Tissot RockWatch

Think you’ve seen it all? How about a watch made out of stone?

Yup — you read that right. In the 1980s, Tissot released the Rock Watch, a series of timepieces with cases constructed from granite, alabaster, aventurine, and more. In production from 1985 through 1992, they came in various sizes for men and women and were outfitted with ETA quartz movements. While most were paired with leather straps, some even featured bracelets made from the same stone as the case!

The particular RockWatch we have here is housed in a 33mm granite case with a sapphire crystal, a stainless steel crown, and a steel caseback that attaches directly to the watch strap. It features a granite dial with a bright yellow hour hand, a red minute hand, and a signed green leather strap with a signed stainless steel pin buckle.

Unconventional and idiosyncratic, Rock Watches sold in excess of 500,000 units, and it’s easy to see why: In a world where all of us take watch collecting perhaps a bit too seriously, these stony offerings from Tissot are just plain fun!

Established in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Charles-Émile Tissot, Tissot quickly contributed several notable innovations to the watch industry, including the first dual-time pocket watch in 1853 and the first commercially available anti-magnetic watch in 1929-1930.
In 1930, the firm merged with Omega SA to form the SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère). This would prove significant in the 1980s, when SSIH merged with ASUAG, a holding company, eventually becoming the SMH (Société Suisse de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie). In 1998, SMH would become the Swatch Group, with Tissot poised as one of the conglomerate’s mid-range offerings.
Today, Tissot watches are distributed in over 160 countries, with brand ambassadors who include many basketball players, cricketers, actors, and more. They have previously sponsored Formula One teams and functioned as the official timekeeper for downhill skiing competitions, while their horological and design innovations, which include the Rock Watch of the 1980s the the brand’s T-Touch technology, have since made them a household name.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.