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tissot vs omega

Omega vs Tissot – Who Wins the Battle?

Nina S

May 12, 2025

Omega and Tissot are heavyweight champions in the kingdom of timekeeping. Both originate from the world’s horological epicenter – Switzerland – representing the pinnacle of precision and authentic craftsmanship.

Although they promote themselves as independent brands to the everyday novice, both belong to Swatch Group and cater to legions of Swiss watch purists in very different ways. So, which brand is best? Tissot or Omega?

One misconception is that because Omega watches are the more expensive brand of the two, Tissot must be the one that lacks innovation and expertise.

Not true. Perhaps, if anything, this article may serve to educate those still unsure how these two brands can contend on similar parallels with one another, if at all.

A Brief Introduction to Tissot and Omega

Tissot Watches

Whether you know much about watches or not, chances are you’ve heard of Tissot. It’s one of the largest Swiss watchmakers in the world and a true leader in the realm of affordable luxury.

Even those who wear Tissot watches may not realize just how much the brand has contributed to the history of watchmaking. Allow me to explain in a little more detail…

Tissot traces its roots back to 1853 as a pocket watch manufacturer. This father-and-son watchmaking team built the company’s foundations from the ground up, growing from a small Le Locle-based company to a serious horological contender.

One early historical icon to emerge from the brand’s portfolio was the Banana watch, which was returned to Switzerland for repair but was never able to reunite with its Russian owner, following the laws put in place by the Bolshevik revolution, restricting the distribution of luxury goods. Indeed, this is just one of many short but fascinating stories from this brand’s archives.

Without going into all the milestones of Tissot’s history in date order (since there are so many), we can look at Tissot’s historical contribution to wristwear for ladies.

From an early age, the brand embraced the female market for luxury timepieces and began shifting its focus towards wristwatches for ladies in the early 20th century.

Before comparing Tissot’s heritage with that of Omega’s, it’s worth noting one particularly important milestone in the brand’s history – the release of the world’s first anti-magnetic wristwatch, following Vacheron Constantin’s release of the first magnetic-resistant movement in its 1915 pocket watch.

The release of Tissot’s innovation came at just the right time, during an era (the late 1920s and early 1930s) when the need for this technology became even more paramount.

The release of the revolutionary Tissot Antimagnetique watch was groundbreaking. As the collection grew to accommodate gold and chrome versions and several different sizes, so did its popularity. So much so, Tissot paid homage to the watch in 2018 with a modern version in a 42mm steel case.

Omega has a fascinating history, too. Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchatel, the brand’s story emerges from an assembly workshop.

The sons of founder Louis Brandt succeeded him, eventually moving the business to Biel and enlarging its manufacturing capacity. In 1894, the brand produced its first movement, the Omega Calibre, earning the company much respect.

Similar to Tissot, Omega has enjoyed a rich and long-lasting partnership with the world of sport (a little more on that shortly), which stemmed back to 1909 when it was tasked with timing its very first sporting event – the Gordon Bennet Cup in Zurich.

Following that, the watchmaker became a long-term supporter of the Olympics, starting in 1932. By then, Omega had merged with the SSIH (Sociéte Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère), which later became Swatch Group.

1957 proved to be one of the most important for Omega, indirectly connecting it to the aeronautics industry. The brand released three stylistic but functional tools: the Railmaster, the Speedmaster (initially designed for timing motorsports), and the Seamaster 300.

The Seamaster eventually found its way onto the wrist of Jacques Cousteau, who catapulted the popularity of diving as a leisure pursuit, while the Speedmaster would later become the first watch on the moon.

Model Variety

Omega Watches

I mentioned earlier that Tissot has contributed significantly towards female watches, and to this day, the company continues to create elegant designs, including some female iterations of its most popular men’s watches, including the sporty PRX, the Everytime, and the dive-ready Seastar.

In addition to these female-flavored takes on the brand’s mainstays, there are dedicated lady’s collections too, like the Flamingo series, the timeless Bellissima, and the Lovely collection.

I mentioned Omega’s relationship with sport earlier, and here is one level on which Tissot can compete in more ways than one. Tissot maintains a long and continuing tradition with sport. This relationship began in 1938 with a chronograph used to time a series of Alpine ski races.

This chronograph inspired the famous Telemeter, marking the brand’s role as the official timekeeper for several sporting events like the 1957 Davis Cup, BMX Cycling, and the Tour de France.

Tissot has also been the official timekeeper of MotoGP since 2001 and has enjoyed partnerships with European Rugby, the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, and the National Basketball Association.

In fact, it was the first official timekeeper of the NBA and even worked on producing a state-of-the-art timing system for the game. All this has led to many special edition watches that continue to demand collectability status on the market today.

In addition to its role as an official timekeeper to several sports, Tissot is also a pioneer in auto racing watches. Poised for a complete explosion in popularity upon its release, the PR 516 debuted in the 1960s, competing with the likes of the Rolex Daytona and the TAG Heuer Carrera.

Its bracelet was the first of its kind to feature perforated holes reminiscent of a racing car’s steering wheel. Cementing its relationship with MotoGP and the popularity of the PRS 516 (“S” representing “Sport”), Tissot still maintains a strong presence in the racing industry, having partnered with Renault Alpine in F1 and Porsche for the 24 Hours of Le Mans event.

We can’t discuss popular Tissot models and designs without mentioning its highly collectible PRX range, which remained mothballed until 2020. The brand revived it as a modern-day alternative to iconic watches like the Royal Oak and Nautilus during the height of the post-pandemic phenomenon.

Infeed, premium integrated sports watches were selling like there was no tomorrow during this time. The Tissot PRX was the affordable alternative during this resurgence, distinguished by its barrel-shaped case, integrated bracelet, and waffle-style dial reminiscent of those from the 1970s.

Onto Omega and this brand’s commitment to design is equally, if not more, impressive. Aside from the iconic Speedmaster, the Seamaster was always destined to be an Omega mainstay.

The original of 1948, however, looked nothing like the one we associate with James Bond’s wrist. Its water-ready features were groundbreaking for its time, though, featuring an O-ring gasket to uphold water resistance.

As watchmakers continued pushing the limits in dive watch technology, so did Omega, and in the 1970s, it produced the Ploprof, doubling the Seamaster’s water resistance with a 600M rating. Within a few years, that watch was followed up by a 1000-meter water-resistant reference.

The Seamaster is the brand’s largest offering today, with several sub-categories, including the equally popular Aqua Terra.

Of course, it’s the Seamaster Diver 300M that we really associate with Bond. Originals from the 1960s are still collectibles now. Seamasters have featured in several Bond films, debuting in “Golden Eye” in 1995, followed by “Die Another Day,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre,” and “No Time to Die.”

However, The Speedmaster watch has to be Omega’s most iconic watch. It was the watch that Omega designed for NASA in 1964 following a request made by the Apollo Flight Crew Operations director for a reliable, legible, and accurate wristwatch to assist with training exercises and missions.

The Speedmaster ref 105.003, with its distinctive black chronograph dial, tachymeter bezel, and steel bracelet, passed all the exhaustive tests that NASA subjected it to, assisting the wrist of Ed White in 1965 during his spacewalk as the first American man to do so.

That watch was superseded by the reference ST105.012, which accompanied Neil Armstrong on his visit to the moon, cementing its place in the annals of watchmaking history. However, the Speedmaster range has grown considerably since then, honoring the fundamental characteristics of those first iconic models.

Of course, Omega’s catalog is not limited to Speedmaster and Seamaster watches alone, although these are two of the largest collections. The Constellation is another iconic series that has garnered a reputation as one of the most elegant and timeless watch designs of all.

It’s a symbol of classic sophistication, encompassing a wide variety of designs, including “Pie Pan” dials and bezels adorned with the four claws or “griffes”. Additionally, the De Ville collection is ideally suited to small female wrists, with sub-collections like the Tresor, Prestige, and Ladymatic, making for a nice higher-end alternative to Tissot’s Ballade collection.

In comparison, Tissot’s catalog has lots of designs to choose from, mainly comprising racing-inspired chronographs and classic three-handers. Omega specializes primarily in dive watches, while its Constellation and De Ville collections are perfect for sophisticated, dressier attire.

Design and Materials

When the era of quartz took over the world, Tissot made some moves that, in retrospect, looked like desperate attempts to survive the crisis. Luckily, it made it to the other side but, like many Swiss watchmakers, endured a struggle. In 1971, the brand launched the first plastic watch, the Astrolon, followed by the “Rockwatch” a decade later, crafted by graphite mined from the Alps.

Tissot even experimented with dials (and sometimes cases) made from other natural materials like basalt, jade, and jasper.

The Pearl Watch, arriving in 1988, was one of the last experimental designs and was rather short-lived, but it arguably paved the way for the modern wristwatches we see today made with stone dials.

When Tissot launched the T-Touch watch in 1999, touchscreen functionality elsewhere was still several years away. This quartz-powered ana-digi watch offered chronograph functions, dual time zones, a barometer, an altimeter, and a compass.

It was the beginnings of the Smartwatch as we know it today. The brand evolved the design with a titanium case in 2014 and later implemented it with solar-powered sophistication. That said, unlike Omega, Tissot is not considered a pioneer in material manufacture.

Omega is a master in crafting proprietary materials and has dedicated years to research and development. To Omega, materials are of utmost importance. Its cases range from robust Omegasteel to luxurious Moonshine Gold, Canopus Gold, and even LiquidMetal – an alloy bonded with ceramic for superior scratch resistance. While these materials play a pivotal role in the durability and longevity of every Omega watch, the brand’s materials extend far into the watch itself.

Similar to the silicon components found in a Tissot Powermatic watch, Omega movements are equipped with silicone balance springs to resist the damage caused by magnetic fields, while the attention to detail found in the movement decoration is leaps and bounds ahead of Tissot’s basic ETA movements, adding to the allure of these fine mechanical wristwatches.

Movements

Omega has weathered the sands of time for over a century and, in that space of time, has created some truly innovative movements, many of which are the unsung heroes of its most iconic designs. First, let me iterate that Omega makes watches crafted from quartz and mechanical movements.

Some of Omega’s finest movements shed light on the intricate craftsmanship behind the brand’s excellence.

Suffice to say, if it’s a commitment to horological mastery you’re looking for in a watch, Omega trumps Tissot by a country mile, crafting these engines in-house and setting standards in Master Chronometer certification.

One standout Omega movement series is the Calibre 8500. These engines all feature the revolutionary co-axial escapement system after the brand acquired the proprietary rights to it back in 1999.

The mechanism was a breakthrough in horology, reducing friction and improving precision long-term. The company’s Master Chronometer certification also ensures each movement withstands the rigors of daily life and beyond, with magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss.

Other important Omega movements include the Calibre 30T2, which evolved from the 30 series that powered the Dirty Dozen watches, and the Calibre 321, which featured in the Speedmaster Moonwatch series.

On the other hand, Tissot uses a mix of ETA movements and offers both mechanical and quartz-powered movements that reflect higher and lower price points, respectively.

In 1983, the brand became part of the watch conglomerate Swatch Group, which also owns ETA. If you didn’t already know, ETA is one of the industry’s largest suppliers of mechanical movements.

In 2011, Swatch Group embarked on a project to develop a sophisticated movement to pep up mid-tier watch brands. The elite calibre was named the Powermatic 80. Today, you’ll see versions of this in Hamilton, Longines, and Rado catalogs, to name just a few.

The movement is far from pedestrian, with an impressive 80-hour power reserve, classifying those Tissot watches powered by it as weekend-proof.

Its synthetic escapement with friction-reducing qualities and a Nivachron hairspring promise improved mechanical performance, too. The Powermatic 80 is featured in several crowd-pleasing models like the Seastar, the Visodate, and the Gentleman.

Pricing 

The price of an Omega watch versus a Tissot watch is where the main difference between both brands lies. One is an entry-level brand that excels in practical sports watches, and the other is associated with more refined craftsmanship and movement components.

Tissot’s prices are much gentler on the wallet than Omega’s. However, the question remains as to whether you want a brand on your wrist that is synonymous with prestige and (in some ways) exclusivity or whether you want more bang for your buck.

The average price of a Tissot watch is around $400, though the very cheapest sits at around the $60 mark. The Heritage and Seastar collections, offering superior water resistance and a higher level of craftsmanship, can cost around $2500.

Omega watches are more collectible and retain their value better than Tissot watches, especially in the case of a Speedmaster or Seamaster. The brand’s starting price is much higher than Tissot’s, with an average of around $3,000 for lower-end models.

Higher-end pieces can cost around $50,000. The most collectible of the brand’s catalog are those from the Speedmaster series, some of the most in-demand references selling for around $30,000.

In Summary

The deliberation between whether Omega is better than Tissot and vice versa will always spark a lively debate among enthusiasts. The truth is that both are synonymous with quality craftsmanship, but they cater to very different audiences.

Omega is the older of the two, but only by a few years, and despite being slightly longer in the tooth, Tissot has an equally impressive heritage, from its mass production of pocket watches in the early days to its contribution to the sporting world and its commitment to crafting a variety of elegant ladies timepieces.

Popular modules like the PRX, Le Locle, and T-Touch series are a gateway into affordably luxury, and they are popular with those who want to experience Swiss precision without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, Omega is known for its contribution to timekeeping in space, with its iconic Speedmaster being chosen by NASA as its official watch for manned space missions in the 1960s.

