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There is a specific moment in watchmaking history, right at the dawn of the 1970s, where design rules were thrown out the window in favor of color, shape, and expression. The Tissot Seastar we have here is the definitive artifact of that era. While the 1960s were about restraint and classicism, this watch is about warmth and geometry. It captures the transition from the functional tool watch to the watch as a style object, utilizing a rich, earth-tone palette that feels incredibly relevant again today.
During this period, Tissot was operating at the height of its powers under the SSIH umbrella, sharing resources and engineering prowess with Omega. This relationship often resulted in watches that punched well above their weight class in terms of build quality. The Seastar line was their answer to the robust, everyday waterproof watch, but by the time this reference 46665-2X was produced, the line had evolved to embrace the avant-garde case shapes of the disco decade. The engine inside is the in-house Caliber 2571, a robust automatic movement known for its distinct engineering and reliability, a hallmark of Tissot’s manufacture days before the Quartz Crisis fully took hold.
This specific example is all about that dial. It features a mesmerizing brown ombré or “fumé” finish, graduating from a golden chestnut in the center to a deep, chocolate espresso at the edges. This gradient effect gives the dial a sense of depth and vibration that a flat color simply cannot achieve. The applied indices are thick, architectural blocks with white inserts that pop against the dark background, matched by white stick hands that ensure legibility remains high despite the moody dial tones. The case is a gold-plated cushion shape, often called a C-shape, which sits prominently on the wrist with a retro-futuristic silhouette that is unmistakably from the 70s.
Condition is a huge part of the charm here. The dial is remarkably clean, preserving that delicate gradient effect without damage. The gold-plated case shows honest signs of a life well-lived, with scratches and scuffs visible on the flanks and bezel, particularly near the lugs, which we feel adds to the vintage “survivor” aesthetic rather than detracting from it. The stainless steel caseback bears the reference markings clearly, and the movement inside looks clean and ready for action. It is fitted with a brown leather strap that complements the warm tones of the gold case and the dial perfectly.
For us, this Tissot represents the fun side of collecting. It is not a stiff, formal dress watch, nor is it a stark, utilitarian diver. It is a watch with personality, perfect for the collector who loves the bold design language of the 1970s. It offers a unique visual experience on the wrist, combining a high-grade in-house movement with a design that is sure to start conversations.
