Tissot Serial Number Complete Guide
Tissot is a Swiss watch company with a long and rich history. It is not known for making the most luxurious watches, but the brand is respected, reputable, and known all around the world.
Tissot was founded in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland, making it one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers in the world. Most watch brands engrave their watches and give them unique serial numbers. Tissot is one such brand that uses serial numbers for its watches, but over the years, the company has changed its serial number formats.
The good news is that if you have an older, vintage Tissot watch, it will have a serial number, which makes it possible for you to date your Tissot watch.
By looking at the serial number, and taking help from this article, you will be able to estimate the time when your watch was originally manufactured. The good news is that dating your Tissot watch with the serial number is very easy.
Tissot serial numbers
In 1977, Tissot stopped with individual numbers. This meant leaving out the last three digits in the serial number. Further on, in 1984, Tissot stopped with this serial number format too.
As Tissot has made watches for so long, its serial formats and rules vary. The early Tissot watches have the serial number engraved on the edge of the plate, underneath the dial. Later on, Tissot started engraving the serial number on the plates or on a bridge.
For modern Tissot watches, some models have serial numbers and some don’t.
On other Tissot watches, you will see the serial number engraved on actual movement or on the inside or outside of the case back.
If you want to register your new Tissot watch online, you can sign up on their website via this link.
Below is a resource list of Tissot serial numbers that you can use to date your vintage Tissot watch. This list is for watches made from 1853 up until 1983
Date Tissot watches with serial number
- 1853-1856: 1 to 3056
- 1857-1879: 3057 to 19904
- 1871-1875: 19905 to 36187
- 1876-1880: 36188 to 51101
- 1881-1885: 51102 to 79299
- 1886-1890: 79300 to 96836
- 1891-1896: 96837 to 100200
- 1897-1906: 10960 to 51325
- 1907-1910: 51326 to 58206
- 1911-1912: 58207 to 83778
- 1913-1916: 83779 to 112866
- 1917-1918: 112867 to 139466
- 1919-1920: 139447 to 201644
- 1921-1922: 201645 to 250622
- 1923-1924: 250623 to 290984
- 1925-2926: 290985 to 365000
- 1927-1928: 365001 to 434500
- 1929-1930: 434501 to 465400
- 1931-1933: 465401 to 511700
- 1934-1936: 511701 to 727500
- 1937-1939: 727501 to 1052800
- 1940: 10552801 to 1128616
- 1941: 1128617 to 1188976
- 1942: 1188977 to 1324418
- 1943: 1324419 to 1450276
- 1944: 1450277 to 1549720
- 1945: 1549721 to 1675720
- 1946: 1675721 to 1746530
- 1947: 1746531 to 1940110
- 1948: 1940111 to 2140000
- 1949: 2140001 to 2293210
- 1950: 2293211 to 2432999
- 1951: 2433000 to 2621999
- 1952: 2622000 to 2810999
- 1953: 2811000 to 3118999
- 1954: 3119000 to 3289999
- 1955: 3290000 to 3476999
- 1956: 3477000 to 3713999
- 1957: 3714000 to 399999
- 1958: 4000000 to 4334999
- 1959: 4335000 to 4559999
- 1960: 4560000 to 4867999
- 1961: 4868000 to 5197999
- 1962: 5198000 to 5932999
- 1963: 5933999 to 649899
- 1964: 6499000 to 7039999
- 1965: 7040000 to 8280999
- 1966: 8281000 to 8864999
- 1967: 8865000 to 9910999
- 1968: 9911000 to 10492999
- 1969: 10493000 to 11594999
- 1970: 11595000 to 13046119
- 1971: 13046120 to 139996999
- 1972: 13997000 to 16173999
- 1973: 16174000 to 16811999
- 1974: 16812000 to 18902999
- 1975: 18903000 to 19397999
- 1976: 19398000 to 20030999
- 1977: 20031 to 21093
- 1978: 21094 to 21515
- 1979: 21516 to 22097
- 1980: 22098 to 22857
- 1981: 22858 to 23238
- 1982: 23239 to 23596
- 1983: 23697 to 23905
Note: By looking at the above serial numbers, and comparing them with your own watch’s serial number, it will allow you to identify within which span your watch falls. As such, it allows you to date your watch. With that said, just because your watch has the correct span for its serial number, doesn’t mean that it is authentic.
Part of the information is from Tissot’s own vintage serial number resource. Whilst we strive to make this as correct as possible, some typos or misinformation may exist. This article is written for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with Tissot watch company.
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My watch stopped working after 2 years I had the battery replaced multiple times and it doesn’t do anything. Its still not working I love this watch very much please help.
Hello Max,
It sounds like there may be some kind of issue with the movement and it may need an overhaul from a watchmaker. Have a watchmaker look at the movement to identify the issue.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I have a 18kg watch full gold the movements was gutted out because of a flood it’s a tissot I’m sure but u can’t seem to find the serial number on it however inside of the back says tissot 18k 750 with f665-330
Hi,
All Tissot watches should be equipped with a serial number.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hello
I have tissot L164/264 watch but I can’t find the reference number and it is not exist at the back. May I open the back to see it’s number?
Hi I have a gold tissot watch dated 1987 ref 12001 any idea of a valuation please
Hi I have a old tissot ladies watch with the number 5856 what would the valuation be ln working condition thanks
Glen.
Hi,
For appraisals, please refer to this page:
https://millenarywatches.com/watches/watch-consulting/
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
My less than 1 year purchased Tissolt is running but the sweep second hand moves in 4 second increments. The watch minute hand gains time ahead of the proper time as a result. I haven’t worn the watch for 6 months. Will the condition repair itself or ?
Hi,
Likely not. Sounds like you need to have it serviced.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Per the instructions it needs a new battery when the second hand moves in 4 sec. increments…
“For modern Tissot watches, some models have serial numbers and some don’t.”
Which comment is true?
Hi,
Your quote is true. Some have it, some don’t.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I am looking at buying a Tissot Seastar Quartz, that has a number on the inside of the metal band hasp. Is this typical?
Hello,
Yes, it is not uncommon to find markings on the clasp.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
The watch is a square Tissot 1853
Written on the back of it
Water resistant 30 meter
Sapphire crystal
Stainless steel
L860/960k
SKR-JA-10722
I would like to know the value
Hi,
You can order an appraisal of your watch here:
https://millenarywatches.com/watches/watch-consulting/
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi,
sorry if that’s a stupid question but what is with the years after after 1983?
I am just starting to look into the watch world and try to learn all the important things.
I am currently looking at a Tissot Quickster wit the serial number: 16JA0378514
I find it very hard to find information about the production year.
Could you maybe clarify that for me?
Kind regards,
Jonas
Hi,
Tissot changed its serial number system which makes it more difficult to date the watches using serial numbers. Today, Tissot uses a completely randomized serial number system, like many other watch brands instead of a sequential system that makes it possible to date the watches with their serial numbers.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches