The Tissot caliber 871 is a vintage manual-winding movement produced during the 1960s–1970s, a time when Tissot was crafting reliable and accessible Swiss mechanical watches. As part of the brand's 870-series of calibers, the 871 was developed for time-only wristwatches and is known for its compact size, robust performance, and ease of service.

Overview of the Caliber 871

The Tissot 871 was likely introduced as a basic hand-wound movement, designed for simple, elegant wristwatches. This movement was mostly used in slim men's dress watches and unisex models, often housed in stainless steel or gold-plated cases. Like its sister calibers (872, 874, 875), the 871 offered a practical and economical mechanical solution, reflecting Tissot's commitment to quality in the pre-quartz era.

Technical Specifications

While official technical documentation is limited due to the age of the movement, the typical specs of the Tissot 871 are as follows:

• Type: Manual winding

• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)

• Power reserve: Around 42–44 hours

• Diameter: Approx. 23–25 mm (~10–10.5 lignes)

• Height: ~3.0–3.5 mm

• Shock protection: Yes (typically Incabloc)

The 871 was designed to be simple, durable, and cost-effective, using a straightforward gear train layout and solid Swiss engineering.

Watches Featuring Caliber 871

The Tissot 871 was found in various 1960s and 1970s Tissot dress watches, including:

• Tissot Seastar series

• Classic round-cased models

• Slim rectangular or cushion-shaped references

These watches often featured clean dials, baton indices, and domed acrylic crystals, reflecting the elegant minimalism of the era.

Reliability and Maintenance

Movements like the 871 are celebrated among vintage collectors for being highly serviceable. Parts are generally available through vintage suppliers, and most skilled watchmakers can easily maintain or repair them. The 871's simplicity is one of its strengths—fewer components mean fewer points of failure.

With regular servicing every 4–6 years, the Tissot 871 can continue to perform reliably for decades.

Collectibility and Appeal

The Tissot 871 is not a collectible caliber on its own, but watches housing it are attractive to:

• Vintage enthusiasts

• Collectors seeking affordable Swiss mechanical watches

• First-time buyers of mechanical timepieces

These watches offer excellent value, with genuine Swiss craftsmanship and vintage charm at accessible prices.

Conclusion

The Tissot caliber 871 represents the essence of practical Swiss watchmaking during the golden age of mechanical timepieces. Designed for slim, everyday wristwatches, it is durable, reliable, and easy to service. While it may not be a horological icon, it continues to power vintage Tissot watches with quiet confidence—offering enthusiasts a true mechanical experience in an elegant and timeless form.