Its Seamaster model is also recognized as the watch of choice for 007 agent James Bond, becoming a pop culture watch. Omega is also the innovator of the Co-Axial escapement, guaranteeing improved accuracy and reliability.

Aside from the similarities between these two brand’s revered stories, both are priced very differently. You shouldn’t expect to pay more than $2-3k for a good Tissot watch, while high-end Omega watches can run into the tens of thousands. Even so, more affordable Omega watches can be picked up for a couple thousand dollars.

Although the mechanical watches in both Omega and Tissot’s catalog are synonymous with accuracy and precision, Omega is the brand experienced in creating its own METAS-approved movements, while Tissot uses Swiss-made ETA movements – the standout caliber being its Powermatic movement.

In addition to price and reputation, design and aesthetics will determine your final decision. For a versatile sports watch that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, I’d have to recommend you opt for Tissot. For a timepiece that exudes luxury, sophistication, premium materials, and finer details – it’s Omega all day.

Tissot vs Rolex: Entry-Level vs High-End Swiss Luxury Watches

Paul Rothbart

April 7, 2025

Upon reading the title of this article, many of you probably thought, “Tissot vs Rolex? That’s like a mediocre Division 3 college football team taking on the Philadelphia Eagles”. Yes, the two brands do inhabit different levels of the horological hierarchy.

Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile comparison. If you are a newbie watch collector who dreams of a Rolex, you’re not there yet. For an entry-level timepiece, Tissot is a brand well worth considering. 

Both Tissot and Rolex are Swiss-made and have long and illustrious histories. Each has contributed to the art of watchmaking and, to this day, continues to craft stylish, accurate, and reliable watches. In fact, even after you get your first Rolex, you may well want a Tissot or two in your collection.

Brand Heritage

When it comes to heritage, both Tissot and Rolex are loaded with it. Both have more than a century of watchmaking behind them. Both are based in Switzerland, still considered the capital of the horological world. Although each targets different sectors of watch lovers out there, both have plenty to be proud of.

Tissot

Tissot Gentleman

Tissot’s story begins in the mid 19th Century; 1853 to be exact. The father and son team of Charles-Felicien and Charles-Emile Tissot started crafting pocket watches in their home in Le Locle. Among their early successes was the first mass-produced pocket watch as well as the first that could track two time zones. 

The Tissots’ timepieces became popular throughout Europe and particularly in the Russian Empire, where nobles purchased many of the pocket watches. Such was the demand, that Charles-Emile moved to Moscow in 1885. In the post-World War I era, when men began wearing wristwatches, Tissot jumped in with both feet, crafting some reliable, accurate, and popular timepieces.

When the Great Depression began in 1929, it impacted industries worldwide, including watchmakers. Tissot was determined to stay in business and partnered with Omega.

The move proved to be a wise one and Tissot thrived, creating one of the first anti-magnetic watches in 1930. As the decade moved on, Tissot became the Official Timekeeper for Swiss ski races in 1938, its reputation growing.

When it came to using uncommon materials for watches, Tissot was near the front of the pack. In 1971, the brand made the first watch with a plastic case. It was innovative for the time and Tissot followed up in 1987 with the first mother-of-pearl dial.

A year later, Tissot created a watch that used wood, a material that is still fairly rare today. The brand now has a reputation as one of the best entry-level watches on the market. It sits under the umbrella of the Swatch Group along with Omega, Hamilton, Breguet, Longines, Blancpain, and several other quality brands.

Rolex

Rolex 1908 History

Perhaps more impactful than any innovation or watch model, is the reputation Rolex has created throughout the world. The company was founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, a fine watchmaker and a brilliant marketer. He registered the name “Rolex” in 1908, and following the First World War, moved his company to Switzerland where it thrives to this day as one of the nation’s greatest products.

In 1926, Wilsdorf demonstrated his marketing savvy when he purchased the patent for a water-resistant and dust-resistant case. Rolex developed it into its Oyster case.

Wilsdorf greatly boosted the brand’s reputation a year later, when a British nurse named Mercedes Glietze swam across the English Channel with an Oyster watch draped around her neck. The timepiece came out of the water functioning perfectly and Rolex got a huge amount of publicity.

In its early years, Rolex was an innovator, inventing the perpetual rotor in 1931. The metal semicircle attached to the back of the movement and rotated when the user moved their arms. This wound the mainspring and is the principle behind the automatic watch. 

As the years moved forward, Rolex developed a reputation for building quality, durable, and accurate tool watches. Divers, chronographs, and GMTs were offered alongside dress watches and Rolex became the “it” brand.

Today, Rolex has settled into its reputation. It is by far, the best known watch brand on the planet. Even those who don’t know a crown from a bezel know Rolex. So great is the demand for their watches, that Rolex cannot keep up, and obtaining one can involve a long wait and building a relationship with an AD, not to mention shelling out a lot of money. 

Model Variety

Although each brand sits on a different tier, both Tissot and Rolex have large catalogs filled with a variety of models of all the types of watches you would hope to find. 

Tissot

Tissot offers a wide variety of men’s and women’s watches in several case sizes. Cases and bracelets are available in stainless or gold-colored stainless, as well as two-tone. Genuine leather straps in multiple colors are other options that allow customers to choose their perfect timepiece.

Tissot has a nice selection of dial colors and textures. Standard hues such as white, black, and blue sit in the catalog along with bolder colors such as green, gold, and ivory. Sport watches and casual timepieces are offered along with classy dress watches with either automatic or quartz movement.

Some of the brand’s more popular sport watches are the Seastar divers, which have a water resistance of 300 meters, equal to dive watches available in much higher priced brands.

Fans of chronographs have some nice options in the Supersport Chrono series. The Gentlemen’s, PR100, and PRX models are classic dress watches and are some of Tissot’s best-selling timepieces.

The Le Locle collection features Tissot’s most expensive watches. While being priced below $2,000, these models are available with 18K gold or rose gold cases and bracelets. They add luxury to your wrist at entry-level prices. 

Rolex

Rolex also makes men’s and women’s watches and has many different models in its catalog. The classy, dressy Day-Date and Date Just watches are as reliable as they are elegant. Each features a date window at three o’clock magnified by Rolex’s Cyclops lens.

The Day-Date displays the day of the week at 12. These watches come in several precious metals as well as multiple case sizes and dial colors. 

One of many popular Rolex models is its first automatic water-resistant watch, the Oyster Perpetual. It’s available in many dial colors and textures and has a solid water resistance of 100 meters.

