Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch

The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch brings traditional Swiss watchmaking into one of horology’s most classical forms. Reference T82.4.402.12 is a genuine hand-wound pocket watch designed around the open-face Lepine format, combining a white dial, black Arabic numerals, small seconds and a gold-plated case with a traditional mechanical movement.

Unlike a contemporary wristwatch, the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch is intended to be carried in a pocket and worn with its accompanying chain. This immediately gives the watch a different character: more ceremonial, more traditional and closely connected with the history of mechanical timekeeping.

Tissot’s own historical catalogue places reference T82.4.402.12 among its Mechanical Lepines Without Top Cover, confirming the open-face pocket-watch configuration and that a chain was included with the model.

The case measures approximately 47 mm in diameter and around 9.3 mm in thickness, creating classic pocket-watch proportions without becoming excessively thick. Exact-reference specialist listings also place the complete weight at approximately 100 grams.

Its round case is manufactured from brass with a gold-coloured plated finish. The warm tone reinforces the traditional personality of the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch, giving it the appearance expected from a classic gentleman’s pocket watch without requiring a solid-gold case.

The open-face Lepine construction means there is no protective hinged cover over the dial. Instead, the dial remains immediately visible when the watch is removed from the pocket, making time reading quick and allowing the classical dial design to remain the visual focus.

The white dial provides strong contrast against the black Arabic numerals and dark hands. A complete minute track surrounds the dial, helping reinforce the traditional precision-instrument appearance of reference T82.4.402.12.

Rather than using central seconds, the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch features a dedicated small-seconds sub-dial. This is one of the most characteristic elements of traditional pocket-watch design and provides an immediate visual connection with historic mechanical watchmaking.

Inside is a Swiss hand-wound mechanical movement. Exact-reference sources identify the calibre as the ETA / Unitas 6497-1, one of the best-known large-format manual-winding movement families associated with traditional pocket watches.

Manual winding is central to the ownership experience of the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch. Unlike an automatic watch, which uses wrist movement to wind its mainspring, this model is intentionally wound by turning the crown.

That simple ritual creates a more direct connection between owner and mechanism. The watch must be mechanically powered by hand, preserving an experience that closely reflects how pocket watches were traditionally used for generations.

The movement operates without a conventional battery. Its energy is stored mechanically in the mainspring and gradually released to power the hands and small-seconds display.

For an enthusiast of mechanical watches, this gives reference T82.4.402.12 a fundamentally different appeal from Tissot’s quartz pocket watches. The value lies not simply in telling the time, but in the traditional mechanism responsible for doing so.

The crystal is documented by exact-reference specialists as Hesalite / acrylic-type crystal rather than sapphire. This is historically appropriate for a traditional pocket watch and differs from the sapphire crystals used on many contemporary Tissot wristwatches.

One advantage of acrylic-style crystals is that light surface marks can often be polished more easily than scratches in harder mineral materials. At the same time, the material should be treated with appropriate care because it is softer than sapphire.

The watch is supplied with a gold-plated chain, documented at approximately 30 cm by exact-reference specifications. The chain allows the pocket watch to be secured to clothing while completing the traditional presentation of the piece.

This makes the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch particularly suitable for formal tailoring. Worn with a waistcoat, suit or ceremonial outfit, a pocket watch creates a visual effect that no conventional wristwatch can reproduce.

Yet the appeal of reference T82.4.402.12 goes beyond formalwear. It can also be appreciated as a mechanical object, a collectible Tissot reference or an occasional piece for someone interested in traditional horology.

The gold-coloured case and white dial create a timeless combination. Unlike trend-driven watch colours, the palette is closely associated with classical pocket-watch design and therefore feels intentionally historical.

The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch is especially compelling as a milestone gift. Its format lends itself naturally to occasions such as graduations, anniversaries, retirements, weddings or significant professional achievements.

A mechanical pocket watch can also carry more sentimental character than a conventional modern sports watch. The hand-wound movement, traditional chain and open-face dial create a piece that feels connected to ceremony and personal history.

For collectors, reference T82.4.402.12 is interesting because it represents an older Tissot pocket-watch configuration that is no longer part of the brand’s mainstream current catalogue. Tissot continues to produce pocket watches today, demonstrating that this form remains part of the company’s watchmaking heritage.

The mechanical movement is particularly important in this context. While quartz makes a pocket watch extremely convenient, manual winding preserves the interaction and engineering associated with traditional horology.

The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch therefore appeals most strongly to someone who values the experience of a mechanical timepiece rather than simply maximum convenience.

Its approximately 47 mm dimensions also provide enough space for the white dial, Arabic numerals and small seconds to remain clear and balanced. Pocket watches naturally accommodate larger movements and dials because they do not need to conform to wrist dimensions.

At approximately 100 grams, the watch has enough physical substance to feel significant when handled while remaining practical for its intended pocket-watch use.

Water resistance for the exact reference is documented at approximately 3 bar / 30 metres. This should be understood as protection against limited incidental contact rather than permission for swimming or immersion. A vintage-style mechanical pocket watch should primarily be protected from unnecessary water exposure.

