Tissot Alpine On Board Automatic Chronograph A110S

We’ve said it in the past, similarities between cars and watches are endless, whether we’re talking about mechanics, design or the passion they incite. Both sides of the industry are fully aware of this and of the fact that collectors of one are often enthusiastic about the other – which explains why MONOCHROME has The Petrolhead Corner column. This is also something that Tissot has understood for some time and the brand enjoys a long partnership with a legend of the French car industry, Alpine. Recently, both brands presented a new model, the Tissot Alpine On Board Automatic Chronograph A110S.

Revamped recently, Alpine has carved a place in the heart of sports car lovers with its “Berlinette”, the A110, a car with a superb racing pedigree forged in the 1970s by winning approximately every rally event in Europe. Owned by Renault, the brand resurfaced a couple of years ago and introduced a revival A110 car, presented in the signature Alpine Blue (it had to be painted in that colour… obviously). A small, nimble, lightweight and compact sports car that isn’t made to break records but to bring joy to its driver. Last year, Alpine introduced a stiffer, more powerful edition dubbed A110 S, which was presented in a matte grey colour with orange accents. The latter is the inspiration for today’s watch, a new edition of the “transformable” chronograph by Tissot, a piece dedicated to petrolheads.

The concept behind the Tissot Alpine On Board Automatic Chronograph A110S is quite cool and unique in this price range. In fact, it isn’t only a wristwatch: it has three different personalities. Certainly, most of the time it will be strapped around the wrist. But, the central module can be removed from the caseback/strap element to transform it into two other objects. First, it can be fixed to your Alpine’s dashboard, next to the infotainment system on a dedicated stand, and used as a dashboard timer. Also, new for this edition, Tissot includes a table stand in the presentation box, meaning that it can also be used as a desk clock.

The case of this Tissot Alpine On Board is made of stainless steel and measures 45mm in diameter. It is polished and brushed, decorated with a racing-inspired pattern on the flanks and protected by a bevelled sapphire crystal on top (and a second sapphire crystal for the caseback). It is secured by a perforated black leather strap with orange stitchings. The same colour, inspired by the livery of the A110 S, is found on the dial’s markers, hands and date frame. The dial is grey-coloured and grained, an ode to the car’s livery. Finally, the sub-counters and the inner flange are black, the latter being equipped with a racing-oriented tachymeter scale.

Under the hood is a simple yet reliable automatic chronograph movement based on the Valjoux 7750 architecture. Running at 4Hz, this integrated chronograph has an upgraded power reserve of 60 hours. It is decorated with circular graining and a grey-coated oscillating weight.

Price and availability

The Tissot Alpine On Board Automatic Chronograph A110S is delivered in a presentation box with table stand, dashboard attachment and strap module. It will be limited to 516 pieces and priced at EUR 2,190.

More details at www.tissotwatches.com.