Preliminary identification

Tissot Seastar Quartz Cushion Case Watch, c. 1978-1982

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic Swiss-made timepiece featuring a distinctive stainless steel cushion-shaped case and a silvered dial with a vertical brushed finish.

Story

The late 1970s marked a period of 'adapt or perish' for the Swiss watch industry as inexpensive, hyper-accurate quartz technology arrived from Japan.

Maker / Origin

Founded in Le Locle by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, the company became a pioneer in mass-produced horology and later merged with Omega in 1930 to form the SSIH group.

Condition & Value

The case shows honest 'desk diving' scratches and light scuffs consistent with 40+ years of use, but the lugs remain thick and unpolished. The dial appears exceptionally well-preserved with no signs of moisture intrusion or 'foxing.'

Full Research

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

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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