Rolex has several collections of dive watches with amazing levels of water resistance. The 300-meter Submariner is the base model and since its release in 1953, has maintained a position as one of the most popular dive watches with horology lovers. The classic design has changed little and the dials and bezels are available in numerous color combinations to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Rolex makes two dive models with astonishing levels of water resistance. The Sea-Dweller is water resistant to 1220 meters and the Deepsea is rated to a mind-blowing 3900 meters. Certainly, these are not practical levels of resistance, but they have come about because of the fierce competition between Rolex and Omega.

In 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell, a British racing driver set a world land speed record while wearing a Rolex, establishing the brand’s longtime connection to motorsport. The record was set in Daytona, Florida, and inspired the name for Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona Chronograph.

One of the most desired and difficult-to-obtain timepieces on the planet, the Daytona was legendary actor Paul Newman’s favorite watch. Available in numerous dial colors, and material options, it’s easy to see why people love it. 

Yet another category in which Rolex excels is GMT watches. The GMT-Master was released in 1954 and is extremely popular throughout the world of watch collecting. These models are available in many dial colors with bidirectional rotating bezels that have two colors that nicely coordinate the dial. This has earned them nicknames such as “Batman”, “Root Beer”, “Coke”, and “Pepsi”. 

Design

Tissot and Rolex both tend to embrace classic watch design. Rolex likes to stay with established favorites with proven sales records while Tissot is a bit more adventurous.

Tissot

Tissot’s partnership with Omega has influenced its design philosophy. The brand sticks with classic features such as dot and baton indices, Roman numerals, and sword hands. Straps are stitched leather and bracelets three and five link. T

he Powermatic series offers a check texture to the dial, and there are subtle and bold colors available on the brand’s dials. Most models are conservative in design but Tissot does offer some skeleton dials and square cases for watch lovers with more free-spirited tastes. 

Rolex

Since its beginning, Rolex has carefully crafted its reputation as the most desired watch on the market. It has been the classic retirement, special achievement, and graduation gift for decades.

For many, it’s the grail of grails. As such, the brand does not mess with success and maintains the same design philosophy that launched it to such lofty heights.

Back in earlier days, Rolex was an innovator in the development of automatic movements and water-resistant timepieces. These days, the brand tends to rest on its laurels but still employs expert watchmakers who craft stunning timepieces of the best materials. These watches are reliable, durable, and among the most accurate in the world. 

Rolex does still come out with some boldly-designed watches such as the Daytona Eye of the Tiger. The Oyster Perpetual Gumball is another wild dial that has sold very well. For the most part, though, Rolex stays with the classic designs that have carried to the top. A Submariner from the 1950s or ’60s looks very much like that model does today. 

Quartz Rolexes are very rare and the brand has largely stayed with its high-quality automatic movements. The brand also tends to eschew exhibition and elaborately engraved case backs. Doing what you do best when you have a large and enthusiastic fan base is good business sense.

One area where Rolex has had to make some design changes is in making it easier to tell a real Rolex from a fake. No other watch brand is counterfeited nearly as much. Rolex has addressed this by adding features such as a laser-engraved crown logo on the crystal. 

Build Quality & Materials

Tissot

Although not a luxury brand, Tissot does use quality materials in their timepiece. Cases, hands, indices, and bracelets are made with industry-standard 316L stainless steel. The surfaces are alternately brushed and polished for a look that pops. 

Crystals and exhibition case backs are made from scratch-resistant sapphire coated with an anti-reflective material. This is a nice touch for watches at this price point. The Le Locle collection features some models that have 18K yellow or rose gold cases and bracelets. The popular Gentlemen collection offers titanium cases and bracelets. 

Straps are made from genuine leather. Although not top-of-the-line, the straps look great and hold up well to daily wear. Super-Luminova is used on the hands and indices of numerous models. This ensures you can easily read the dial in low-light conditions.

Tissot watches are well-built by qualified watchmakers. Hold one next to a Rolex and the difference is clear, yet a Tissot is still a quality timepiece, especially given the much lower cost.

Rolex

Rolex uses the highest-quality materials in all of its watches. The brand uses its own unique blend of 904L stainless steel, called “Oystersteel”, in cases, bracelets, indices, and hands. It’s durable and looks incredible when brushed and polished.

Precious metal models are made with 18K yellow gold and everose gold. These metals are stunning to look at and are among the most prestigious timepieces in the Rolex catalog.

Rolex covers its dials in top-quality scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, which are anti-reflective coated. This same material is used in the Cyclops lenses that sit over date complications. Divers and GMTs have ceramic bezels that shine and resist scratches. 

Straps are made from the highest quality leather, including crocodile. They’re comfortable, durable, and stylish. Rolex continues to live up to its reputation as a crafter of tough tool watches and classy dress watches. Their standards are high and you can be sure that every watch that leaves the factory lives up to them. 

Movements

The movement is the heart of a watch and if it doesn’t function well, the looks don’t matter. Rolex is renowned for its movements and Tissot’s watch works are accurate and well-crafted.

Tissot

Tissot does make in-house movements, the best of which is its 11 ½” automatic. These have a useful 38-hour power reserve and are COSC-certified. The brand also has in-house movements that are accurate but not to COSC standards and have 30-hour power reserves. Naturally, these cost less.

Tissot uses generic ETA quartz and automatic movements in its lower-priced timepieces. They are Swiss-made and solidly built with a good degree of accuracy. Tissot’s movements are designed to be admired and with the exhibition case back models, you can do just that.

Rolex

Rolex was an innovator in developing automatic movements during its infancy. They excelled at modifying new advancements from other brands to create their own movements. A great example of this is the modified Zenith movement that Rolex used in the first Daytona models. 

Currently, Rolex tends to stick with what works and their watches are powered by movements that are COSC-certified, reliable, durable, and some of the most accurate in the world of horology.

The power reserves are generous and the materials and craftsmanship are second to none. Rolex has rarely made quartz movements and doesn’t make exhibition case backs. Although you can’t see the movements, they are works of art.

Price Point

In the category of price point, there is a huge gap between these two brands. This is to be expected, as Tissot is an entry-level brand and Rolex occupies the luxury level. 

Tissot

If you are just getting into watches, Tissot is one of the first brands you should look at. They offer many models that sell for less than $500.

Their in-house automatics can be had for $500-$1,000. At the top of the catalog are the Le Locle models, with the highest price settling in at $1,800. Quite a bargain for a precious metal timepiece.

Tissot gives you a ton of value for what you pay. High-quality, in-house COSC-certified movements, 18K gold, and all models prices below $2,000.

Rolex

Ah, Rolex. If you want one, you are going to pay. The brand takes advantage of its lofty status and even the lowest-priced models are close to the $10,000 mark. Once you start getting into the more desirable Rolexes, you’re talking north of $10,000 and even $20,000. 

