Preliminary identification

Tissot Visodate Seastar PR 516 Wristwatch, c.1966

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic 1960s mechanical sports watch featuring the innovative 'Particularly Resistant' (PR) movement suspension system.

Story

The year 1965 saw Tissot launch the PR 516, a watch that captured the high-octane spirit of the international racing circuit. The 'PR' stands for 'Particularly Resistant,' a nod to a design where the movement was suspended inside the case to absorb shocks…

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Tissot has a storied history of Swiss innovation, including the creation of the first non-magnetic watch.

Condition & Value

The movement (Caliber 782-1) appears visually clean with a legible serial number (8788725). The case and bracelet show typical surface scratching and wear consistent with age, and the crystal has some light scuffing. The original bracelet is a significant value-add, as these are often lost or replaced over the decades.

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