Vintage
HSTE showcases his Tissot Research Idea 2001, featuring the revolutionary Tissot 2250 "Autolub" movement, as his most "weirdo" yet historically significant watch. This post delves into the watch's pioneering use of plastic components to eliminate the need for lubrication, highlighting its potential influence on the later development of the Swatch Watch.
....historic terms: the Tissot Research Idea 2001 with the Tissot 2250 "Autolub" in the engine room.
This was the first watch with mechanical movement in plastic ("the Astrolon movement"). A revolutionary idea at the time (ca. 1971) and the result of long years of research by Tissot starting in 1952 to try and find means to abolish the need of oiling the watches by replacing metal parts with synthetic ones.
It is believed that this research was not un-important to the later creation of the Swatch Watch.
Cheers, HSTE
Thanks for posting
I was playing with the idea some half a year ago to get an Astrolon - found a NOS (there are apparently still quite some around). I found the watch fascinating and it is definitely a predecessor of the System51 in a way but decided against it in the end since I would have hardly worn it. A re-issue would be great, though What is it like in daily life?
This is actually the one and only watch that I have never worn. Why not: look at the bracelet. It is a kind of plastic that is close to disintegration since many years back when I got the watch. If I would strap it around my wrist I am sure it would just fall into pieces. I think it is an important link in watch (technology) history, freaky design, good brand, and very affordable when I got it some 11 years ago.
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