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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Bumper automatic wristwatch

Tissot Horological Institute of America 14k Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 14k yellow gold wristwatch by Tissot dates to circa the 1950s and was produced for the Horological Institute of America. The 34 mm three-body case features faceted lugs and a screwed caseback, fitted with a brown leather strap. Its white dial features applied dot hour markers, Arabic quarters at 12, 3, 6, and 9, and a central emblem depicting an observatory inscribed 'HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INCORPORATED 1921'. According to the auction catalog, the watch is powered by a 17-jewel bumper automatic caliber 28.5-21T featuring sweep seconds and Incabloc shock protection.

Front view of the Tissot 14k yellow gold wristwatch showing the central Horological Institute of America dial emblem
Front view of the Tissot 14k yellow gold wristwatch showing the central Horological Institute of America dial emblem — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Bumper automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Tissot
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
105
Source-reported date
circa 1950s
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3044713

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 Institutional Insignia

The white dial features a central circular blue and gold emblem showing an observatory graphic inscribed 'HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INCORPORATED 1921'. Hour indications comprise applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 alternating with applied dot hour markers, paired with center seconds. The auction catalog lists the hands as original.

The catalog condition report describes the dial as slightly oxidized, though visual inspection shows the dial graphic, numerals, and markers remain legible.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial centered with a circular blue and gold observatory emblem inscribed 'HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INCORPORATED 1921'”
  • “Applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 alternating with applied dot hour markers”
  • “HANDS Original”
  • “center decorated with observatory graphic, center seconds and screwed caseback”

Case Construction and Dimensions

The watch is housed in a 14k yellow gold three-body case measuring 34 mm in diameter, characterized by prominent faceted, downturned lugs and a screwed caseback. The catalog lists a total gross weight of 33 g and records case number 2780.

It is fitted with a brown textured leather strap secured by an unsigned gold-plated buckle. The auction catalog notes the case exterior as slightly scratched.

Evidence for this section
  • “Yellow gold three-body case with prominent faceted, downturned lugs”
  • “Diameter 34mm”
  • “Case No. 2780”
  • “Weight 33g”
  • “unsigned gold plated buckle”

Reported Mechanism and Technical Attributes

Movement specifications are documented by the auctioneer and are not visible in the provided exterior photograph. The catalog identifies the movement as caliber 28.5-21T, bearing movement number 3044713.

The caliber is reported as a 17-jewel bumper automatic mechanism equipped with Incabloc shock protection and sweep seconds. Dating is placed at circa the 1950s by the auction house, which also notes that an overhaul is recommended at the buyer's expense without performance guarantees.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 28.5-21T, 17 Jewels”
  • “Movement No. 3044713”
  • “Notable for its automatic bumper mechanism, sweep seconds hand, and Incabloc shock protection system”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What specific occasion or award prompted the Horological Institute of America to commission or co-brand this custom dial from Tissot?
  • Does the interior caseback stamp confirm Swiss fabrication or a US-cased contract for the 14k gold housing?
  • Does movement number 3044713 align with Tissot factory serial lists for caliber 28.5-21T production between 1944 and 1953?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tissot Horological Institute of America 14k Yellow Gold Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material14k yellow gold“14k yellow gold wristwatch with white dial”
Caliber28.5-21T“Caliber 28.5-21T, 17 Jewels”
Movement Number3044713“Movement No. 3044713”
Case Number2780“Case No. 2780”
Diameter34mm“Diameter 34mm”
Total Weight33 g“Weight 33g”
Buckle TypeUnsigned gold-plated buckle“unsigned gold plated buckle”
Reported SignaturesDial, case, and movement“Signature Dial, case and movement”

Visible details

  • White dial centered with a circular blue and gold observatory emblem inscribed 'HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INCORPORATED 1921'
  • Applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 alternating with applied dot hour markers
  • Yellow gold three-body case with prominent faceted, downturned lugs
  • Mounted on a brown textured leather strap with stitching

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition and caliber details are source-reported and not visible in the primary exterior photograph.
  • Catalog notes movement overhaul is recommended at buyer's expense.
  • The strap is fitted with an unsigned gold-plated buckle rather than solid gold.

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

Consulted source

TISSOT, HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA, OBSERVATORY GRAPHIC DEPICTING, 14K YELLOW GOLD | Only Online Auction | Hong Kong September 18th, 2025

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 80d76ad87d

Terms in this record

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

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