Explore our Tissot Watches selection to discover Swiss Made watches across Tissot’s classic, mechanical and contemporary collections.

Discover additional traditional pocket watches in our Tissot Lepine Collection and compare alternative Lepine references and dial configurations.

For more traditional hand-wound timepieces, explore our Tissot Mechanical Watches selection and discover watches powered without a conventional quartz battery.

The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch ultimately represents something increasingly unusual in modern watchmaking: a traditional open-face pocket watch powered entirely by a hand-wound mechanical movement.

Its 47 mm gold-plated brass case, white dial, Arabic numerals, small-seconds display, ETA/Unitas 6497-1 manual-wind movement and traditional chain create a configuration rooted directly in classical horology.

For someone seeking a Swiss Made timepiece with genuine historical character rather than simply another wristwatch, the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch T82.4.402.12 offers a distinctive connection to traditional mechanical watchmaking.

For official information about Tissot’s heritage and current Swiss pocket-watch collections, visit the official Tissot website.

Who Is It For?

The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch is designed for those who appreciate traditional Swiss horology and the distinctive character of a hand-wound mechanical timepiece.

It is particularly suited to:

• Collectors of traditional mechanical watches and pocket watches
• Enthusiasts who appreciate manual-winding Swiss movements
• Those looking for an elegant alternative to a conventional wristwatch
• Gentlemen who want a sophisticated accessory for formal or ceremonial attire
• Anyone searching for a memorable anniversary, retirement, graduation or milestone gift
• Tissot collectors interested in the brand’s historic T-Pocket Lepine references

With its open-face design, classic white dial and gold-plated case, reference T82.4.402.12 captures the visual language of traditional European pocket watches.

Why Choose the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch?

The appeal of the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch lies in its simplicity and mechanical authenticity.

At its heart is the ETA / Unitas 6497-1, a Swiss hand-wound mechanical calibre traditionally associated with pocket watches. Contemporary reference documentation lists the movement with 17 jewels, a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of up to approximately 50 hours.

Rather than relying on a battery or automatic rotor, the movement is powered by manually winding the crown. This traditional interaction is part of the experience: winding the watch connects its owner directly with the mechanical movement inside.

The 47mm open-face case provides the proportions expected from a classic pocket watch while allowing excellent dial legibility. The white dial, Arabic numerals and separate small-seconds display create an elegant and highly traditional appearance.

The gold-plated brass construction further enhances its vintage-inspired character, while the included chain completes the authentic pocket-watch presentation. Historical Tissot catalogue information specifically lists the T82.4.402.12 with its chain included.

Why You’ll Love It

The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch offers something fundamentally different from a modern wristwatch.

Its charm comes from the ritual of ownership: removing it from the pocket, opening your hand around the substantial 47mm case, reading the traditional dial and periodically winding the mechanical movement.

The small-seconds display adds another unmistakably classical detail, while the gold-coloured case contrasts beautifully with the clean white dial.

Most importantly, this is not simply a modern watch designed to look vintage. Its manual-winding ETA 6497 architecture and traditional Lepine open-face configuration are genuinely rooted in pocket-watch design. Historical Tissot documentation identifies the T82.4.402.12 within the mechanical T-Pocket Lepines family.

For collectors and enthusiasts, that authenticity gives the watch much of its appeal.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Tissot
Collection: T-Pocket / Lepine
Reference: T82.4.402.12
Watch Type: Pocket Watch
Origin: Swiss Made

Movement

Movement Type: Mechanical – Manual Winding
Calibre: ETA / Unitas 6497-1
Jewels: 17
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
Power Reserve: Up to approximately 50 hours
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds

The ETA 6497-1 is a large-format mechanical calibre whose architecture is especially appropriate for traditional pocket watches. Exact-reference documentation identifies it as the movement used in the T82.4.402.12.

Case

Case Shape: Round / Open-Face Lepine
Case Material: Brass
Case Finish: Gold-Plated
Diameter: 47 mm
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Weight: Approximately 100 g

Both specialist exact-reference documentation and historical catalogue information support the 47mm diameter and 9.3mm thickness, confirming that 47mm is the appropriate measurement for this reference rather than 49.4mm.

Dial

Dial Colour: White
Hour Markers: Black Arabic Numerals
Seconds: Small Seconds Sub-Dial
Display: Analogue

The combination of Arabic numerals and small seconds gives the watch its distinctive traditional pocket-watch appearance.

Crystal

Crystal: Hesalite / Acrylic

Hesalite is softer than sapphire crystal and therefore requires greater care against scratches, but its use is consistent with the traditional construction of this Tissot reference. Exact-reference and historical catalogue sources identify the T82.4.402.12 with Hesalite crystal.

Water Resistance

Water Resistance: Up to 3 bar / 30 metres according to specialist exact-reference documentation.

Because this is a traditional mechanical pocket watch, it should not be treated as a watch intended for swimming or immersion.

