Tissot Ballade C217/317

Tissot Ballade 1997 — Case & Dial with Guilloché-Style Detailing

The 1997 Tissot Ballade presents a harmonious two-tone design, pairing stainless steel with gold-plated accents for a refined aesthetic. The 24 mm round case is complemented by a fluted gold-tone bezel that enhances its visual depth. The white textured dial, adorned with a guilloché-style pattern, serves as a sophisticated backdrop for applied gold-tone baton hour markers and fine minute markers along the chapter ring. A date aperture at 3 o’clock is neatly framed for clarity. Gold-tone dauphine hands and a slender central seconds hand contribute to legibility and elegance, making this timepiece a perfect fusion of form and function.

1997 Tissot Ballade — Dial Layout and Finishing

The dial’s fine guilloché pattern provides both visual intrigue and subtle light play. Gold-tone applied hour markers and dauphine hands are proportioned for balance within the compact case diameter. The printed brand signature “TISSOT 1853” under the 12 o’clock marker reinforces Swiss heritage, while the well-integrated date window adds everyday practicality without compromising symmetry.

Quartz Caliber for Everyday Precision

Powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement, the 1997 Tissot Ballade delivers exceptional accuracy with minimal maintenance requirements. The battery-powered caliber is engineered for precision timekeeping, making it a reliable companion for both daily wear and formal occasions. The quartz architecture allows for a slim profile, enhancing comfort on the wrist while maintaining durability.

1997 Tissot Ballade — Accuracy and Service History

Fully serviced and ready to wear, this watch will provide reliable performance for years to come. The quartz movement has undergone complete functional checks to ensure optimal accuracy. Its low-maintenance nature ensures long-term usability, while the robust construction of the case and bracelet protects the mechanism from environmental wear.

Heritage of the Tissot Ballade in Late-1990s Swiss Watchmaking

The Ballade collection emerged during the late 1990s as part of Tissot’s commitment to blending classical elegance with modern precision. This period saw a revival of refined dress watches in compact sizes, catering to collectors who appreciated understated luxury. The use of two-tone metalwork reflects the era’s design sensibilities, offering versatility that transitions effortlessly from day to evening attire. The Ballade name itself signifies a lyrical approach to watch design — graceful, harmonious, and enduring.

Tissot Ballade — Condition, Originality

This 1997 Tissot Ballade remains in excellent condition, retaining all original components including the dial, hands, case, and integrated bracelet. The stainless steel and gold-plated finishes show minimal signs of wear, preserving its two-tone brilliance. Its complete originality enhances collectibility, especially among enthusiasts of vintage Swiss watchmaking from the 1990s. As a compact yet elegant women’s model, it offers both historical interest and practical wearability. For more examples of finely crafted Swiss timepieces from this era, explore our Tissot vintage watches with two-tone bezels or browse our curated selection of women’s vintage watches with guilloché dials.