Tissot

Tissot not only bridges the gap between tradition and innovation in the watch world, they also offer high-quality luxury watches at entry-level prices. The company was founded in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland, as a small workshop for pocket watches. Today, Tissot is part of the Swatch Group and produces around one million watches every year.

Recently relaunched in 2021, the PRX is one of Tissot's most celebrated series and is part of the T-Classic collection. These models take inspiration from Gérald Genta's revolutionary designs from the 1970s and are thus a great alternative to the rare and expensive Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet.

The high-tech watches in the Touch series are a fantastic choice for those who enjoy time outdoors. These timepieces are powered by quartz calibers, and, as you might have guessed from the name, allow the user to control its numerous functions via a touch screen. Adventurers thus have an altimeter, compass, chronograph, barometer, and step counter strapped to their wrist.

The T-Sport line offers a large selection of quartz and automatic watches, including the popular diving watch, the Seastar 1000, and the sporty PRS 516.

There are also plenty of women's watches to choose from. The Le Locle, Bellissima, and Lovely collections radiate elegance, while the T-Wave collection is home to models on the sportier side. Most cases come in stainless steel or with rose or yellow gold plating. There are also two-tone variants available.

The calibers are supplied by fellow Swatch Group member ETA. In order to keep their watch prices accessible, Tissot generally opts for standard movements.

Prices for pre-owned vintage watches from Tissot start at less than 100 USD. You can even buy a new quartz watch such as the Everytime Medium from the Classic collection for around 180 USD. If you are interested in buying a quartz chronograph, you can expect prices from roughly 290 USD.

Tissot models equipped with its state-of-the-art automatic caliber, the Powermatic 80 , change hands for around 540 USD. This amount will also get you a Seastar 1000. New watches from the T-Touch collection cost around 800 USD. For 100 USD more, you can buy an automatic chronograph, such as the T-Race MotoGP 2020 Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition. Watches more on the exclusive side, like the Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary, demand around 1,500 USD. Chronometer-certified GMT watches also fall into this price bracket.

The Tissot Classic collection is home to numerous classic and sporty timepieces for men and women. You can choose between models with quartz movements and automatic calibers. All Classic variants are made of stainless steel, which is either brushed or polished, depending on the exact watch. You will also find black and gold-plated timepieces as well as two-tone watches in this collection. All models have a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the dial, while many automatic versions let you peek at the movement through their display case back. The more popular lines within the Classic collection are the Le Locle, Gentleman, and PRX series.

Tissot PRX: Revived in 2021

The current Tissot PRX collection is an ode to the PRX 40 205 from 1978. The P stands for precision, R for reliability, and the X is the Roman numeral for 10, representing the watches' water rating to 10 bar. With this model, the watchmaker introduced a watch that, like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, has a barrel-shaped stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet.

Stand-out features include the emphatically thin 40-mm case, occasional dials with waffle patterns, and narrow indices and hands. The technology, craftsmanship, and stainless steel bracelet – which features a quick-change system – are considerably more modern than they were back in the 1970s. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal rounds off the Tissot PRX.

The PRX collection comprises several versions that you can buy with a quartz movement or with the modern Powermatic 80. The latter is an automatic caliber that can be found in the ref. T137.407.11.041.00, among others. This watch has a blue dial with a waffle motif, which is reserved for the automatic PRX models. The movement offers a power reserve of 80 hours and is equipped with a Nivachron hairspring.

You can buy one of these timepieces in mint condition on Chrono24 for around 570 USD. The black dial version costs the same. If you are interested in the ref. T931.407.41.291.00, a two-tone model with a rose gold bezel, prices will jump to around 1,600 USD.

Tissot added the PRX Chronograph Valjoux to their lineup in 2022. As the name gives away, this 42-mm watch is powered by a Valjoux-based chronograph caliber. The A05.H31 has three subdials and offers a healthy power reserve of 60 hours. As for the design, you can opt for either black subdials on a gray background or white subdials on a blue dial. Tissot lists this model for 1,750 USD – quite a good deal for an automatic chronograph.

If you love the look of the PRX but are looking to spend a little less, check out the ref. T137.410.11.041.00. This timepiece has a blue sunburst dial and is powered by the F06.115, a quartz caliber from ETA. This watch's special feature is its EOL indicator. This "end of life" complication tells you when you need to replace the battery.

There are very few watches that can compete with both the functionality and affordability of the quartz-powered PRX; new models cost around the 300 USD mark. Just like the automatic version, you can choose between a black dial version and a two-tone edition.

Le Locle: Decisively Elegant

The Le Locle line from Tissot caters to those who prefer watches with a strong, classic design. The classic element is underscored by the fact that all Le Locle models are only available with an automatic movement. The series consists almost exclusively of three-hand watches with narrow leaf (or "feuille") hands.

