Tissot Watches

Tissot: The Everyday Swiss Brand That’s Way Better Than You Think

Let’s be honest — Tissot gets overlooked. Too accessible. Too available. Too many quartz options at mall kiosks.

But if you actually look at what they’re doing?

Swiss mechanical movements, great case design, sapphire crystals, and a century-plus of watchmaking heritage — all for under a grand.

Tissot is one of those rare brands that doesn’t need to prove anything — because they’ve been doing it since before Rolex existed. And lately?

They’ve been swinging for the fences.

Brand History: Swiss Roots Since 1853 (Yes, Really)

Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, in 1853, Tissot was originally a family-run business specializing in pocket watches and dual-time travel

watches. Over the decades, they became a leader in innovation — including the first mass-produced anti-magnetic watch and one of the first to

experiment with touch-sensitive cases (T-Touch).

Tissot is now a core brand in the Swatch Group — sharing manufacturing access with brands like Omega, Longines, and Breguet. That means Swiss-

made movements, sapphire crystals, and factory-level quality control on watches that still sell for under $500.

In short: this isn’t “affordable Swiss.” It’s real Swiss. Real accessible.

Collector Highlights: The Budget Bangers

  • PRX Powermatic 80 – The hype is real. Integrated bracelet, waffle dial, 80-hour power reserve, and a case that wears better than watches three times the price. Automatic or quartz — your choice.

  • Gentleman Powermatic 80 – The stealth winner. 40mm, clean dial, great proportions. Basically a Datejust alternative for under $1K — and it doesn’t feel like a knockoff.

  • Heritage 1973 Chronograph – Panda dial, cushion case, Valjoux-style vibes. Still one of the best modern retro-racing chronos for the money.

  • Seastar 1000 – ISO-rated diver with ceramic bezel, 300m WR, and automatic or quartz options. It’s a tank — and it looks good.

  • T-Touch Solar – For the nerds. Altimeter, compass, barometer, and more. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into feature-packed tech, this one’s kind of a legend.

  • Le Locle – Dress watch DNA, Breguet numerals, applied indices, display caseback. Pure value play.

Movements range from basic quartz to ETA and Powermatic 80 automatics, many of which are upgraded with silicon hairsprings, extended

power reserves, and COSC-grade regulation in certain models.

Why Collectors Should Care

  • Incredible value for the money — legit mechanicals under $1,000

  • Real Swiss heritage — not a revived name or microbrand

  • Modern hits + vintage reissues — the PRX alone made Tissot cool again

  • Watches for every style — dress, dive, sport, chronograph, quartz, auto

  • Unsnobby, unpretentious brand energy — no gatekeeping here

  • The perfect “first real watch” for thousands of collectors

Tissot doesn’t pretend to be haute horology — and that’s what makes it great.

What They’re Making Now: Cleaner, Smarter, and Stronger Than Ever

Tissot’s current lineup is more focused and refined than ever:

  • PRX Series – 35mm, 40mm, quartz, auto, chronograph. One of the most versatile platforms in the game.

  • Gentleman and Le Locle – Classic dress silhouettes with real spec.

  • Seastar 1000 and 2000 Pro – Modern divers with serious durability.

  • Heritage Chronographs – For the retro crowd. Panda dials, big pushers, and real wrist presence.

  • T-Touch Connect Solar – Hybrid smartwatch with traditional DNA.

And now with more models getting silicon hairsprings and upgraded movements, the tech just keeps getting better without breaking the bank.

Fed’s Take

Tissot might be the best entry point into real watch collecting. Period.

I’ve sold PRXs to beginners who ended up down the rabbit hole. I’ve worn Seastars on dive trips because they’re solid, dependable, and I don’t care if

they get banged up. And I’ve seen the Gentleman Powermatic go toe-to-toe with watches twice the price and win — easily.

It’s not flashy. It’s not rare. But if you want a reliable Swiss mechanical you can wear every day and still feel proud of, Tissot is your brand.

Clean, Honest, Swiss. And Still Under a Grand.

If you’re building a watch collection — or just want one great everyday piece that nails the spec sheet without emptying your wallet

— Tissot belongs in the box.

Delray Watch frequently sources Tissot watches — especially PRX, Seastar, Gentleman, and Heritage models.

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