The “panda dial” is just too good-looking and too popular to ignore. For the uninitiated, we’re talking about what enthusiasts call a chronograph watch with a white dial and contrasting black sub-dials, like on the new limited-edition Heritage 1973 Chronograph from Tissot. Taking obvious influence from its eponymous decade, this is more of a vintage-inspired watch than one of the literal reissues many brands are releasing lately.
1973 was the year that Tissot got into sponsoring motorsport teams, but you don’t have to be a gear head to appreciate something like the watch’s sporty vibe. Aside from the panda dial, the cushion-like case shape popular among chronographs of that era further contributes to its retro charm with its radially brushed top finish alongside polished elements. At a chunky 43mm wide and 14.8mm thick, however, it is thoroughly modern in its dimensions and other specifications.
The 3-6-9 o’clock layout’s symmetry, broken only by a date window at 4:30, is courtesy of the ETA Valjoux 7753 chronograph movement with 46 hours of power reserve and automatic winding — and it is visible through a display window at the case back. The Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph will be available in May 2019 and is limited to 1,973 pieces for a price of around $2,250 each.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Tissot Heritage 1948 Watch ($1,450)
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono Watch ($2,195)
TAG Heuer Heritage Calibre Heuer 02 Chronograph Watch ($5,300)
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