Tissot Chronograph Cal. 33.3 15TL - Glossy Gilt Tropical

This rare Tissot chronograph from the 1940s is powered by the legendary Caliber 33.3 15TL and stands out with an extraordinary technical feature: the chronograph reset integrated into the crown. Combined with its spectacular tropical dial, it ranks among the most fascinating chronographs of its era.

Tissot and Omega merged in 1930, which explains why this Tissot chronograph is fitted with the famous Caliber 33.3 – the same chronograph movement frequently found in Omega chronographs from the same period. The first version of the Caliber 33.3 was developed by Lemania in 1933, another company within the Omega group, and was used in numerous high-quality two-register chronographs. The chronograph is started and stopped via the upper pusher, while the reset function is operated through the button integrated into the crown – a technically sophisticated construction that is exceptionally rare to encounter today.

The absolute highlight of this example is undoubtedly its original black glossy gilt dial. Its exceptionally complex layout combines multiple scales, two beautifully balanced subsidiary registers and, most notably, a rare snail tachymeter scale capable of measuring speeds up to 1000 units. Large Arabic numerals, gilt printing and the finely graduated arrangement of the various scales give the dial remarkable depth. Over the decades, the dial has developed a spectacular tropical transformation, changing from deep black to a vibrant dark bronze and chocolate-brown tone. The warm patina gives the watch tremendous character and makes the dial endlessly captivating to admire.

The large 38 mm stainless steel case is preserved in excellent condition. The flat bezel and large dial opening provide outstanding wrist presence.

A historically important and technically fascinating chronograph in exceptional condition, today regarded as one of the most desirable and rare Tissot chronographs of its period.

Condition Report

Dial: spectacular natural ageing – beautiful gilt printing – intact scales – signed "Tissot".

Case: 38 mm stainless steel case in very good condition – very light signs of wear – intact lugs – original winding crown with integrated reset pusher – olive-shaped chronograph pusher.

Movement: original in-house manual-winding Caliber 33.3 15TL – timegrapher results: rate deviation: +28 s/day, amplitude: 212°, beat error: 0.2.

Case number: 33xxx

Int.Exe.: 7539633