by Brent Robillard
Happy Anniversary
In the world of independent watchmaking, Tessé has quickly carved out a space by blending refined Swiss craft with a distinctly personal design language. The Michel GMT—its debut model—has already proven itself as a cornerstone for the brand, combining travel-ready functionality with 1970s-inspired casework. Now, Tessé introduces a striking new variant: the Michel GMT Crimson Drive.
Officially unveiled at the Toronto Timepiece Show later this month, the Crimson Drive isn’t just a new dial colour. It’s a statement piece that channels the energy of motorsport’s golden era while staying true to the Michel’s DNA.
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Key Features of the Tessé Michel GMT Crimson Drive
A Dial with Drive
The standout feature of the Crimson Drive is, without question, its dial. Tessé has opted for a deep, brushed crimson centre that graduates toward a darker perimeter, creating the illusion of speed and motion. It’s a red with substance—not flat or uniform, but layered and dynamic, almost lacquer-like under the light.
Balancing this vivid centrepiece is a sky-blue GMT hand, which slices across the dial with purpose. Paired with the matching 24-hour scale on the rehaut, it provides clarity while adding contrast to the warmth of the crimson. Polished dauphine hands and applied indices complete the look, lume-filled for low-light legibility. It’s a confident design that feels sporty without slipping into gimmickry.
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The Michel Case
If you’ve spent time with other Michel GMTs, you’ll know the case is a highlight. At 40mm in stainless steel, with sharply faceted lugs and a slim, travel-ready profile, it wears with both presence and restraint. The finishing remains crisp, with brushed planes and polished bevels playing off each other in a very 1970s way.
Water resistance is rated at 100 metres, making this more than just a desk-bound GMT. It’s a companion equally suited for airport lounges, pit lanes, or a weekend getaway.
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Swiss Heart
Powering the Crimson Drive is the Sellita SW330-2, an automatic GMT calibre with a 56-hour power reserve. The independent 24-hour hand makes it especially useful for frequent travellers, while the movement’s reputation for reliability ensures the watch is built to endure more than just stylistic appeal.
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Versatility on the Wrist
Like its siblings, the Crimson Drive comes with a choice of over a dozen straps, including supple leathers and basketweave rubbers. The option to easily shift between formal and casual tones only enhances the model’s versatility, ensuring it feels at home whether paired with a jacket or jeans.
A Natural Evolution
For founder Thomas Brissiaud, Tessé has always been about channeling the refinement of Swiss watchmaking through a lens of memory and storytelling. The Michel GMT embodies that ethos, and the Crimson Drive feels like a natural evolution. Where earlier versions leaned toward understated elegance, this edition adds an injection of adrenaline—rooted in the world of motorsport, yet balanced enough to remain timeless.
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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 Brushed Crimson Sector Dial Applied Indices Dauphine-Style Hands Super-LumiNova 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 Crimson Drive
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Final Thoughts
Colour can be a tricky addition in watch design, often risking novelty over longevity. But the Crimson Drive avoids that trap. Its red dial isn’t a seasonal flourish—it’s a deliberate tribute to an era of speed and freedom, given modern execution. Combined with the proven Michel case and Sellita movement, it makes for one of Tessé’s most compelling releases yet.
For collectors seeking a GMT that carries both story and style, the Crimson Drive is a watch worth strapping on—and perhaps even flooring the pedal for.
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Pricing & Availability
The Tessé Michel GMT Crimson Drive retails for $2105 CAD (1340 € / $1560 USD). Orders open on the Tessé website beginning September 10, 2025 (today), with early backer deliveries already in progress.
About the author
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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I’m not sold on the design but there aren’t many red dials out there and I’d probably wear it. Alternate to the Tag Monaco for a racing watch?
I don’t love the design, but i do dig the red they used. It’s nice to see less common dial colors.
Es gibt sehr viele schönen Uhren hier.
A different design! Very good!
Glad you like it
Love that red!
I love that shade of red
I very much like the design of the Michael, but something stopped me pulling the trigger on the previous versions. This Crimson Drive version elevates the model to another level in my opinion.
It might also be my favourite
Spectacular watch, great design.
I really like their choice of using two red tones, interesting and unique. Would have liked a little something for the top of the case, looks just a tad too large and flat.