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In the history of Swiss watchmaking, Tissot holds a special and deeply respected place. Often associated with its sister company, Omega, Tissot has always been a formidable innovator in its own right, producing timepieces of exceptional quality and style. This early automatic is a fantastic example from a pivotal era, showcasing the brand’s elegant design language and its embrace of the burgeoning self-winding technology. It’s a watch that is, in our opinion, criminally underrated and wildly cool.
The period immediately following World War II was a time of immense innovation in horology, particularly in the development of the automatic watch. Before the full 360-degree rotor became the industry standard, watchmakers engineered fascinating “bumper” or “hammer” automatic movements. These calibers, like the one beating inside this Tissot, used a weighted rotor that would swing back and forth through an arc of about 120 degrees, “bumping” off a pair of springs to wind the mainspring. There’s a tangible charm to this system; you can often feel the gentle knock of the rotor on your wrist, a constant and delightful reminder of the intricate mechanical world within.
This particular Tissot, a Reference 6589-6 dating to 1954 based on its 3-million serial number, is a stunning example of post-war design. The 35mm stainless steel case is perfectly proportioned, with sharp, elegant lugs that give it a classic and versatile presence. The silver dial has aged to a beautiful, warm champagne hue, scattered with a light, honest patina that collectors call “stardust.” The layout is wonderfully balanced, featuring a mix of applied, stylized Arabic numerals and faceted dart markers. The subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock is crisply defined with a concentric, engine-turned finish, adding a touch of texture and sophistication.
This watch is a true survivor, presenting in wonderful, honest condition. The dial, with its warm patina, tells the story of a life well-spent. The original dauphine-style handset retains its aged luminous material, which has taken on a lovely, creamy color that complements the dial perfectly. The stainless steel case is thick and appears unpolished, showing some minor scratches and wear consistent with its age, but retaining its original sharp lines and chamfers. Inside, the early Tissot bumper movement is clean and is keeping excellent time.
