Interesting watch, the Tissot Two Timer and this one dated to mid 1980’s and by the number of different configurations, this Tissot model reflects both the Swatch ideals and the new Asian digital reality of the time, but in their own style. I actually have another Two Timer model that I may Post at a later date, but I Post this one first as it’s quite a rare one. The TTT (as I call them) models were relatively new tech for the time, as they were Ana-Digi models with an unusual feature of using just a single multi-functional crown. The control module sets and adjusts the analogue time and the digital functions, which indicate in the single line digital display.
The (adjustable) digital functions featured are; Digital Time, Seconds & Date, Weekday & Date (auto-calendar), Timer, 2nd Time Zone, Chronograph and, Alarm. Each is selected and adjusted by the single crown, which is still today a bit of a rarity. Analogue and digital can be synchronised too and the digital display can also be switched OFF.
I have just a few models that utilise single crown multifunctionality apart from the Two Timers. One that immediately comes to mind is my 1999 Breitling Aerospace, which may well use the same module. So, this very affordable 40 year old vintage watch, is in very good company.
And the single crown system is very good. Basically there are 3 positions. Press the crown IN (spring action) it selects function changes and also switches the Alarm on or off. Crown position A (normal) rotates either way and moves the line marker under the digits to select the required function. Position B – (one click OUT) is used to alter or select the digits on the function selected – then again rotate the crown in either direction. Note that speed of rotation moves either the hours (fast) or the minutes (slow) and so on, or month, day and date etc.
Anyway, on this Two Timer, all functions operate flawlessly and the digital display is as good as it gets with no bleeding or fading, which is a real bonus on any vintage Adigital watch with a digital display (a weakness of early digitals).
However, the main reason for my interest in this particular 1980’s – 1990’s Tissot Two Timer model is because of it’s rarity.
And this is totally owing to it’s colourful and rather funky overlay dial layout.
A fact that’s very obvious by it’s absence in this great picture of a fabulous Tissot Two Timer collection offered for sale some years ago.
Whilst I’ve also seen many variations on the theme with around 20 different 1st generation of the Two Timer up to maybe 1995, plus more variations with the 2nd generation models – I’ve only seen this particular one once before and as these pre-owned models change ownership every so often – who knows, maybe this is the one?
Update – I have actually seen one for sale in Singapore since I Posted this.
For anyone interested in Tissot Two Timer models, there are a few (and just a few) of pre-owned ones around, mostly the more common dial layouts, such as the vertical striped face or skeleton, which seem popular. However, fully working pre-owned ones are very much more scarce.
As said, this particular model is a rather colourful and quirky dial layout with thick white coloured (I call loony) hands plus an overlay of quite jazzy numerals and markers – I love its different look from the many others I’ve seen. So I’m very pleased to have it. Plus, it has the original stitched leather strap as well and whilst obviously worn, it’s still OK to wear. However, I do have another strap I obtained recently if and when this one gives up. I note later versions have moved from leather to rubber straps – which doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid
The watch is quartz powered and the battery is accessible via a battery hatch on the rear (see image). And the all important crown is well knurled which makes it easier to turn for adjustments.
Watch dimension are really good at around 28mm width (add crown just under 30mm) and the case thickness is very neat at just 7mm. The case is also curved with a flat back, so looks very neat on the wrist.
So, as often the case, I find many vintage models preferable for all sorts of reasons – and fortunately, as said, they can still be found – and can be (but not always) at reasonable prices.
A little unsure as to the movement module used in this Two Timer, but it appears to be a variation of, or similar to, the ETA 988.332 module in my Breitling Aerospace. Perhaps the ETA 958.300 series with one digital window.
The module is part of the Swiss ETA Flatline series and information can be found online. However, little information appears available since 2009, but I have seen complete 958-333 modules , but I would not assume these can be used as a replacement.
A few other watch brands have utilised the ETA Flatline series of modules in addition to Breitling, such as Bell & Ross, Rado, Victorinox Chrono and Butler, so obviously well regarded.
Strap, buckle and dial cosmetic change.
The Tissot Two Timer was never an expensive model, but it was in my view an important one as it not only competed, but matched Asian competition at that time. Along with the introduction of the new Swatch Brand (Tissot being a founder member) this offered a proper well established quality Swiss Brand to customers at a crisis time in the European (Swiss watch) Industry.
So, to Tissot – Founded in 1853 in Le Locle in Switzerland, then allied to Omega – becoming the Omega Tissot Brand from around 1929. They further expanded with the amalgamation in 1983 of what was known as the SSIH-ASUAG & SMH (the Swiss names are too long winded for me to spell out) and finally SMH became a new Group known as the Swatch Group. Today, of course a huge player in the watch industry, with a membership of many major and still independent Swiss Brands, such as Tissot themselves of course.
Anyway, that’s my funky Tissot Two Timer and I love it, both for it’s 1980’s modernist design and to my mind, under-stated place in the watch world and the fact that on the wrist, it just looks great!
I also show here in this image, my other Tissot Two Timer model. This is another D.377 model, not the same year, with another dial layout, strap and buckle and a different look. Note – Later versions of the D. series have an altered case and lug design which necessitates a completely different strap, often rubber. Also the battery hatch is no longer there so the back has to be unscrewed to replace the battery.
Note 1 – Instructions are available here – https://www.manualslib.com/download/863198/Tissot-Twotimer.
Note 2 – Two Timer modules feature an auto-calendar, though this year (2024) being a leap year, with 29 days in February, I manually changed the date accordingly. Fortunately this is very, very easy to change.
Watch space 