It is also difficult to obtain a Rolex. The brand simply cannot keep up with the incredible demand and Rolex ADs often will not have the model you are looking for.

You have to put your name on a list of interest and compete with regular customers who will take priority. Waits for Submariners, Daytonas, and GMT-Masters are usually measured in years.

An alternate way to go is to buy one on the grey market. However, you will likely have to pay much higher than retail.

Although Rolex makes extremely high-quality and beautiful watches, I have to score them low on value for the money. You are paying a premium for reputation and prestige. Is it worth it? I say no, but that’s for you to decide.

Conclusion

Comparing Tissot and Rolex is a stretch considering the difference in their status in the horological world. Despite this, both are excellent brands. If you are just starting your watch collection, I urge you to check out Tissot. You can easily find them.

Most major department stores carry Tissot and you can try a bunch on and for a reasonable price, walk out with the one you love that day. Going through the hassle and expense of getting a Rolex doesn’t make sense for beginners. Your tastes will change so why spend that much at the start?

Rolex has the rep and the street cred. If it’s your grail, then go for it. Just be warned, you will be shelling out a lot of money and going through loopholes. If you are a more experienced collector and have the money and patience, by all means, grab yourself a Rolex.

tissot prx 35mm vs 40mm

Tissot PRX 35 vs 40: Which Size is Right for You?

Charlotte H

March 25, 2025

I love the Tissot PRX. I own several, and it’s easily one of my most worn watches. There’s something effortlessly beautiful about its lightweight, integrated design that exudes an aesthetic far more luxurious than its affordable price tag suggests.

Plus, the variety of dial colors and textures is incredible, with many available in unique and unconventional shades.

Most importantly, many references feature the Powermatic 80 automatic movement, a Swiss-made caliber with an impressive 80-hour power reserve that, surprisingly, doesn’t inflate the price as much as one might expect.

So, if you couldn’t already tell, I’m probably not the best person to ask for an unbiased opinion on the Tissot PRX as a whole.

However, if you’re debating between the two available sizes, the 35mm or the 40mm, I feel quite qualified to offer my perspective. I own both and genuinely love them, but each comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, especially depending on wrist size and personal preferences.

In today’s article, I’ll be diving deep into the two Tissot PRX sizes, breaking down what each offers, where they fall short (if at all), where they excel, and ultimately, which one might be the best fit for you and your style. 

A Quick Background on the Tissot PRX Collection

Tissot PRX collection

If you’re drawn to the sporty elegance of integrated sports watches, you’re certainly not short on options. Some of the most iconic models in this category include the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

The Royal Oak, designed by the legendary Gérald Genta in the 1970s, was a true game-changer. With its distinctive octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and exceptional finishing, it broke the mold of traditional watchmaking and set a new standard for luxury sports watches. 

Shortly after, Genta went on to design another legend known as the Patek Philippe Nautilus. According to watchmaking lore, he sketched the first iteration of the Nautilus in just five minutes while sitting at a restaurant.

Like the Royal Oak, it featured an integrated bracelet, an octagonal bezel, and a signature horizontally striped dial, making it instantly recognizable.

While these watches are undoubtedly iconic, they’re also incredibly expensive. Even on the second-hand market, both models can fetch well over $40,000, putting them far beyond the reach of most watch enthusiasts.

Fortunately, for those who love the integrated sports watch aesthetic but have a more modest budget, Tissot offers a compelling alternative with the PRX collection. 

Tissot completely changed the game in 2021 when they reintroduced the PRX. But its history actually dates back to 1978, when the original PRX made its debut. Like its high-end counterparts of the time, it featured an integrated bracelet, a sleek barrel-shaped case, and a quartz movement.

The name “PRX” stood for Precision, Robustness, and 10-bar water resistance (with the “X” representing the Roman numeral for 10). Despite being one of the most affordable integrated sports watches of its era, the PRX was discontinued after just a few years. 

Fast forward to 2021, and Tissot brought the PRX back in a big way. The modern collection pays tribute to its predecessor while refining the design for today’s market.

It retains the same tonneau-shaped case, integrated bracelet, and polished bezel but is now available in both quartz and automatic versions. 

Over the past four years, the PRX collection has expanded significantly. What started as a lineup of 40mm quartz models has grown to include 35mm variations, automatic Powermatic 80 options, and even a PRX Chronograph.

With its stylish design, Swiss craftsmanship, and accessible price point, the PRX has cemented itself as one of the best value propositions in the integrated sports watch category.

The Tissot PRX 35 

As mentioned, the Tissot PRX 40 came first, but it wasn’t long before a 35mm version followed and it was definitely a welcome addition, especially for those of us with slightly smaller wrists.

As someone with a wrist measuring around 5.5 inches, the 35mm sizing suits my frame much better. And if you have a similar wrist size, or even one slightly larger, there’s a good chance this model will be a perfect fit for you too. 

In terms of dimensions, the Tissot PRX 35mm stays true to its name, measuring 35mm in width. However, the height and thickness vary slightly depending on the movement inside.

The quartz-powered models have a case length of 34.6mm, a width of 35mm, a slim 9.6mm thickness, and an 11mm lug width. Thanks to its ultra-slim profile, the quartz PRX 35mm sits beautifully low on the wrist, making it exceptionally comfortable to wear. 

Meanwhile, the automatic Powermatic 80 versions measure slightly larger, with a case length of 35mm, the same width of 35mm, a slightly thicker 10.93mm case, and the same 11mm lug width.

While the automatic version is marginally thicker, the difference is subtle, though still something to consider if you prefer a thinner watch on the wrist. 

One of the most notable differences between the quartz and automatic PRX 35mm models is the dial texture. The Powermatic 80 versions feature a stunning tapisserie dial, an intricate, textured pattern that bears a strong resemblance to the one seen on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

This texture enhances the way light interacts with the dial, making the colors appear more dynamic and full of depth. The available shades include navy blue, light pastel blue, white, black, emerald green, and bright mint green. 

In contrast, the quartz-powered Tissot PRX 35mm models have a smooth dial with a subtle sunray brushing, giving them a more understated yet equally elegant look.

While some colors mirror those in the automatic range, such as silver, navy, light blue, and green, there are also exclusive variations available only in the quartz lineup, including white mother-of-pearl, gold, and a striking hot pink (a recent release that I’m seriously tempted to add to my own collection). 

Regardless of the movement, every Tissot PRX 35mm stays true to the collection’s signature aesthetic. The dials are adorned with faceted, stick-like indexes and simple baton-shaped hands.

All of the hardware is silvered and brightly polished, which, when combined with the faceted indexes, creates an eye-catching sparkle as it catches the light. For nighttime readability, a modest amount of lume is applied to the hands, offering just enough visibility without overpowering the sleek design. 