Chain

Chain: Gold-coloured / gold-plated pocket-watch chain
Chain Included: Yes

Historical Tissot catalogue material specifically records the T82.4.402.12 as “chain included.”

Why Buy From KG Jewellery?

When purchasing the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch from KG Jewellery, you are choosing a specialist retailer with a genuine appreciation for Swiss watchmaking.

Official Tissot Retailer

KG Jewellery is an Official Tissot Retailer, ensuring that your watch is supplied as an authentic Tissot timepiece.

International Tissot Warranty

Your Tissot watch is supplied with the applicable official Tissot international warranty documentation.

Carefully Selected Swiss Watches

Every Tissot offered by KG Jewellery is selected to provide the quality, authenticity and craftsmanship expected from one of Switzerland’s most established watchmakers.

Secure Payments

Shop confidently through secure payment methods designed to protect your transaction.

Fast & Careful Shipping

Every watch is carefully prepared and securely packaged before dispatch.

Personal Service

KG Jewellery combines the convenience of online shopping with the personal service and expertise of a specialist jewellery and watch retailer.

What’s in the Box?

Your Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch T82.4.402.12 includes:

• Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch
• Pocket-watch chain
• Official Tissot presentation box
• Tissot documentation
• Applicable official Tissot warranty documentation

The chain is documented as included with this specific reference in historical Tissot catalogue material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tissot Lepine T82.4.402.12 a mechanical watch?

Yes. The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch uses a traditional Swiss mechanical movement with manual winding. It does not rely on a conventional quartz battery.

Which movement does the Tissot T82.4.402.12 use?

The watch is equipped with the ETA / Unitas 6497-1 manual-winding mechanical movement. Exact-reference sources and historical Tissot documentation identify the 6497 family for this model.

Is Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch automatic?

No. This model is manually wound, not automatic. The crown must be wound periodically to store energy in the movement’s mainspring.

What is the power reserve?

Documentation for the ETA 6497-1 used in this reference lists a power reserve of up to approximately 50 hours when fully wound.

How large is Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch?

The case measures approximately 47mm in diameter and 9.3mm in thickness. The watch weighs approximately 100 grams.

Is the diameter 47mm or 49.4mm?

For reference T82.4.402.12, the documented diameter is 47mm. Multiple exact-reference and historical catalogue sources support this measurement.

Therefore, 47mm is the specification I recommend using in the KG Jewellery product listing.

What material is the case made from?

The case is made from brass with a gold-plated finish, giving the watch its traditional warm gold-coloured appearance.

Does Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch has a sapphire crystal?

No. Reference T82.4.402.12 uses a Hesalite/acrylic crystal, consistent with the traditional construction of this pocket watch.

Does Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch has a seconds hand?

Yes. Instead of a central seconds hand, the watch features a traditional small-seconds sub-dial.

Does Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch come with a chain?

Yes. Historical Tissot catalogue documentation specifically lists reference T82.4.402.12 with the chain included.

Is Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch a wristwatch?

No. The Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch is a traditional pocket watch designed to be carried in a pocket and secured using its chain.

What does “Lepine” mean?

In pocket-watch terminology, Lepine generally describes an open-face construction, without the hinged front cover associated with hunter-style pocket watches. Historical Tissot documentation also categorises this family as mechanical watches “without top cover.”

Is Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch suitable for formal occasions?

Absolutely. Its gold-coloured case, white dial and traditional chain make it especially appropriate with formal tailoring, waistcoats and ceremonial attire.

It can be particularly attractive for weddings, anniversaries, graduations and other important occasions.

Is Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch suitable as a gift?

Yes. A mechanical pocket watch has a distinctive sense of occasion, making the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch an excellent choice for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, graduations or wedding gifts.

Is Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch water resistant?

Specialist documentation for the exact reference lists 3 bar / 30 metres of water resistance.

However, this should not be interpreted as suitability for swimming. With a traditional mechanical pocket watch, unnecessary contact with water should be avoided.

How often should I wind the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch?

The watch should be wound regularly when in use. Wind the crown smoothly until you feel increased resistance, then stop. A mechanical watch should never be forced beyond the natural stopping point of the winding mechanism.

Does a mechanical pocket watch require servicing?

Yes. Like any mechanical watch, periodic professional servicing helps maintain lubrication, performance and long-term reliability.

Why choose a mechanical pocket watch instead of quartz?

A quartz pocket watch offers convenience, while a mechanical pocket watch provides a much more traditional horological experience.

With the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch, winding the ETA/Unitas movement becomes part of owning and enjoying the timepiece.

Is the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch Swiss Made?

Yes. The model is a Swiss Tissot mechanical pocket watch, and exact-reference documentation identifies its production as Swiss.

Is the Tissot Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch a good collector’s piece?

It can be particularly interesting for Tissot enthusiasts because it combines the historic Lepine pocket-watch format, a traditional manual-winding movement and a design that differs significantly from Tissot’s mainstream modern wristwatch collections.

For more information about Tissot, its Swiss watchmaking heritage and current collections, visit the official Tissot website.