Oftentimes in the hobby of watch collecting, there can be a bit too much focus on what the hot watch of the moment might be - the piece that no one can get, or the watch that everyone wants to own purely so they can say they own it. 

But in this frenzy of emphasis on what the next big windfall investment piece might be, there are literally tons of watches and brands which slip woefully under the radar.

Tissot is among those brands.

More recently they’ve created a few faithful re-issues that pay homage to their back catalog such as the funky Sideral and the handsome 1930 Telemeter Chronograph. The brand has even entered the integrated steel sports watch landscape with the punchy PRX in a handful of dial variations and movements. 

This particular Tissot Heritage Petite Seconde, a Reference t119.405.16.037.00, leans into its predecessor’s original aesthetics. It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a faceted polished bezel, a knurled signed crown and a domed sapphire crystal. The bezel is almost non-existent, giving way entirely to the silver dial. 

The dial features a subtle brushed finish, printed black ‘Arabic’ indices, a radial subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock and a matching feuille handset reminiscent of the original 1943 model. At the core of the Tissot Heritage Petite Seconde is a hand-wound ETA 6498-1 Calibre, first developed in 1950 and based on a pocket watch movement. It’s only a handful of years its junior compared to the original model and gives this piece another vintage element.

The Tissot Heritage Petite Seconde has all the charm we adore about vintage watches with the piece of mind that comes with a modern build. The case is simple, the dial is legible and winding the oversized movement sparks joy as it’s loud and tactile.

This piece, as well as the brand itself remain under the radar … for now. Check it out now before the secret gets out.