Preliminary identification

Tissot Seastar Quartz, c.1978-1982

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A classic Swiss-made Tissot Seastar featuring a robust brushed stainless steel 'tonneau' case and a minimalist silver sunburst dial.

Story

The late 1970s marked the height of the 'Quartz Crisis,' a period when the centuries-old Swiss watch industry was nearly toppled by the invention of battery-powered movements.

Maker / Origin

Founded by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son in 1853, Tissot is known as the 'Innovator by Tradition.' In 1930, they merged with Omega to form the SSIH group, creating a powerhouse of Swiss horology…

Condition & Value

The case shows honest signs of wear with light surface scratching consistent with age, but the dial appears remarkably well-preserved with no visible oxidation. The leather strap is a modern replacement. Regular wear is visible on the bezel edges, which is common for this 'C-shape' case design.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD