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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Tissot Astrolon Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Tissot 'Astrolon' gents wrist watch, originating from Switzerland around 1973, represents a notable effort by the Swiss industry to compete with inexpensive international alternatives. The timepiece is defined by its innovative, injection-moulded plastic movement, which reduced the component count from approximately 90 parts found in standard Swiss watches to 52. Designed with a clear plastic back plate, the watch features a nickel-plated brass case paired with a stainless steel back. The silvered dial is detailed with silvered markers, matching hands, and a center sweep seconds hand, all carrying the 'T' logo. Engineered as a disposable product, the movement is intended to be replaced rather than repaired upon failure.

Tissot Astrolon wristwatch shown with a fabric strap, registered as ST 33046.
Tissot Astrolon wristwatch shown with a fabric strap, registered as ST 33046. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Charles Tissot & Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 33046
Source-reported date
circa 1973
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
81030-2

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 and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a brass case that has been plated with nickel, offering a metallic finish that complements the silvered dial. The case back is constructed from stainless steel, providing durability to the primary casing structure. The dial itself is monochromatic, featuring silvered indices to mark the hours and silvered hands, including a center sweep seconds hand for elapsed time tracking.

A distinct detail on the dial is the inclusion of a 'T' logo presented within a raised square, identifying the piece as a Tissot product. The dial is explicitly marked with the branding 'Tissot, Swiss, Autolus, Actualis', creating a link between the internal mechanics and the external aesthetic presentation as documented in the museum records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass case plated with nickel and with stainless steel back.”
  • “Silvered dial has silvered hands and centre sweep seconds hand.”
  • “Silvered metal markers for hours and is marked with a 'T' in raised square.”
  • “Dial marked 'Tissot, Swiss, Autolus, Actualis'.”

Movement Engineering

The technical core of the Astrolon is its injection-moulded plastic movement, a development introduced by Tissot in 1971. The movement utilizes white plastic for the main train and blue plastic for the components of the lever escapement.

The watch includes a clear plastic back plate, which provides visibility into the synthetic internal mechanisms. This movement was engineered with a specific lifecycle philosophy in mind, described as disposable, meaning the watch was designed to be discarded if it ceased to function rather than being disassembled and repaired by a horologist.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tissot developed this movement made almost entirely of injection-moulded plastic in 1971.”
  • “The number of parts was reduced from 90 in a standard Swiss watch to 52 parts.”
  • “Plastic disposable movement; main train of white plastic, escapement of blue plastic.”
  • “Clear plastic back plate.”

Inscriptions and Registry

The internal and external markings provide identification for the watch. The inside of the stainless steel back is inscribed with the phrase 'Fond Acier Inoxydable, Chs Tissot & Fils'. This attribution connects the component specifically to the manufacturing firm.

Furthermore, a shield found on the watch is stamped with 'Tissot Fab. Suisse, Swiss Made' alongside the serial number '81030-2'. These identifiers are consistent with the object's registration number ST 33046 maintained by the collection, confirming its status as a documented institutional holding. These marks indicate the geographic origin of manufacture as Switzerland.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside back is marked 'Fond Acier Inoxydable, Chs Tissot & Fils'.”
  • “Shield is marked 'Tissot Fab. Suisse, Swiss Made' and '81030-2'.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific functional difference, if any, between the 'Astrolon' model name and the 'Autolus, Actualis' text appearing on the dial?
  • To what extent did the production of the Astrolon series impact the subsequent financial stability of the Tissot brand during the 1970s watch industry crisis?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tissot Astrolon Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Registration numberST 33046“Registration number: ST 33046”
MakerCharles Tissot & Sons“Association: type: Maker, name: Charles Tissot & Sons”
Movement constructionInjection-moulded plastic“Tissot developed this movement made almost entirely of injection-moulded plastic in 1971.”
Component count52 parts“The number of parts was reduced from 90 in a standard Swiss watch to 52 parts.”
Case materialsNickel plated brass with stainless steel back“Brass case plated with nickel and with stainless steel back.”
Dial inscriptionsTissot, Swiss, Autolus, Actualis“Dial marked 'Tissot, Swiss, Autolus, Actualis'.”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with 'T' logo in raised square
  • Centre sweep seconds hand
  • Clear plastic back plate visible on movement
  • Nickel-plated case with stainless steel back

Research qualifications

  • The exact production timeline within the circa 1973 attribution is not provided.
  • The discrepancy between 'Astrolon' as a model name and the dial marking 'Autolus, Actualis' is noted in source documentation without further explanation.

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

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Tissot, 'Astrolon', Switzerland, circa 1973

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 05a2704289

Terms in this record

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

Other manual-wind wristwatch records