Automotive manufacturer Alpine teams up with Tissot to produce a wristwatch with a rather unique feature.
For most buyers, the lure of the Tissot Alpine On Board Automatic will be its stylish looks and exclusivity. Available as an accessory with the new Alpine A110 car, this new timepiece is said to give the driver an unrivalled experience. This is a claim we have no doubt the car delivers on, but it is probably a stretch regarding the watch.
The Alpine A110 has been exceptionally well received and has made its way onto many motoring bucket lists, so the watch will need to be something out of the ordinary to match this feat.
The cleverness of this timepiece does not lie so much within the mechanics, more so in the design. What elevates this timepiece from the usual raft of overstyled automotive timepieces is its case, which can be detached from its bracelet.
It can then be affixed to the supporting frame, made from a special aluminium, which is then attached to the car’s multimedia screen, allowing the driver to read the time while on the road.
The Tissot On Board Automatic utilises a Valjoux A05.H31 movement. This is a fairly decent chronograph movement found within watches such as the Rado D-Star 200 and is based on the extremely reliable Valjoux 7750.
Looks-wise, it’s one of the better dedicated automotive-themed watches currently available. It has a nice retro styling about it with prominent piston-shaped push buttons. In addition, the dial subtly recalls the counters in the famed ‘Berlinette’ of the sixties and seventies.
Design elements taken from the Tissot PRS 516 give this watch an athletic, stylish, air-worthy of a gentleman driver.
The hints of sporting orange on the hands recall the dashboards of the Alpine series from the sixties and give the watch a zestful feel. This bright hue is set off by a black dial, making the time plain to see.
As a tribute to Tissot’s partnership with Alpine, the latter’s legendary ‘A’ adorns the Alpine-blue second’s hand and the carmaker’s logo is engraved on the case back.
With its perforated leather bracelet that echoes the steering wheels of classic racing cars, the Tissot Alpine On Board Quartz is a must if you are fortunate enough to own the car or would probably be a stylish addition to your wardrobe if you don’t.
Tissot Alpine On Board Automatic Specifications
- Made in Switzerland
- Quartz movement
- 316L stainless steel detachable case with engraved case back
- Water resistance up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m)
- Leather strap with standard buckle
- Special edition
- Special presentation box
- Diameter: 45 mm