The case and bracelet finishing are equally well thought out. The stainless steel surfaces are primarily vertically brushed, giving the watch a refined, sporty look.

Because of the integrated bracelet design, this finishing enhances the seamless, all-in-one aesthetic. To create contrast, the bezel is brightly polished, catching the light beautifully and complementing the polished hardware on the dial. 

Although it boasts a stylish and sophisticated design, the PRX 35mm is still a sports watch at heart. Tissot ensures practicality by equipping every model with 100 meters of water resistance, making it durable enough for daily wear. It also comes with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an impressive inclusion for a Swiss-made watch at this price. 

As for the movement, quartz-powered models use a standard Swiss-made caliber with hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. Automatic versions, on the other hand, are powered by the Powermatic 80, offering an impressive 80-hour power reserve meaning you can take it off for an entire weekend without needing to reset it.

As you’d expect, the PRX 35mm Quartz models are the most affordable of the lot, retailing from $395 while automatic variants are priced from $675. 

The Tissot PRX 40 

Tissot PRX 40

Now for the original Tissot PRX, the PRX 40. This model is the one that kicked off the PRX collection, and it follows a similar pattern to the 35mm model in terms of design and style but with a slightly larger profile. The PRX 40 offers a bit more wrist presence for those who prefer a larger watch but don’t want to go too oversized. 

The dimensions of the PRX 40 vary slightly between the quartz and automatic models. For the quartz version, the case dimensions include a length of 39.5mm, a width of 40mm, a thickness of 10.4mm and a lug width of 12mm.

It’s once again a nice, manageable size with just the right amount of presence, especially for those who prefer a watch that’s not too thick or bulky. Again, the automatic models are slightly thicker at 10.93mm, still incredibly slim, especially for a mechanical timepiece, but something to keep in mind if you prefer a more delicate profile. 

When it comes to dials, there’s again a clear difference between the quartz and automatic versions. The quartz PRX 40 models feature sunray-brushed dials in colours like navy blue, black, white, mint green, emerald green, and even gold.

On the other hand, the automatic models are treated to the signature tapisserie texture, which gives them that iconic, more dynamic look. 

You’ll find that the automatic models have even more dial options to choose from compared to the 35mm family, including some special editions that are exclusive to this size family.

The classic dial colors remain like the black, navy, light blue, silver, gold, emerald green, and mint green, but if you’re into more unique designs, there’s some exciting options. 

For instance, you’ve got models with two-tone cases finished in gold plating, as well as select pieces with integrated rubber straps, which are perfect for a sportier, more casual look.

There are also special edition models like the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Carbon 40mm which features a super lightweight black carbon case and a matching black carbon dial.

Another standout is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Gradient 40mm, which comes with a stunning blue dial that transitions in color, creating a cool gradient effect as the hue shifts from light to dark. 

Other than these special editions, the PRX 40 shares a lot of the same characteristics with the 35mm models.

The layout of the dial is the same, with faceted indexes and baton-shaped hands, all finished in silvered, polished hardware that gives it that signature sparkle. Both the quartz and automatic models come with 100 meters of water resistance, making them just as durable as their smaller counterparts.

The case finishing follows the same pattern, with vertical brushing on the majority of the stainless steel, giving it a sleek, sporty look, while the polished bezel adds some shine and contrast. The same Swiss-made movements are used in both models, delivering the same excellent quality you’d expect from Tissot. 

Despite being larger in size, the Tissot PRX 40mm shares the same retail price as the 35mm models. Those powered by quartz movements retail from $395 while the automatic models are priced from $675.

Tissot PRX 35 vs 40 – How to Choose 

When it comes to choosing between the Tissot PRX 35mm and 40mm, the decision really comes down to your personal style, wrist size, and the kind of features you’re looking for. Both models maintain the same stunning design elements, but each caters to slightly different tastes and needs. 

For those with smaller wrists or those who simply prefer a more compact, subtle watch, the PRX 35mm is a fantastic choice. As someone with a wrist around 5.5 inches, I can personally vouch for how beautifully the 35mm fits and sits low on the wrist.

Its slim profile means it’s incredibly comfortable to wear all day long without feeling bulky. If your wrist is on the smaller side or if you prefer a more refined look without the large wrist presence, the PRX 35mm is a perfect match. 

The PRX 35mm is also ideal if you’re someone who appreciates a more understated dial but still something with plenty of character. The smooth sunray-brushed dial of the quartz version is subtly eye-catching while the automatic version’s tapisserie dial adds an extra layer of texture and depth. 

On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more wrist presence or have a slightly larger wrist, the PRX 40mm may be a better fit for you. While it’s still far from oversized, the 40mm version offers more surface area and makes a bit more of a statement on the wrist. The slightly thicker profile also gives it a bit more of a substantial feel. 

The 40mm also provides more variety when it comes to dial colours. You’ll find the classic sunray-brushed finishes in the quartz versions, but there’s a lot more to play with in the automatic models. Whether you’re into bold gradient effects or sleek black carbon designs, the 40mm offers some exciting choices that you won’t find in the 35mm lineup.

Conclusion 

So to wrap things up, the decision between the Tissot PRX 35mm and 40mm largely depends on your personal style, wrist size, and what features matter most to you.

The 35mm version is perfect for those with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more compact, refined look. Its slim profile and understated elegance make it an ideal choice for those seeking a sleek, comfortable daily wear.

On the other hand, the 40mm version offers a bit more wrist presence, a wider range of dial colours, and even some special edition models, making it great for those who want a bolder statement or more case and dial options.

Honestly, the Tissot PRX collection as a whole is a fantastic choice for any collector, new or old. It’s the watch I recommend to everyone and it’s the watch I wear most. So if you take anything from today, it’s that the Tissot PRX is worth every cent, no matter whether it’s the 35mm or the 40mm.

tissot vs hamilton

Tissot vs Hamilton: Which Swiss Brand is Superior?

Nina S

March 9, 2025

Tissot and Hamilton: if you aren’t familiar with either of these two names, I’d have to assume you’ve been hiding under a rock for several years because they’re two of the most prominent names in the watch industry. They’re both considered gateways into the affordable luxury watch sector. Still, they have different backgrounds and niches to consider if you’re in the market for your first watch (or maybe another).

Choosing between Tissot and Hamilton is like selecting a fine cheese with a bottle of wine. Both have matured over time, have their own flavor, and complement different palettes. And the truth is, much of what we’ll cover in this Tissot vs Hamilton debate depends on personal preference. 

Still, there are some facts you may want to know about both reputable names before taking the plunge since doing the correct research beforehand will ensure you make the right choice. 

Before we delve in, however, know that both Hamilton and Tissot sit in the entry-level bracket, which occupies a large portion of the market. (Generally speaking, this covers anything from around $1-10k). Also, both are under the Swatch Group banner and manufacture their watches in Switzerland, despite Hamilton’s proud American roots.

