by Brent Robillard
A Retro-Styled GMT with Contemporary Elegance
At the Vancouver Timepiece Show, I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Brissiaud. Thomas, the founder of Tessé Watches, shared his passion for horology and introduced me to his latest creation—the Michel GMT in Rose Gold. This timepiece, a tribute to his grandfather Michel, encapsulates a blend of vintage inspiration and modern craftsmanship.
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A Personal Journey into Watchmaking
Thomas’s fascination with watches began in his youth, influenced by his grandfather’s cherished timepiece. This early exposure ignited a passion that eventually led him to establish Tessé Watches. The brand’s name, Tessé, is derived from a village in France where Thomas spent much of his childhood, reflecting a deep connection to his heritage. His vision was to create timepieces that marry classic design elements with contemporary functionality, offering watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for daily wear.
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The Michel GMT Rose Gold: A Closer Look
Case and Design
The Michel GMT features a 40mm stainless steel case with a rose gold PVD coating, exuding a warm, luxurious glow reminiscent of the 1970s disco era. The case design is a harmonious blend of tonneau and cushion shapes, offering a unique silhouette that sits comfortably on the wrist. The case is treated with a 1200 HV anti-scratch coating, ensuring durability for everyday wear.
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Dial and Hands
The black sunray dial serves as a striking backdrop for the rose gold hour markers and hands. The dial’s layered textures, including a radial brushed center and a satin ring, add depth and visual interest. The mountain-cut hands are a nod to vintage designs, capturing light beautifully and enhancing legibility. A light blue GMT scale and hand provide a subtle yet effective contrast, allowing for easy tracking of a second time zone.
Movement
Powering the Michel GMT is the Swiss-made Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement, regulated to -4/+6 seconds per day in five positions. This movement offers a 56-hour power reserve and features blue screws and perlage finishing, visible through the transparent case back. The GMT function operates on a 24-hour scale, making it practical for travelers and professionals alike.
Strap and Wearability
The watch comes with a high-quality Italian leather strap, complementing the rose gold case and enhancing the overall vintage aesthetic. With a case thickness of 10.8mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 47.1mm, the Michel GMT offers a comfortable fit on various wrist sizes. The double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures clarity and scratch resistance.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 47.1mm Lug to Lug 10.8mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Matte Black Dial Applied Indices Dauphine-Style Hands Superluminova X1 Lume |
| Movement | Sellita SW330-2 GMT Regulated to -4/+6 seconds 25 Jewels 28 800bph 56-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Italian Leather |
Tessé Michel GMT Rose Gold
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Final Thoughts
The Tessé Michel GMT Rose Gold is a testament to Thomas Brissiaud’s dedication to creating timepieces that honour the past while embracing modernity. Its design, craftsmanship, and personal story make it a compelling choice for watch enthusiasts seeking a unique GMT watch with a vintage flair.
Pricing & Availability
Tessé recently wrapped up a successful Kickstarter campaign with watches due to be delivered in September. The Michel GMT Rose Gold is also available directly from the website for $2145 CAD. Please note that there are four other colourways in stainless steel, as well.
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Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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