Tissot - Visodate Seastar T.12 - No reserve price - 43514 - Men - 1966

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Tissot Visodate Seastar T.12 is a remarkable example of mid-1960s Swiss horology, combining a robust aquatic heritage with elegant dress watch aesthetics. The T.12 designation was reserved for Tissot's more substantial, heavy-duty models of the era, often associated with higher water resistance and reinforced cases. This particular piece features the highly desirable "Spanish Galleon" relief caseback, a collector-favorite detail that signifies the Seastar line's maritime inspiration. With its integrated-style lug design and original bracelet, it represents a cohesive and historically interesting package from the golden era of the Tissot and Omega partnership. Brand: Tissot Model: Visodate Seastar T.12 Reference Number: 43514 Serial Number: 7826016 Movement: Tissot Caliber 784-1 Automatic Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Good vintage condition showing honest signs of wear to the case and bracelet while retaining a well-preserved dial and crystal. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in lovely condition, maintaining a bright and reflective finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied baton hour markers with black inserts that match the hands, creating excellent legibility. The applied gold-tone Tissot "T" logo in a framed box at the 12 o'clock position is a classic period detail. The dial is signed "Visodate Automatic Seastar T.12" and "Swiss T Made," indicating the use of original tritium lume which has aged to a subtle warmth. The dauphine hands appear original and show light patina consistent with the watch's age, and the date window at 3 o'clock is framed in steel for a refined finish. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct tonneau-influenced shape with thicker lugs that give the watch a substantial presence on the wrist despite its classic 35mm diameter. The case shows visible scratches and handling marks throughout, consistent with a watch that has been enjoyed over the decades, yet the case lines remain intact. The crown is original and signed with the Tissot logo. The caseback is the highlight of this model, featuring a deep and crisp relief engraving of a sailing ship, the iconic emblem of the Seastar collection. The acrylic crystal is in clear condition with only minor surface wear that does not obscure the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the in-house Tissot Caliber 784-1 automatic movement, a robust 21-jewel mechanism derived from the shared technology between Tissot and Omega during the SSIH era. The movement is clean and the rotor is signed with "Chs Tissot & Fils." Timegrapher results show the watch running with a deviation of approximately -49 to -53 seconds per day, indicating a functioning vintage movement. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet which complements the case design perfectly. The bracelet features a signed Tissot clasp and exhibits moderate stretch and surface wear matching the case. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 18cm comfortably. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The dial is the strongest aspect, presenting very cleanly with minimal aging. The case and bracelet show evident character in the form of surface scratches and dings, particularly on the polished surfaces and clasp, which is expected for an unpolished piece from 1966. The distinct ship engraving on the caseback remains sharp and fully visible. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that slides easily under a cuff. The lug-to-lug distance and the integrated nature of the bracelet make it wear slightly larger and more securely than a standard round case. Remarks The Visodate Seastar T.12 is a quintessential collector's Tissot, offering a blend of sportiness and elegance that is hard to find in modern watches. The presence of the original bracelet and the crisp galleon caseback makes this specific example particularly appealing to enthusiasts of vintage Swiss design. History Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, in 1853, Tissot has a long history of innovation, including the first mass-produced pocket watch and the first anti-magnetic watch. In 1930, Tissot merged with Omega to form the SSIH group, a period that saw the sharing of high-quality components and designs. The Seastar line was introduced in the 1950s to capitalize on the growing interest in water-resistant sports watches, becoming one of the brand's most enduring and successful collections. The T.12 sub-series represented the upper echelon of this range, often featuring more robust cases and higher specifications. / Second Vintage SKU: TISB2X2NF0000