Now, without further ado, let’s look at the differences between two superior watchmakers in a tale of touchscreen technology and Hollywood movies.

Brand Heritage

Let’s start at the beginning. We’ll look at where both watchmakers began, some of their biggest milestone moments, and their expansion into the mainstream sector of Haute Horlogerie.

The History of Tissot Watches

Tissot Gentleman

Anyone over 40 should be familiar with Tissot, even if they only have a vague interest in watches. Believe it or not, it’s one of the oldest watchmaking companies still operating and has been around since 1853. 

Before becoming a household name, the brand specialized in pocket watches, supplying many of its watches (namely the iconic Tissot “Banana” watch) to Russia before that practice became illegal in 1919. Soon after, Tissot created another Art Deco piece named the Porto, with a tonneau-shaped case that still continues to inspire modern designs today.

Based in Le Locle, Tissot has grown up around illustrious names like Montblanc, Zenith, Mido, Certina, Zodiac, and The Crown watchmaker Rolex. In fact, in the 1930s, the brand partnered with Omega, further cementing its reputation as a reliable and trusted name. 

Then came the Tissot Antimagnetique, the world’s first anti-magnetic watch. Thanks to its association with Omega, Tissot gained access to some incredible movements during this time, making its 1950s and 1960s watches some of the most popular of all. 

At this point, Tissot was at the epicenter of affordable, reliable watchmaking, releasing collections such as the Calatrava, Camping, Visodate, and the Seastar, the latter of which is still widely loved today.

Like many leading brands that the devastating Quartz Crisis hit, Tissot had to think on its feet and change strategy to survive. After switching predominantly to quartz-operated timepieces, a surprising amount of innovation during the 1970s emerged. The brand had already released the world’s first plastic mechanical watch. 

Hence, exploring materials further seemed like a natural progression, unveiling designs like the RockWatch – a timepiece crafted from Alpine graphite – and the WoodWatch in 1988, which followed the PearlWatch a year earlier.

However, the pivotal point for Tissot came in the late 1990s with the brand’s first T-Touch watch. We’ll talk about this in a little more detail further on, but the launch of this unique touchscreen put the brand at the forefront of technical innovation and, thus, the advent of the smartwatch.

The History of Hamilton Watches

Hamilton Watches

Hamilton watch company tells a story of American roots and Swiss adoption. The company’s headquarters now resides in Biel, but it spent the first century of its life in Pennsylvania, US.  

In the beginning, Hamilton focussed on refining some important pocket watches that formed the Broadway Limited collection. This series fundamentally helped develop timekeeping across the American railroad system.

During the First World War, Hamilton played an integral role in developing the wrist-worn watch. Addressing the impractical design of the pocket watch for frontline work, the brand’s first wristwatch arrived in 1917. 

A year later, US airmail flights elected Hamilton as its official timekeeper and, by the 1930s, was recognized as a top choice for four of the US’s major commercial airlines.

Most of Hamilton’s manufacturing focused on wristwatches for World War II during the late 1930s and early 1940s, but beyond that, the brand would become globally recognized for its association with Hollywood. 

Hamilton watches were first noticed on the silver screen in the making of the 1951 film “The Frogmen,” but even more notably, Elvis Presley wore the iconic Ventura on his wrist, “Blue Hawaii,” ten years later. The Ventura pushed the envelope with an asymmetrical case design unlike anything else on the current market. 

This transition towards a more futuristic identity led to its presence in sci-fi films like “2001: A Space Odyssey”, “Men in Black” and “Interstellar.”

Model Variety

Of course, when tackling the Hamilton vs Tissot debate, we must consider factors like selection and choice. Tissot has a wide variety of designs and styles to choose from, and its strategy to pitch its watches to its market differs slightly from that of Hamilton.

Hamilton promotes its products using its American heritage and Hollywood portfolio to leverage its appeal to worldwide followers. It has a presence in major watch markets, focusing on quality and craftsmanship, and is prominently featured as a luxury item in retailer and boutique settings.

Tissot, renowned for its affordability, is also available in a large selection of retail stores and has a strong online presence. It drives its products to the heart of those who love the Swiss element of watch manufacture, especially since its heritage dates back almost 200 years. 

Of those watches that exemplify the brand’s penchant for creating classic timepieces, the T-Classic collection has to be the most diverse and broad selection of timeless models. It’s where you can find sporty models like the PRX and the PR100, while the Classic Dream series is home to some of the brand’s most sophisticated dress watches.

Hamilton’s designs also echo the same sense of brand provenance but in designs like the Ventura. The distinctive boomerang shape of the case is unmissable and became even more famous once stylized on the wrist of the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. 

Other models that represent the best of Hamilton’s craftsmanship include the Khaki collection, with a huge range of models primed for land (Khaki Field), sea (Khaki Navy), and sky (Khaki Aviation).

Design

When it comes to watchmaking innovation and technology, both Tissot and Hamilton have contributed in significant ways – Hamilton with its cinematic legacy and Tissot with its forward-thinking touchscreen watches.

Hamilton watches have a classic American style but often feature vintage or military-inspired aesthetics. Hamilton watches are great conversation starters for those who value heritage and tradition, so you’ll never struggle for an interesting topic to talk about when someone notices your wristwatch.

And while some models are rugged and almost tool-like, others, like the Jazzmaster, can be enjoyed at formal occasions and with more refined attire.

Tissot offers a broader choice of designs for business and casual attire. And if simplicity in a watch is your reference, then Tissot certainly provides that. It’s also the brand to explore if you like contemporary styles over timepieces that give off vintage military-esque vibes. One example is the Le Locle collection – a series of elegant designs named after the company’s origins. 

Of course, one of the company’s most technically impressive designs is the T-Touch, which has subsequently grown into the brand’s smartwatch offerings, not to mention its solar-powered models. 

Today, T-Touch watches enable seamless touchscreen functionality with touch-sensitive sapphire crystals that allow you to navigate features like an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer.

Build Quality & Materials

People mainly recognize Tissot for its extensive sports watch offerings, so it should be no surprise that it crafts most of its designs from stainless steel for a rugged and durable look. That said, some feature gold or titanium or have luxurious gold coatings or stealthy black PVD-coated finishes. 

Of course, this selection of quality materials and the use of sapphire glass combine with advanced features like the brand’s touchscreen technology to showcase the brand’s commitment to attention to detail.

While many of Tissot’s sports watches are rugged and ready for outdoor pursuits, Hamilton watches are also primed for plenty of outdoor use. They are sturdy and long-lasting, and the military aesthetics you see in some of the brand’s models help achieve that all-important field-watch look.