The ref. T006.407.11.053.00 features a black dial with guilloché detailing and silver, applied Roman numerals. The stainless steel case is 39.3 mm in diameter, meaning it also cuts a fine figure on slender wrists. Inside the case, you'll find the Powermatic 80 which has an 80-hour power reserve. The watch is paired with a seven-piece link bracelet with a butterfly clasp and costs around 430 USD new on Chrono24.

The case, hands, and hour markers of the ref. T006.407.36.053.00 are coated in rose gold. This reference comes on a black cowhide strap fashioned to look like alligator leather with a butterfly clasp. Plan to spend around 490 USD on a new example.

If you can imagine strapping a two-tone watch with rose gold accents to your wrist, then take a look at the ref. T006.407.22.036.01. The dial of this model exudes opulence: the indices are applied Top Wesselton diamonds weighing 0.06 karats. The middle links of the bracelet – like the bezel, crown, and set of hands – are coated in rose gold. You can buy this Tissot watch for roughly 620 USD.

The women's watches in the Le Locle series measure 25.3 mm across. The ETA caliber 2671 ticks away inside the case, which has a power reserve of 38 hours. Both the case and bracelet of the ref. T41.1.183.16 are made of stainless steel. The dial is white and features applied Roman numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. The remaining hours are punctuated with Top Wesselton diamonds, which have a total weight of 0.014 karats. This watch costs around 490 USD new.

Of course, Tissot also offers two-tone women's watches in their Le Locle collection. One example is the stainless steel and yellow gold ref. T41.2.183.34. The white dial boasts golden, applied bar indices, which make space for Roman numerals at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions. You can expect this reference to set you back around 570 USD.

Gentlemen Collection: Elegance With a Sporty Flair

Tissot introduced the sporty yet elegant Gentleman collection in 2020. You will find a wide selection of stainless steel and two-tone watches with three hands and a date display. There are also different dial colors with applied hour markers and bands to choose from. The 40-mm timepieces house either a quartz caliber or the Powermatic 80 automatic movement. Other universal features include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance to 100 meters (10 bar, 328 ft). If you decide on a model with an automatic movement, you'll be able to see the watch at work through the display case back.

The ref. T127.407.11.051.00 is one of the watches in the Tissot Gentleman series with an unquestionably classic design language. The automatic timepiece features a black sunburst dial and comes on a stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. You'll need to have around 660 USD on hand to call one of these references your own.

You will also find a quartz-powered model under the reference number T127.410.11.051.00. This watch owes its high reliability to the ETA F06.115, which will also let you know when you need to replace the battery. New examples sell for around 310 USD. The silver and blue dial versions demand similar prices.

If you're in the market for a Tissot Gentleman in a two-tone design on a leather strap, look no further than the ref. T927.407.46.291.00. Its bezel and hands are crafted from 18-karat rose gold, which harmonize beautifully with the brown dial and brown leather strap. This Gentleman costs around 1,000 USD. Fans of two-tone or yellow gold watches on a stainless steel bracelet should take a look at the ref. T927.407.41.031.01. These timepieces cost around 1,200 USD in mint condition.

Tissot broke new ground in the world of wristwatches back in 1999 with their Touch collection. Similar to a smartphone, these watches have a sapphire crystal that you tap to control the timepiece's numerous functions. In 2014, the solar-powered T-Touch Expert Solar joined the collection. The series has a number of useful, notable features, especially for outdoor adventurers. The T-Touch Expert Solar has a barometer, altimeter, altitude difference meter, stopwatch (chronograph), and an alarm. There is also a regatta timer for sailors, which counts down to the start of a race before transforming into a racing chronograph. Furthermore, there is also a compass; it uses the minute hand to point north, while 12 o'clock represents the direction you're facing.

Hours and minutes are displayed by hands in an analog fashion, while the rest of the information is digitally displayed at the bottom of the watch. Tissot chose a fitting material for the T-Touch's 45 mm case: titanium, which is around 40% lighter than stainless steel but still as robust, and offers hypoallergenic properties. The watch is generally paired with a rubber strap for a secure fit.

You can buy the titanium T-Touch Expert Solar ref. T091.420.47.057.01 with a black coating on Chrono24 for around 790 USD.

Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar: Synced With Your Smartphone

Activity tracker, compass, barometer, temperature display, altimeter, altitude difference meter, second time zone, perpetual calendar, countdown, and various stopwatch and alarm functions: you can't help but be impressed with this wide range of functions. The case of the T-Touch Connect Solar is also titanium, but it is 2 mm larger than the T-Touch Expert Solar. The bezel is made of scratch-resistant ceramic. You can operate the watch via the sapphire crystal and/or connect it to your Huawei smartphone via Bluetooth. For this, you just need to download the T-Touch Connect Solar app. The power reserve is about 6 months when fully charged.

