular form of the case, framing an inset recessed subsidiary seconds counter above the 6 o'clock position. The dial is enclosed beneath a shaped plexiglass crystal exhibiting surface grazing, while the case retains light wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Width 22mm”
  • “Lug Height 37mm”
  • “Lug width 18mm”
  • “the steel case showcases the beautiful two-tone bronze and cream dial with black numerals contrasting perfectly.”
  • “There is a central chapter ring which mimics the tank-shaped case and inset there is a recessed seconds counter - very much in keeping with the geometric qualities of Art Deco.”
  • “Blued steel hands complete the dial which is encapsulated underneath a spectacularly shaped plexiglass crystal.”
  • “Having closely inspected the mid-case and plexiglass, light signs of wear are present but the case still boasts its original factory shine. As the photos suggest there is also some light grazing to the plexiglass.”

Reported Movement and Mechanical Specification

Internal movement components and case interior markings are not visible in the available imagery. According to the seller's specification, the watch is powered by a manual-wind mechanical Calibre 20 movement containing 15 jewels.

The vendor states that the watch appears to be running well, though the formal service history is recorded as unknown and the power reserve is listed as unknown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement Type Mechanical”
  • “Winding Manual”
  • “Calibre 20”
  • “Jewels 15”
  • “Service history is unknown but the watch appears to be running well”
  • “Power Reserve Unknown”

Dating, Documentation, and Source Caveats

The seller assigns a date of issue of 1932 to the timepiece, associating it with Art Deco design. The specific model reference number is recorded by the seller as unknown, and original box and papers are not included.

Because the case back and movement cannot be observed in the provided photograph, internal serial numbers, reference stampings, and calibre markings are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Date of Issue 1932”
  • “Model Ref Unknown”
  • “Box No”
  • “Papers No”

Open research questions

  • What specific serial numbers and reference markings are stamped on the interior or exterior of the case back?
  • Does the Calibre 20 movement exhibit standard Tissot signatures and period-appropriate finishing for the circa 1932 date?
  • Is the faceted plexiglass crystal an original factory-fitted component or a later period replacement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tissot Antimagnetique Art Deco Tank Case Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Case Stainless Steel”
Calibre20“Calibre 20”
Jewel Count15“Jewels 15”
Lug Height37mm“Lug Height 37mm”
Width22mm“Width 22mm”
WindingManual“Winding Manual”
Bracelet MaterialLeather“Bracelet Leather”
Box and PapersNo / No“Box/Papers No/No”
Seller Stated Condition8.5/10“Condition 8.5/10”

Visible details

  • Rectangular two-tone bronze/copper and cream dial with Art Deco black Arabic numerals and blued steel hands
  • Recessed rectangular subsidiary seconds display at the 6 o'clock position
  • Faceted, raised plexiglass crystal showing light surface crazing
  • Polished rectangular stainless steel tank-style case on a textured brown leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back are not visible in the provided image
  • Source reports model reference as unknown and service history as unrecorded

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

Terms in this record

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