Vintage Tissot Tonneau Classique Case Ref. 11005 (Estimated)
Ladies Dress Watch · Tissot (part of SSIH at the time, now Swatch Group). Tier: Premium/Entry-level luxury. Tissot is known for producing high-quality Swiss movements that often shared architecture with Omega during this era.
Period: Modernist/Minimalism (Late 1960s to Mid-1970s). Stylistic indicators include the tonneau (barrel) shaped case, the absence of a seconds hand for a cleaner look, and the vertical brushed champagne dial characteristic of late mid-century design.
Type
Ladies Dress Watch
Brand
Tissot (part of SSIH at the time, now Swatch Group). Tier: Premium/Entry-level luxury. Tissot is known for producing high-quality Swiss movements that often shared architecture with Omega during this era.
Movement
Manual/Hand-wound mechanical movement, likely Tissot Caliber 2140 or 2141 (21.6k vph, 17 jewels, ~40h power reserve).
Dimensions
Case diameter: approx. 20-22mm (excluding crown); Thickness: 7-8mm; Lug-to-lug: 30-32mm; Lug width: 10-12mm. This is a dainty, petite feminine size.
Description
A sophisticated example of Tissot's mid-century ladies' line, this tonneau-shaped timepiece balances geometric industrial design with soft, elegant curves. Its textured dial catches light beautifully, offering a warmth that modern flat dials lack. It is a quintessential 'cocktail' watch designed for evening wear and formal office attire of the 1970s.
Key Features
Tonneau-shaped case, vertical brushed dial finishing, two-hand (time only) configuration, and high-frequency manual wind movement for its size.
Dial Description
Champagne gold dial with a distinct vertical linen-like brushed texture. It features applied gold baton indices and black thin baton-style hour and minute hands. Minimalist design with only the Tissot logo printed at 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Gold-plated (Electroplated) 10-20 microns or 14k/18k Yellow Gold depending on specific market reference. The case features a vertical satin/brushed finish on the top surface with polished flanks.
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Plexiglass (Domed). It shows minor surface wear but provides the warm, vintage aesthetic typical of the era.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed smooth bezel, gold-plated, part of the monobloc case design aesthetic.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled gold-plated pull-push crown. It features the Tissot 'T' logo partially visible on the side.
Bracelet or Strap
Brown alligator-grain leather strap with matching gold-tone tang buckle. Not the original Tissot strap but period-appropriate.
Caseback Details
Solid, snap-on case back likely in stainless steel (if plated) or matching gold. Usually contains the serial number and gold hallmarks on the interior.
Movement Type
Manual/Hand-wound mechanical movement, likely Tissot Caliber 2140 or 2141 (21.6k vph, 17 jewels, ~40h power reserve).
Water Resistance
None (Non-waterproof). Rated for 'No moisture contact'. Gaskets on these vintage snap-on backs provide no meaningful protection against immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Likely manufactured in Le Locle, Switzerland. The movement is an in-house Tissot design or a collaborative caliber from the SSIH era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1968-1975. The logo font and case shape are peak late-1960s to early 1970s style before the Quartz Crisis shifted Tissot designs toward digital and quartz thinness.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era's transition from round watches to 'shaped' cases, reflecting the broader 1970s fashion trend toward bold shapes and gold tones.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Light surface scratches on the gold plating (particularly the lugs). Dial is clean with no visible oxidation. Crystal shows minor micro-swirls. Bracelet is an aftermarket replacement.
Value Estimate
$200 - $550 USD depending on whether the case is solid gold or plated, and inclusion of original box/papers.
Care & Maintenance
Should be serviced every 5-7 years by a specialist. Not water-resistant; avoid all contact with moisture. Wind daily but do not over-tighten.
Similar Watches
Omega De Ville Tonneau (similar movement and era), Longines Ladies Calatrava, Cartier Baignoire (different luxury tier but similar silhouette).
Interesting Facts
During this period, Tissot and Omega were part of the same parent company (SSIH) and actually shared many technical resources and parts, making 1970s Tissot mechanicals some of the best values in vintage collecting.