Crystal
T-Touch tactile sapphire crystal
High confidenceThe crystal is the watch's user interface: defined zones respond to a light touch and select the movement's functions. Unique in this catalog as a component whose authenticity is tested by USING it rather than by looking at it.
Part reference
- Brand
- Tissot
- Material
- Sapphire with an integrated sensing layer
- Introduced
- 1999
Documented variations
Classification
FactoryDocumented as shipped from the factory for this reference and period.PeriodNot original to this watch, but correct for its production period.ServiceFitted by the manufacturer's own service network. Not a defect.AftermarketThird-party part. Affects originality, not authenticity.ModifiedGenuine parts in a configuration the factory did not sell. Affects originality and value, not authenticity.CounterfeitDeceptive reproduction intended to pass as genuine.UnknownEvidence on file does not settle the question.Functioning tactile zones
FactoryProbableWhole production
Each printed zone responds to a light, dry touch with the watch in touch mode. Reliable and repeatable across all zones.
Printed crystal with no sensing layer
CounterfeitProbableWhole production
The counterfeit approach: reproduce the printed indications and omit the sensing layer, which is the expensive part. The watch looks correct and does nothing when touched.
Unresponsive through low battery or moisture
FactoryProbableWhole production
A genuine tactile crystal will not respond reliably with a flat battery, with moisture under the crystal, or to a wet finger. This produces false positives against real watches and must be excluded before unresponsiveness is treated as a finding.
Documented on these references
Whole production
Test it rather than looking at it, and rule out a flat battery first.
Provenance of this record
Sources & Evidence
Tissot — collection and caliber specifications
Tissot SA (Swatch Group)
- Accessed
- 2026-08-19
Cited for
Last verified: Not yet reviewed