I took my Tissot automatic PSC 200 in for service and the repair shop said it is a fake because it has plastic parts. He said a watch of tis quality doesn't use plastic parts in it
Not entirely true. Most watches in a range will be assembled with a standard-sized time mechanism. So the manufacturer can "Bulk-out" the mechanism with a plastic housing to get it to sit into the bigger watch enclosures. I have several Tissot's, so I change the batteries myself. A few have plastic frames to bed-in the mechanism. You'd need to move to high end ($5k-10k+) watches to avoid plastic. A PSC200 retails for around $1000? There are a few basic checks you can do to re-assure yourself that its legit. (1) Did it come in the standard Tissot box, complete with history booklet, warranty booklet and stamped retailers warranty card? (2) Is there an engraved/embossed Tissot detail on the back cover, with model number, , sometimes a collection serial number, waterproof details etc. (3) Is the face scratch-proof crystal or does it sound thin and cheap when you tap it? (4) Are the second / minute markers and fractional-second markers clearly defined, or are they a cheap and blurry paint job? (5) Are the minute and second hands precision cut, with crisp sharp edges, or are the pressed tin with 'soft' rounded edges? (6) Does it have tiny but clearly legible "Swiss Made" text around the 6 O'Clock position? If you're concerned, bring it to another Tissot retailer and ask them to check it out. They would be more familiar with the Tissot range and manufacturing techniques.
Answers & Comments
Not entirely true. Most watches in a range will be assembled with a standard-sized time mechanism. So the manufacturer can "Bulk-out" the mechanism with a plastic housing to get it to sit into the bigger watch enclosures. I have several Tissot's, so I change the batteries myself. A few have plastic frames to bed-in the mechanism. You'd need to move to high end ($5k-10k+) watches to avoid plastic. A PSC200 retails for around $1000? There are a few basic checks you can do to re-assure yourself that its legit. (1) Did it come in the standard Tissot box, complete with history booklet, warranty booklet and stamped retailers warranty card? (2) Is there an engraved/embossed Tissot detail on the back cover, with model number, , sometimes a collection serial number, waterproof details etc. (3) Is the face scratch-proof crystal or does it sound thin and cheap when you tap it? (4) Are the second / minute markers and fractional-second markers clearly defined, or are they a cheap and blurry paint job? (5) Are the minute and second hands precision cut, with crisp sharp edges, or are the pressed tin with 'soft' rounded edges? (6) Does it have tiny but clearly legible "Swiss Made" text around the 6 O'Clock position? If you're concerned, bring it to another Tissot retailer and ask them to check it out. They would be more familiar with the Tissot range and manufacturing techniques.