Vintage Tissot Watch 41620 PR 516 Manually Wound Cal 781-1

SPECIFICATION

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre owned condition with light signs of wear
  
• Case has some light scratches and marks
• Fully serviced manually wound movement
• Signed Tissot crown
• Silver sunburst dial
• Hands have some light patina
• Pair with an unworn grey leather strap
  

THE PR 516

The Tissot PR 516 is a standout piece of 1960s–70s design, created as a sporty, “particularly robust” watch with strong links to motorsport. Introduced around 1965, it became known for its drilled rally-style bracelets inspired by racing-car steering wheels, clean sporty cases, and reliable Swiss movements in both date and chronograph variants. The model earned extra character through period advertising and even a brief appearance on Roger Moore’s wrist in Live and Let Die. Today, vintage PR 516s remain attractively undervalued, offering genuine Swiss heritage, distinctive styling, and strong build quality without the premium attached to their more famous counterparts. The Tissot calibre 781 is a hand-wound movement introduced in 1959, built as part of Tissot’s modular 7xx family. It runs at 18,000 vph, uses 17 jewels, and offers a power reserve of roughly 40 hours approx. Found in many 1960s PR 516, Seastar and Seastar Seven models, it’s a simple, robust, and serviceable movement that represents classic mid-century Tissot engineering. Because it’s straightforward to maintain and parts are still reasonably available, it remains a reliable choice in vintage pieces and a solid talking point when highlighting the value and heritage behind these watches.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The Swiss luxury watch company Tissot from Le Locle, Switzerland, was established in 1853 by Charles Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Emile. Under Charles-Emile’s direction, they manufactured pocket watches with parts from Russia and the United States. In 1915, the company began producing wristwatches. In 1930 Tissot created the world's first Non-Magnetic wristwatch. Between 1920 and 1977, Tissot produced its own movements. In 1930 to survive the 1929 crash and economic crisis they entered into an agreement with Omega to form the SSIH Group which 53 years later became the Swatch Group.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Tissot PR 516 is a charming slice of vintage Swiss watchmaking, with its balanced 35mm case and original bracelet giving it a classic, easy-wearing presence. Tissot pieces from this era still fly under the radar, but they offer remarkable history and craftsmanship for the money. This PR 516 has been carefully revived and is now ready for its next chapter on your wrist.