The recent trend of watch brands reaching into their archives for inspiration on new watches showed no signs of abating at this year’s Baselworld watch fair, with contemporary versions of historical pieces emerging from a slew of watch brands. Tissot, which rolled out more than 100 new references overall, was no exception, paying tribute to its past with the Tissot Heritage 1948 and Tissot Heritage Banana Centenary Edition.
Tissot Heritage 1948 Ref. T66.1.712.33
The Tissot Heritage 1948, as one might glean from its name, takes its cues from a watch produced by Tissot in 1948 that now resides in the brand’s museum. The original timepiece is representative of an era in which Tissot manufactured numerous chronograph wristwatches for ? as the brand’s advertising touted ? “engineers, technicians, doctors and sports men.” The modern watch, whose 316L stainless steel case measures 39.5 mm in diameter and features alternating satin and polished finishes, retains much of its predecessor’s vintage elements as well as some updated ones. Retained from the historical piece are the two chronograph pushers, the minute track around the dial, the leaf-style hands and stud details, and the distinctively shaped lugs. Modern touches include the tricompax dial design, the applied Roman numeral XII at 12 o’clock, and the date display at 4:30.  
Tissot Heritage 1948, Ref. T66.1.722.33
The partially see-through caseback features engravings and call...