You can buy the Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar with different finishes, namely: satin-brushed titanium, titanium with a black PVD coating, or titanium with a rose gold PVD coating.

The ref. T121.420.47.051.00 is made of satin-brushed titanium and comes on a black rubber strap. Prices for new examples sit around 840 USD. You can also pair the case with a titanium bracelet for around 930 USD.

The T-Sport collection also has a lot to offer. Depending on the exact version, you'll find either a quartz or automatic caliber inside the case. The most popular series within the collection are the Seastar 1000, PRS 516, and Supersport.

The Tissot Seastar 1000

The Seastar 1000 series is designed to offer maximum functionality and an unmistakable sporty flair. You can take your pick between three-hand watches and chronographs. The three-hand watches for men are outfitted with the Powermatic 80, while the women's models and chronographs rely on quartz calibers. If you choose a model with the Powermatic 80, you'll be able to watch the automatic movement at work through the case back.

All Seastar timepieces have a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and offer water-resistance to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft). The quick change system allows the wearer to change the band with ease.

If you are looking for a particularly classic Seastar 1000 with three hands and an automatic caliber, the ref. T120.407.17.051.00 is an interesting option. This 43-mm watch has a stainless steel case, black sunburst dial, and matching black ceramic bezel. The white indices and hands coated in Super-LumiNova provide a nice contrast to the black dial and ensure that you can read the time even in low lighting conditions. This reference comes on a black textile strap with a butterfly clasp.

You can buy this Seastar 1000 on Chrono24 in mint condition for around 590 USD.

If you would like your timepiece to have a blue dial and stainless steel bracelet, the ref. T120.407.11.041.00 offers just that for around 610 USD new. The ref. T120.407.37.051.00 is a completely black watch on a rubber strap and costs around 640 USD.

The women's watches in the Seastar 1000 collection have 36-mm stainless steel cases. The heart of these models is the quartz F05.412 caliber from ETA. The ref. T120.210.11.041.00 boasts a blue dial, blue bezel, and a stainless steel bracelet with polished middle links. It is also available with a white dial and has an official list price of 415 USD.

Seastar 1000 quartz chronographs are also available in different designs. These stainless steel models measure 45.5 mm across, making them suitable for those with more sizeable wrists. They are powered by the ETA G10.212 which means they also have an end-of-life indicator. The ref. T120.417.11.051.00 is just one of these models, and has a black dial, black bezel, and a stainless steel bracelet. You can add this watch to your collection for around 430 USD.

The Tissot Supersport line comprises a selection of three-hand watches and chronographs, all of which are equipped with quartz calibers, feature a sapphire crystal, and offer water-resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). They also come with the practical quick-change system for the band.

The ref. T125.610.11.051.00 is 44 mm in size and was inspired by diving watches from the 1950s and 60s. The water rating of 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) means that you can keep it on while swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The watch is outfitted with a black dial and black aluminum bezel. The hands, indices, and bezel stand out in white.

This Supersport reference is powered by the quartz ETA F06.115 caliber. The watch comes on a stainless steel bracelet and changes hands for around 300 USD, while the version with a blue dial, blue bezel, and leather armband comes in at just under 300 USD.

Supersport Chronographs

The Tissot Supersport chronographs are on the larger side at 44.5 mm. All versions have a tachymeter scale on their ceramic bezels, which the wearer can use to measure distances and speed. The quartz ETA G10.212 caliber keeps these watches ticking precisely and turns them into functional chronographs with subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock.

The ref. T125.617.17.051.02 is made of satin-brushed stainless steel and is paired with a black textile strap. Plan to spend around 390 USD on this Tissot reference. The ref. T125.617.37.051.01 has a black coating with eye-catching golden indices, hands, and tachymeter scale. The black leather accents and trimming on the watch's beige strap round off the overall look of these sport chronographs. It costs roughly 380 USD.

If you're fond of chronographs with rose gold details, take a look at the reference number T125.617.36.051.00. New models change hands for around 340 USD.

Charles-Félicien Tissot, a fitter of gold cases, and his son Charles-Emile, a watchmaker, founded the company Tissot & Fils together in 1853. They assembled externally produced parts to complete watches and primarily exported them to Russia and America. In 1930, Tissot merged with Omega to become SSIH, the Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère.

In the same year, Tissot presented the first-ever wristwatch unaffected by magnetic fields. In the 1980s, the Swiss manufacturer attracted a lot of attention by producing watches with unique case materials, such as the Rockwatch (1985) and the Woodwatch (1989). Tissot has been part of the Swatch Group since 1998. They are also the official timekeeper at countless sporting events from the MotoGP, the premier class of motorcycle racing, to the Tour de France and the Australian soccer league.