There?s a phrase in French that the English language has no equivalent for: jolie laide. Roughly translated, it means unconventionally beautiful, with the added subtext that the person or thing in question is made more attractive by its unusual features. If there was ever a watch that exemplified jolie laide, this is it: the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph. It?s classically inspired (taking inspiration from, naturally, a 1948 piece of Tissot?s back catalog) and beautifully proportioned, but with a few twists that set it apart from the norm. Is this enough to propel this watch above its more traditional-looking brethren" Let?s dig in.

$1450

Review: Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph

Case
Stainless steel

Movement
ETA 2894-2

Dial
Silver

Lume
n/a
Lens
Hesalite

Strap
Milanese mesh (also leather)

Water Resistance
30 meters

Dimensions
39.5mm x 48mm

Thickness
11.9mm

Lug Width
20mm

Crown
Push/pull

Warranty
Yes

Price
$1450

The case of the Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph immediately draws attention with its fantastic bombé lugs, but the full package really starts to shine on closer inspection. The wide, sharply sloping and polished bezel catches the light at almost any angle, visually compressing an already thin watch even flatter on the wrist. It offers handsome contrast with the thin, lightly brushed mid-case. Broad, flat pushers coupled with a thin pillbox crown help to keep the side profile slim as well. The lugs ...