The Tissot caliber 781 is a manual-winding mechanical movement from the 1960s and early 1970s, designed for small-format wristwatches, particularly ladies’ models and elegant mid-size dress watches. It belongs to Tissot’s trusted 780-series of compact in-house calibers, which includes closely related movements such as the 782, 783, and 784. These calibers reflect Tissot’s mission during the mid-20th century: to deliver reliable Swiss mechanics in slim, stylish, and affordable watches.

Overview of the Caliber 781

The Tissot 781 was engineered as a compact, time-only movement for watches where slimness and simplicity were paramount. It offered solid performance and was built with enough quality to ensure decades of use. Like others in the 780-series, the 781 was constructed with a standard Swiss lever escapement, jeweled bearings, and robust finishing for everyday reliability.

Though not as widely known as Tissot’s larger movements, the 781 was essential to their catalog, especially in markets that favored refined dress watches with mechanical heritage.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual winding

• Functions: Hours and minutes (no seconds hand in most variants)

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)

• Power Reserve: Approximately 40 hours

• Diameter: ~17.2 mm (approx. 7¾ lignes)

• Height: ~2.9–3.0 mm

• Shock Protection: Typically Incabloc

• Finishing: Matte or brushed plates, some with perlage; signed Tissot bridges

The jewel count and shock protection gave this small movement the durability needed for everyday use while maintaining a very slim profile.

Watches Featuring the 781

You’ll find the Tissot 781 in a range of 1960s–70s vintage Tissot watches, such as:

• Ladies' dress models with 18k gold or gold-plated cases

• Small rectangular, oval, or cushion-shaped watches

• Minimalist dial designs—often two-hand with no complications

• Integrated bracelet watches or decorative cocktail pieces

These watches were fashionable, durable, and affordable for the time—and today offer vintage charm backed by a mechanical heart.

Servicing and Maintenance

The Tissot 781 is easy to maintain, thanks to its straightforward construction and compatibility with other movements in the 780-series. Spare parts can still be found through vintage suppliers or donor movements.

A full service every 4 to 6 years is recommended to ensure longevity and accuracy. When properly maintained, the 781 performs reliably even after decades of use.

Collectibility and Value

While the 781 isn’t a rare or highly collectible caliber in itself, it holds value for those who appreciate:

• Mechanical watches in smaller case sizes

• Affordable vintage Swiss craftsmanship

• Simple, time-only functionality

• Elegance and subtlety in mid-century design

Watches with the 781 are often available at accessible prices and provide excellent entry points into vintage mechanical watch collecting.

Conclusion

The Tissot caliber 781 is a compact, durable, and well-engineered manual-wind movement that powered many of Tissot’s slim dress watches during the 1960s and 1970s. Built with classic Swiss reliability and refined design, it remains a charming reminder of a time when even the most discreet watches were crafted with care and mechanical integrity. For those seeking understated vintage elegance, the 781 delivers a dependable and stylish experience.