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Tissot “Chrono Janeiro” Z199

Tissot “Chrono Janeiro” Z199

£1,500.00 GBP
£1,500.00 GBP
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Model: Tissot “Chrono Janeiro” Z199

Year: 1996

Limited Edition: 3333 Pieces

Features:

The Origin. In the 1930s, to help weather the Great Depression, Tissot, Omega and Lemania formed the SSIH Group - an alliance that would eventually evolve into the Swatch Group. Tissot quickly began fitting their own chronographs with the Lemania Calibre 15LT, while Omega chose to redevelop it into its own in-house Calibre 33.3. The resulting chronographs were distinct, but similar.

The History. Fast forward to 1996 and Tissot launched a limited edition reissue of the 1935 gilt chronograph pictured above. The result is the watch on offer today - officially dubbed the Chrono Janeiro to “commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Brazilian Capital”. I’ve put that in quotation marks as it’s taken directly from Tissot’s Sales Manual, but I’m pretty confident it’s a factually inaccurate commemoration.

The Inaccuracy. Brasília was the capital city at the time of the Chrono Janeiro’s release, but Rio de Janeiro was the capital until the 1960s, at the time of the original release - so I’m fine with that part. However, Rio wasn’t founded until 1565 (+500 years = 2065) and Brazil itself wasn’t claimed by the Portuguese until 1500 (+500 years = 2000). While I’m happy to admire the intent, I don’t know specifically what this watch is meant to be celebrating the 500th anniversary of.

The Design. The gilt and black dial remain faithful to the original design, but the subdial placement has shifted to the nine and twelve, which allows for the inclusion of a date window at the three. The 1930s version of the Tissot logo has been used on both the dial and the onion crown, which is always a welcome detail on reissues. 

The Limited Release. As one final quirk, it was limited to 3333 pieces, which I assume is a nod to Omega’s 3.33 calibre - but as I mentioned earlier, Tissot didn’t use the 3.33 in their 1935 chronographs, instead it opted for the Lemania 15LT. At least the marketing is… consistently inconsistent?

Specifications:

Condition: In good condition overall. Just serviced. A handful of small hairlines can be seen on the crystal on close inspection. A few marks can be seen on the caseback's edge. The strap is showing signs of wear on the leather.

Scope: No box or papers

Movement: Valjoux Calibre 7765

Dimensions:

  • Case Width: 35.1mm
  • Lug to lug: 41.9mm
  • Case Thickness: 9.1mm
  • Lug Width: 18mm
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