Preliminary identification

Vintage Tissot PR 516 'Rally' Watch, c. 1970

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A classic Swiss sports watch featuring a deep sunburst blue dial and a distinctive 'barrel' shaped stainless steel case. This model is a cornerstone of Tissot's racing heritage, known for its 'Particularly Robust' construction and integrated-style steel bracelet.

Story

Born in 1965, the PR 516 was designed to survive the vibration of a cockpit. Its name stands for 'Particularly Robust,' and it became so iconic that Roger Moore wore his personal PR 516 on screen as James Bond in 'Live and Let Die.'

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1853, Tissot is a pioneer of Swiss watchmaking based in Le Locle. In the 1960s, they revolutionized sports marketing by partnering with racing legends like Henry Bradley, who famously painted the 'PR 516' name directly onto his Ferrari race car.

Condition & Value

The watch shows significant honest wear, with heavy scratching on the acrylic crystal and surface scuffs on the stainless steel case and bracelet. The dial appears well-preserved beneath the crystal. This level of wear reduces immediate value by roughly 30% compared to mint examples but adds 'tool watch' character.

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