An amazing Tissot PR516 electronic watch, still fitted to the original strap and buckle. Unrepeatable!
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1970, the first year of the movements production.
CONDITION
We did not think twice when we were offered this watch. It is very scarce to be allowed to buy a watch in this good a condition, totally as it left the Tissot factory, so it was a no brainer. The only thought process was whether we keep it or list it as available, but keeping it doesn’t pay any bills!
The tan leather strap is the original item, still fitted with the original buckle. The design with the punched holes was to resemble the holes drilled into sports cars steering wheel spokes. The case back is different to a standard PR516, as this is the PR516 Electronic and so requires a battery. Fitting batteries to watches was quite a new thing in 1970, and there is a pointer on the case back to remind you of the month the battery was fitted. The movement is the Swiss ESA/ETA Dyatron 2154, which was cutting edge in 1970. It uses a balance wheel like a standard mechanical watch, but controlling the beat is transistors, allowing it to run at a smooth 28.8Kbph. No quartz was used, and the second hand sweeps away unlike the quartz stutter that would eventually render this technology redundant. In 1970 you couldn’t really buy a quartz watch, but by 1975 they were cheap to produce and everywhere, thus sparking the quartz crisis of the 1970’s. The condition of this watch is close to perfect – this could go straight in Tissot’s museum collection. Being really picky the case back has a few tool marks, but we doubt you will find a better example in the World.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.7 mm
Width without crown 35.7 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 43.3 mm
Case Thickness 12.9 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
