The "Banana Watch": A legendary Art Nouveau icon, a century in the making | TISSOT
TISSOT
Born as a watch for the Imperial Court. Fits snugly to the wrist,
the ultimate curved case
The legendary "Banana Watch," born in 1916, evolved further in 2017. The color variations, released all at once, come in five types. Among them, the Japan-exclusive model exudes monochrome dandyism, embodying an elegance that steps beyond the original's charm.
Text by YOSHIDA Miho
"Effortless" and "gender-free"
in sync with modern trends
In the early 20th century, TISSOT was commissioned to create watches to adorn the wrists of the court nobility of the Romanov dynasty (1613-1917), which flourished in the Russian Empire. The design featured an elongated case with Arabic numeral indexes radiating from the center. Its novelty captivated the nobles of the era.
However, the following year, the Russian Revolution erupted. The Tsarist regime came to an end, and the "Banana Watch" ceased production in less than a year, becoming a legendary timepiece.
Later, after 78 years, it was revived in 1995. Since then, though produced in small limited runs, it has been renewed numerous times, continuing to evolve without remaining a mere phantom. This iteration, which enhances its allure, features a classic logo and a dress style that omits even the calendar and second hand, marking time with the elegance of the Art Nouveau era.
The Japan-exclusive model is particularly noteworthy. With a silver dial and black indexes, paired with a strap of the same color alligator leather, it exudes monochrome dandyism.
Models with a 100-year history are rare in the world of watches. So why does the Banana Watch continue to be supported over a century later? It is due to its unique originality. Furthermore, its unpretentious, relaxed feel, and its suitability for sharing between genders make it a wardrobe essential for the modern era.
TISSOT HERITAGE BANANA CENTENARY JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION
Ref.｜T117.509.16.032.01
Movement｜Quartz
Case Material｜SS
Case Size｜49mm☓27mm
Strap Material｜Alligator leather
Water Resistance｜3 bar
Price｜¥45,000 (excl. tax) *Includes Heritage tote bag
Limited Quantity｜500 pieces
TISSOT HERITAGE BANANA CENTENARY
Ref.｜T117.509.16.052.00
Movement｜Quartz
Case Material｜SS
Case Size｜49mm☓27mm
Strap Material｜Calf leather
Water Resistance｜3 bar
Price｜¥43,000 (excl. tax)
TISSOT HERITAGE BANANA CENTENARY
Ref.｜T117.509.36.022.00
Movement｜Quartz
Case Material｜SS with yellow gold PVD
Case Size｜49mm☓27mm
Strap Material｜Calf leather
Water Resistance｜3 bar
Price｜¥54,000 (excl. tax)
TISSOT HERITAGE BANANA CENTENARY
Ref.｜T117.509.36.032.00
Movement｜Quartz
Case Material｜SS with rose gold PVD
Case Size｜49mm☓27mm
Strap Material｜Calf leather
Water Resistance｜3 bar
Price｜¥54,000 (excl. tax)
TISSOT HERITAGE BANANA CENTENARY
Ref.｜T117.509.36.052.00
Movement｜Quartz
Case Material｜SS with rose gold PVD
Case Size｜49mm☓27mm
Strap Material｜Calf leather
Water Resistance｜3 bar
Price｜¥54,000 (excl. tax)
Tissot / Swatch Group Japan
Tel. 03-6254-7361
http://www.tissotwatches.com