Tissot is one of few watch brands that makes it onto just about every collector’s best-value list. There has always been plenty to recommend with this historic Swiss brand, from its classical design sense to its product diversity. You’ll find a Tissot watch that meets the needs of sportsmen, tech geeks, vintage chic-sters or the best man at a wedding. And all of these options will be affordably priced at, typically, less than $1,000.
Tissot’s Ballade collection is just one example of this high value equation. And this year Tissot has again expanded Ballade as just one collection within an impressive set of 2018 debuts the brand previewed recently. (We’ll tell you more about Tissot’s 2018 debuts in future posts).
Larger model Tissot Ballade 41mm, rose gold PVD
The newest Ballade designs add rose gold hues to the existing two-tone models, presenting stylish options that still retain Ballade’s hint of retro appeal. Instead of yellow gold PVD-coated hobnail (also known as Clous de Paris) central bezels, central links and crowns, the newest Ballade two-tone models offer a richer rose gold PVD that nicely complements the steel case and bracelet. There’s also a new all-rose gold PVD model for those in search of a stronger wrist statement.
Men's Tissot Ballade two tone at 41mm.
Inside, the Ballade also shines with one of the greatest value automatic movements anywhere: the Powermatic 80 (ETA Caliber CO7.111) with a silicon balance spring and an incredible eighty hours of power reserve. You won’t find these anti-magnetic silicon balance springs on movements inside watches at this price range anywhere outside Swatch Group brands, which also places versions of this movement into watches from Hamilton and Certina.
Caliber C07.111, the Powermatic 80 movement with 80 hours of power reserve.
And Tissot ensures that Ballade is also COSC-chronometer rated¬ – another reason these watches earn value-focused accolades. Tissot is rightfully proud of this designation and lets you know about it with ‘chronometer’ emblazoned directly on the Ballade’s hobnail dial.
Smaller size Tissot Ballade in two-tone.
Tissot Ballade small size with all-rose gold PVD
Tissot is making the new rose gold PVD two-tone Ballade in two sizes. Prices are in line with existing two-tone Ballades, from $925 to $1,100. Expect to add another $200 for all-PVD-gold models.
Caseback view of the PVD model.
Specifications: Tissot Ballade
Movement: Powermatic 80 automatic movement (ETA CO7.111) officially certified chronometer (COSC) with silicon balance spring
Dial: Hobnail pattern center, three hand with date
Case: 39mm high/41mm wide; 30.6mm high/32mm wide stainless steel case with see-through caseback and sapphire crystal, rose-gold executions are PVD coatings, water-resistant to 50 meters.
Bracelet: Solid stainless steel bracelet or leather strap with butterfly clasp and push-buttons