1972 Tissot T12 Chronograph - request for opinions and advice

amcclell
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I think saying the 7733/7734 is “economy” is a little unfair. It was a fine movement used by both mid-tier and better brands. Yes the Lemania is rarer and was a “better” movement, but it wouldn’t make be buy one watch over the other if I liked them equally
I can't argue with you on that, as I the 773x is perfectly fine. I was just making the point that the Lemania is a more desirable movement. What Valjoux was able to do with the 773x and 7750 was mass produce reliable chronograph movements at economical price points. This made Swiss made chronograph watches attainable for many more people as their popularity surged.
 
FergieB
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amcclell amcclell
Here is an example of my favorite from this era. Unfortunately, this one has been polished but it is still nice, albeit expensive.

https://watchestobuy.com/shop/tissot-seastar-t12-oversized-chronograph/
Yes I’ve seen those alright and always expensive but lovely piece. The lug to lug might be too big for me though.

As a matter of interest, how much does Tissot charge for servicing old movements like the 7734? I’m looking for a SS bracelet for a Navigator 40522 and I’ve asked Tissot if they have NOS or perhaps a GF bracelet that might fit.
 
JwRosenthal
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Tissot won’t be of any help to you on the bracelet. Service parts for 7734’s are long out of production, but are abundant on the secondary market (eBay). Whatever watch you choose, just take it to any qualified watchmaker and they should know exactly what it needs.
 
FergieB
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Tissot won’t be of any help to you on the bracelet. Service parts for 7734’s are long out of production, but are abundant on the secondary market (eBay). Whatever watch you choose, just take it to any qualified watchmaker and they should know exactly what it needs.
Yeah I thought as much. There’s a good watchmaker not far from me so I’ll be using him as he’s well regarded.

I’ll keep an eye on eBay for bracelets and as you say the watchmaker may have something or be able to source anything I need. I’m just a bracelet man over straps of any kind.
 
JwRosenthal
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I’m a bracelet guy too- eBay is your friend. The Tissot GF bracelets pop up often and aren’t crazy expensive
 
FergieB
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I’m a bracelet guy too- eBay is your friend. The Tissot GF bracelets pop up often and aren’t crazy expensive
Yeah I’m searching through the listings today. The GF bracelets found on the T12 are clearly excellent and I think are 22mm. I’m potentially purchasing a Navigator ref.40522 which I believe is 21mm. I wonder would a T12 GF fit.
 
FergieB
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The T12 dealer has just confirmed for me that “the watch has just been serviced and we send all the papers with it”. €1.200 delivered.
 
JwRosenthal
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FergieB FergieB
The T12 dealer has just confirmed for me that “the watch has just been serviced and we send all the papers with it”. €1.200 delivered.
Well, that saves you €400+ there.
 
JwRosenthal
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I’m going to be the enabler here (as always)- it’s in nice shape, has the GF bracelet (if the engraving on the clasp cover bothers you, that’s easy enough to either brush off or replace), the lume and dial is in better shape than 85% of what I’ve seen (colors aren’t faded, lume is bright yellow, and no moisture damage) and the case finishes seem to be good (if refinished, they did it well). With the service included, this seems like a fair price- not a steal or a bargain, but fair.

This is what you want- it will take you months/years to find another that checks all your boxes, eat the premium and just buy it.
 
FergieB
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Well, that saves you €400+ there.
Yes indeed, I’m very tempted to just go with that rather than the Seastar Navigator auction I’ve been watching at about half that but no bracelet. The Navigator has no photos of the movement and is a private seller so doubtful it has been serviced. Decision time is nearing.
 
FergieB
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I’m going to be the enabler here (as always)- it’s in nice shape, has the GF bracelet (if the engraving on the clasp cover bothers you, that’s easy enough to either brush off or replace), the lume and dial is in better shape than 85% of what I’ve seen (colors aren’t faded, lume is bright yellow, and no moisture damage) and the case finishes seem to be good (if refinished, they did it well). With the service included, this seems like a fair price- not a steal or a bargain, but fair.

This is what you want- it will take you months/years to find another that checks all your boxes, eat the premium and just buy it.
 
FergieB
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Haha I always like an enabler! Seriously though you’ve summed it up beautifully and a very good quality watch at a fair price is all anyone can ask for.
 
JwRosenthal
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FergieB FergieB
Haha I always like an enabler! Seriously though you’ve summed it up beautifully and a very good quality watch at a fair price is all anyone can ask for.
I’ve learned that if the watch checks all my boxes, is honest, and the seller is decent- even at a higher premium- it’s worth it. I have paid more than I thought was sane for watches that checked all my boxes and I haven’t regretted any of them.
 
FergieB
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I’ve learned that if the watch checks all my boxes, is honest, and the seller is decent- even at a higher premium- it’s worth it. I have paid more than I thought was sane for watches that checked all my boxes and I haven’t regretted any of them.
Yes firstly the watch has to be what you like/want in the first place. After that a little peace of mind premium is worth it to me to avoid that long term regret you refer to.
 
JwRosenthal
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When I bought this watch, it was listed at about 25% over what the market rate was for the very few comps I could find.
D8E9657A-7ECE-48DC-BE3D-188C114FBDFE.jpeg 0B90CF28-619E-4C59-A070-A612E833414C.jpeg


All of the comps were compromised in some way- damage on the dial, cracked
bezel, ashy lume, no bracelet, etc.
This is a rare transitional model, made for maybe a year or two- perfect dial & hands, stunning lume, unpolished and sharp case, near perfect bezel- original full length bracelet. i agonized over the premium- then bought it. No regrets, I could now easily sell it for twice what i paid (these have taken off in the last year), and it's a prize in my collection.
 
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