The history of Mathey-Tissot began in 1886, when watchmaker Edmond Mathey-Tissot opened his workshop in Le Pont-de-Martel, where he began producing repeater movements. Mathey-Tissot has great respect for its history and maintains a large archive from which we can trace the main milestones of the company's development:
- 1900 - ordering repeater watches for British officers who took part in the Boer War;
- 1914 - at the Kew Observatory chronometric competition, six Mathey-Tissot chronometers earned high marks;
- 1936 – trademark registration in the USA;
- 1969 – release of special watches for Elvis Presley;
- 2006 - was acquired by Geneva Watch Corp, which still produces the brand's watches.
The Mathey-Tissot model range includes both mechanical and quartz watches. There are both premium watches and budget ones. Mathey-Tissot covers a wide range of price points and, in addition to original watch designs, creates a hommage.
Our guest today, the Mathey-Tissot H450ABU watch, is a hommage to the famous model from Rolex. But still, they are not just similar.
Features
- Dimensions from lug to lug – 48 mm
- Diameter - 42 mm
- Thickness - 11 mm
- Caliber – Ronda 505h3
- Glass – mineral
- Water resistance - 50 meters
- Functions – time/date
Packaging
The H450ABU comes in a tactile and visually appealing dark gray box. Outside and inside - company logos. The watch itself lies on a dark gray pad.
The packaging makes a very pleasant impression. She copes with her function. At the same time, the feeling of “premium” does not leave me.
Chassis
This is a classic Oyster case with an elegant crown decorated with the company logo. The watch case has a soft satin finish on top and mirror polishing on the sides. Yes, I mentioned that this is a copy, but I do not associate this watch with the prototype. They seem to me to be something completely independent and interesting.
There is a smooth polished bezel around the glass, completing the look of the elegant body. The crystal itself is mineral, with a cyclops design making it easy to read the date (cyclops, by the way, is another element that Rolex likes to use).
It is worth saying a few words about the quality of the finish. She's on top! She's beautiful. You don't always see this on more expensive watches.
Bangle
The watch is offered to be worn on a classic cast three-link bracelet (links satin-brushed on the edges and polished in the center). The outer links fit very tightly to the body, leaving no gaps. The ends are mirror polished. The clasp is a regular one stamped with the company logo. Overall, the bracelet is good and does not raise any complaints. Do we remember about the price category of watches?
Clock face
The depth of color of the dark blue, almost black dial definitely attracts attention. The effect of “sun rays” enhances the play of shades. Stunningly beautiful! Mathey-Tissot knows how to make laconic, but very attractive dials.
Rectangular hour markers are filled with phosphor. Opposite each of them are numbers indicating five-minute intervals. And of course, minute-by-minute marking. At the three o'clock position there is a date window in a white frame. The traditional Swiss Made inscription is at the six o'clock position.
Straight luminescent hands go well with hour markers. The second hand has a counterweight in the form of the company logo.
The dial is simple, but that’s what captivates us. Strict hour markers, classic hands and sunrays. It is beautiful and laconic, but its simplicity has a magnetic depth.
Movement
The watch is powered by the Ronda 505h3 quartz caliber, a reliable workhorse that makes winding your watch a breeze.
Caliber characteristics:
• Time;
• Date of;
• Battery - 371.
Summary
I asked many people if they knew about the Mathey-Tissot watch brand. And, unfortunately, not everyone could answer in the affirmative. Some thought it was a subsidiary brand of the Swiss company Tissot, while others suggested it was a collaboration. This makes me a little sad.
Indeed, a brand with history and achievements faded into the background under pressure from its more famous competitor. But still, Mathey-Tissot goes its own way, offering reliable and high-quality watches in different price categories, so everyone can find something to their liking, enjoy the design and functionality, and also join the history of the company.
The Mathey-Tissot H450ABU model is just one of these. Inexpensive, but high quality. Thanks to her, I think many will want to know more about Mathey-Tissot.
