The Tissot Two-Timer is one of those watches that mostly slips through the cracks of watch history. It’s not mechanical, it’s not rare but it is getting harder to find them in good condition like most discontinued watches. After restoring one myself, I realised this vintage ana-digi quartz watch represents an interesting transitional era for Swiss watchmakers like Tissot.
In this review, I’ll walk through the history, design, features, collectibility, and why this restored Two-Timer has earned a spot in my rotation.
A Brief History of the Tissot Two-Timer
The Tissot Two-Timer dates back to the late 1980s to early 1990s, a period when Swiss brands were still finding their footing after the Quartz Crisis.
Quartz technology was no longer new, digital displays were still associated with modernity, and ana-digi watches offered the best of both worlds:
- Traditional analog hands
- A digital display for added functionality
The Two-Timer sits right in this transitional space. It’s practical, slightly quirky, and unmistakably a product of its time.
Case Design and Dimensions
This particular Tissot Two-Timer features a rectangular, tank-style case, a design language I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to.
Case specifications:
- Case width: 27.5mm
- Case height: 31mm
- Thickness: 7mm
- Lug-to-lug: 37mm
- Lug width: 20mm
The case is brushed gold-plated, paired with a matching gold-plated crown. The caseback is stainless steel and includes the serial number along with a 3 ATM water resistance rating.
This reference is sometimes nicknamed the “Pyjama” Two-Timer, thanks to the horizontal stripe pattern found on both the dial and crystal.
Dial, Crystal, and Ana-Digi Features
At its core, this is a true ana-digi watch:
- Analog hour and minute hands
- Digital display integrated cleanly into the dial
The digital functions include:
- Time and date
- Second timezone
- Chronograph
- Alarm
There is manual available for it you can grab from digital-watch website.
Basically there are 3 positions for the crown
- Position A = Normal
- Position A1 = crown pushed down
- Position B = Settings (crown up)
On normal position, turn the crown to move to the different features then pull the crown to set that feature. The most annoying and frustrating part of setting the time is the slow turning and fast turning of the crown. I couldn’t get the slow turn right and it always does a fast turn.
One other standout detail is the crystal. it’s actually mineral glass, and part of the design is printed on the underside of the crystal itself. That small design choice adds depth and gives the watch a distinctly 80s-90s aesthetic.
This example came with its original matching plastic strap, though other Two-Timer references were sold with different bracelet styles.
Why the Tissot Two-Timer Is in My Rotation
After restoring it, this watch genuinely earned its place in my rotation.
Over my collecting journey, I’ve realised I’m naturally drawn to rectangular and tank-style watches. The proportions feel intentional, less trend-driven, and they sit especially well on my 6.25-inch wrist. My ultimate grail in this category would be a Cartier Tank Louis, but pieces like this Two-Timer help scratch that itch along the way.
This reference isn’t trying to be dressy. It’s more reserved, functional, and quietly interesting, my wife thinks it’s funky. Some Two-Timer variants lean much bolder in design, but this one strikes a balance that makes it easy to wear. Knowing I brought it back to life makes wearing it feel more personal.
My Tissot Two-Timer Restoration Journey
When I first received it, parts were missing and the quartz module appeared to be dead. I ended up buying a non-running Two-Timer from eBay Germany as a donor watch. Ironically, when it arrived, all it needed was a fresh battery.
I swapped the working module into the original case, and that’s what finally brought this watch back to life.
That experience pushed me deeper into watch tinkering, not just mechanical movements, but Swiss quartz as well. Restoration doesn’t always mean complex repairs — sometimes it’s about patience, parts sourcing, and a bit of luck.
Is the Tissot Two-Timer Collectible?
By traditional standards, not really.
It’s not rare, prices remain relatively modest, and demand is niche. That said, within watch communities — especially forums and Reddit — there’s a growing appreciation for:
- Vintage quartz watches
- Ana-digi designs
- Overlooked transitional models
Clean, fully working examples are becoming harder to find, which has slowly increased interest. While it’s not an investment piece in the traditional sense, it’s gaining respect for what it represents historically.
Final Thoughts
My collection is built around a mix of modern and vintage watches that I enjoy wearing. Alongside that, I keep a selection of project watches — pieces I buy at the right price, restore, and eventually sell. That process helps fund future purchases and move me closer to adding true grail watches to my collection.
The Tissot Two-Timer is a great example of that journey. It’s affordable, historically interesting, and rewarding to restore. If you set the time once you don’t have to worry about messing around with the annoying settings. It may not be a grail, but it represents the learning, experimentation, and progress that make watch collecting so satisfying.