The Tissot Telemeter 1938 chronograph reawakens the golden age of watchmaking with its vintage charm, modern upgrade, and precise pricing. Released as a tribute to Tissot’s sports timing legacy, this timepiece features a striking 42 mm case, a telemeter and tachymeter scale, and a Swiss automatic Valjoux A05.231 movement. But what truly interests collectors and enthusiasts is its price how much you’ll pay and what you get in return. In today’s market, we find a range from approximately $1,950 to $2,225, depending on retailer, dial color, and straps.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
On Tissot’s official site, two key versions of the Telemeter 1938 are listed at $2,225 each. For example:
- Reference T142.462.16.052.00 (black dial, leather strap) $2,225
- Reference T142.462.16.032.00 (silver dial, leather strap) $2,225
These prices include the automatic chronograph caliber, domed sapphire crystal, see-through caseback, and Nivachron balance spring all hallmarks of value in the $2k range.
Typical Retail Variations and Deals
Authorized dealers and online retailers often offer discounts from MSRP:
- Watch Warehouse lists the blackdial version for around $1,985.81, down from $2,225.
- aBlogtoWatch noted the MSRP at $1,950, which may reflect earlier pricing or regional positioning.
This means buyers can often find the Telemeter 1938 for approximately 1012 % below Tissot’s price if they shop around.
Resale Market Pricing
On platforms like Chrono24, you’ll find listings ranging from $1,309 (one of the lowest new/unworn offers) up to around $2,346 for pristine, hard-to-find color variants.
These used or nearly new prices show that serious collectors may find better deals or rare editions but still expect to pay close to MSRP unless the dial is less common.
Price Bands Overview
- Brand-new, full price: $2,225
- Authorized discount: $1,9502,025 range
- Online deals: $1,9002,050
- Second-hand/resale: $1,3002,300 depending on condition and rarity
What Influences the Price?
Several factors drive the price range for the Telemeter 1938:
Movement & Materials
- Valjoux A05.231 automatic chronograph: reliable Swiss engine with 68hour power reserve and Nivachron balance spring
- Domed sapphire crystal and 316L stainless steel, plus a leather strap with butterfly clasp
These materials justify a price in the mid$2,000 bracket due to performance and durability.
Design and Heritage
The watch stands out with its 1930sinspired design: telemeter scale, railroadtrack subdials, vintagestyle Arabic numerals, and a seethrough caseback. Collectors value this combination of historical appeal and modern reliability.
Retailer Strategy and Discounts
Prices drop when retailers offer promotions, wartime stock clearance, or seasonal markdowns. One retailer even listed the Telemeter 1938 at $1,985 a solid 11% off.
Value Compared to Class Peers
In a market crowded with Swiss chronographs, the Telemeter 1938 offers strong value at its $2,000plus price â it delivers vintage aesthetics, good build quality, and genuine mechanical heritage.
- Many chronographs with Valjoux 7750derived calibres often start around $2,5003,000.
- Entrylevel auto chronos from lesser brands can fall below $1,000 but often lack sapphire crystal or Nivachron spring.
Tips for Buying the Telemeter 1938
- Check around $1,950 price tag some retailers beat MSRP by 1012%
- Watch condition and strap authenticity if buying used
- Consider which dial version is rare black, silver, blue, or salmon and how that impacts resale value
- Verify authorized dealer status and warranty coverage
The Tissot Telemeter 1938 occupies a compelling price niche, with a $2,225 MSRP reflecting its highquality movement, vintage design, and Swiss craftsmanship. Savvy buyers can find it for roughly $1,950, especially during deals, making it a strong value proposition in the mechanical chronograph market. Meanwhile, preowned models can drop to around $1,300, though these offers are rarer and conditiondependent. For those drawn to classic design and modern engineering, understanding this price landscape helps make an informed decision that balances budget, style, and longterm value.
Overall, whether you pay full price or score a deal, the Tissot Telemeter 1938 delivers a distinctive blend of tradition, performance, and affordability in a sea of contemporary chronographs.
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