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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Serial-number guide

Tissot Serial Numbers

Needs research

What a Tissot serial number can establish, what it cannot, and how to record a date estimate another researcher could check.

Diagram

maker or gradeserialcase hallmarksimport and assay marks
Schematic: where markings are found. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Method

Reading the number, step by step

  1. 1. Find the movement number

    Case and movement numbers are separate; case-back reference numbers identify models more reliably than serials.

  2. 2. Understand what it encodes

    Movement serials and case numbers are recorded in some periods; interpretation depends on calibre and era.

  3. 3. Judge how precise the date can be

    Needs research: identify the calibre and case reference first, then seek manufacturer confirmation where available.

  4. 4. Check the records behind the tables

    Dating requests may be possible through the manufacturer's heritage or customer service channels; public collector tables are incomplete.

Quick facts

Manufacturer
Tissot
Dating confidence
Estimate only — see notes
Editorial status
Needs research

Sources & references

  1. Manufacturer heritage enquiry services (where offered)
  2. Collector calibre references (secondary)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.

Limits

What the number does not prove

Questions

Frequently asked

Where is the serial number on a Tissot watch?
Case and movement numbers are separate; case-back reference numbers identify models more reliably than serials.
What do Tissot serial numbers mean?
Movement serials and case numbers are recorded in some periods; interpretation depends on calibre and era.
How accurate is dating a Tissot watch by serial number?
Needs research: identify the calibre and case reference first, then seek manufacturer confirmation where available.
Where are Tissot production records held?
Dating requests may be possible through the manufacturer's heritage or customer service channels; public collector tables are incomplete.

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