One good thing about comparing a Hamilton watch with a Tissot watch is that quality build and materials are a given regardless of which one you’re leaning toward.

Because both brands belong under the Swatch Group, they each come with a two-year warranty, which will cover you for any manufacturing defects. 

However, it won’t cover you for general wear and tear, loss, or damage caused by misuse, so you must check out how to look after your watch correctly before investing in either brand of watch.

Hamilton’s customer care service addresses technical issues, while Tissot’s approach to customer service seems more generalist, appealing to a broader clientele.

Movements

Hamilton watches feature automatic movements that are known for their reliability and accuracy. So do Tissot watches. In fact, both use ETA movements.

The key thing to note about ETA movements is that they’re very affordable, enabling both brands to keep manufacturing costs down and offer their respective consumers an accessible price point.

Aside from using third-party movements, Tissot modifies some calibers, like the Swissmatic movement and the Powermatic 80. The latter, for example, is based on a movement made for the brand by ETA but is more expensive due to the modifications it has undergone to give it an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

The same can be said for Hamilton. While many of its watches are ETA-powered, some feature movements with an increased power reserve. An example would be the H30, whereas others are Valjoux modifications, not to mention manual-winding movements for those who love tradition.

It’s also worth noting that both brands offer quartz-powered watches for those shopping on a sub-$500 budget.

Price Point

Whether it’s design aesthetics or quality materials, individuals often engage in discussions such as the Tissot vs Hamilton debate while they navigate the world of Swiss watches to find the perfect watch that aligns best with their preferences.

Whatever those most important factors are for a consumer, price will play some role in the decision-making process.

Good news for those buying on a budget because both Tissot and Hamilton occupy the affordable sector. That means you won’t have to remortgage your home to buy one, nor will you need to spend years and years saving for one. 

At the same time, neither brand is dirt cheap, so you know you’re getting good value for your money when you invest in either of these two brands.

The average cost of a Hamilton watch is around $750, though prices can reach around $4,000. On the contrary, a Tissot watch’s average cost is a couple hundred dollars less, with more advanced watches costing around $2,000 depending on the design. 

Therefore, we can say that Hamilton is a slightly more premium brand than Tissot. Even so, a considerable part of Tissot’s success is down to the versatility of its pricing, offering a broader price range and thus appealing to a slightly wider audience.

At the end of the day, though, there’s not much in it. Both brands offer a vast array of affordable options, a choice of quartz and automatic versions, and a range of styles and sizes.  

Conclusion

What’s so important about Hamilton’s heritage is that its American origins still play a significant role in the designs we see in its catalog today. Collections like the American Classic are modern examples of such. 

The brand’s American heritage and its identity are still very much intertwined. Interestingly, some of the company’s formerly retired designs, like the Boulton, were relaunched during the 1980s. Examples like this appeal to collectors looking for something different but with the assurance of the “Swiss Made” label.

On the other hand, Tissot is Swiss through and through, and that’s sometimes enough to sway a collector without considering anything else.

Models like the PRX have become a more affordable but equally stylish alternative to more expensive sports watch players, like Audemars Piguet with its Royal Oak or Patek and its famous Nautilus.

When you compare build quality, materials, and precision across both brands, there are very few major differences between a Hamilton watch and a Tissot watch, so we only need to look skin deep. Both demonstrate excellent value for money, are fitted with equally good movements, and are crafted from good quality materials.

While Tissot is the brand you’d go for if you wanted a robust sports watch, Hamilton is the expert in field watches, with models like the Khaki Field, Aviation, and Navy enjoying much of the brand’s attention. 

And while connoisseurs often accuse Tissot of playing things a little safe with its classic offerings, they are timeless nonetheless and perfect for everything from a run in the park to a sophisticated black tie event.

But if your collection lacks something a little off-the-wall, Hamilton dares to push the boundaries of watch etiquette a little, with designs like the Jazzmaster, the Face2Face, and the 1950s Ventura to explore.

In the end, choosing between Tissot and Hamilton watches all boils down to preference. Both have a heritage to shout about.

Both, in some way or another, have donated something significant to watchmaking innovation and technology. Most of all, both brands share the same values of reliability, robustness, and longevity.

If you’re still torn, I suggest you take your time to research each brand thoroughly. Research the collections in detail; in doing so, something you see or read is bound to resonate with you and your ideals. It may be a part of the brand’s history or watchmaking ethics. Either way, when something clicks, you’ll know for sure which brand your wrist is calling out for.

Seiko vs Tissot

Seiko vs. Tissot Watches – 2025 (EVERYTHING You Should Know)

Anne Bensons

March 30, 2024

For a long time, Swiss watches have been counted as one of the top watches on the planet that evoke luxury, quality, and an unmatched history of craftsmanship, but with Japan bringing on watches that have become synonymous with toughness and style, advice is often sought after by design enthusiasts who need help when choosing between top brands like Seiko and Tissot. 

Wondering about what is special about Tissot and Seiko that put them head to head in this battle of the watches? Notable inventions!! So for the many people trying to decide which to go for between the Seiko and Tissot, this comparison will offer you information that will give you a clearer view and make your decision process easy.

Is Seiko better or Tissot

Both Tissot and Seiko are brands that are celebrated for their precision and provision of decent quality watches over the years.

It is not surprising that both of them produce watches that are tough enough and essential enough to be considered first-line gear and the passion for pushing boundaries in both brands has distinguished them as top-tier watchmakers today.

Movements & Quality

From old-school mechanical calibers to GPS-enabled solar-powered quartz units, both brands come through hundreds of years of innovations and quality developments. Seiko, which started as far back in 1891 as Seikosha, was established eleven years after its founder, Kintaro began the repairs of watches and clocks in Tokyo.

It began producing its first watch for scuba divers in 1965 and manufactured one of the first quartz watches with a chronograph complication. Since then, new calibers have continually been introduced so that the brand has grown rapidly and has now become a selection of iconic Japanese timepieces with a reputation for consistently creating good movements so much that it was dubbed  “the forerunner of the quartz revolution” because it presented Earth’s first quartz watch in 1969, called the Seiko Quartz Astron.

A  piece that was three times more accurate than the mechanical watches of its time and could keep accurate time to within one minute per year! However, some people still prefer mechanical watch movements (which have some advantages over quartz), and since Seiko always puts desires first, it never abandoned its mechanical watch movements.

Its 7S line is an iconic example of Seiko’s mechanical workhorse wristwatches and they’ve always had excellent quality. From the well-praised  7S26, to the famed 4R36, all of Seiko’s mechanical watches use a traditional mainspring and share profound design ideas, even though they are all a bit different. 

Tissot watches on the other hand – in a bid to retain its status as a high-end watch brand – has always used materials of the highest quality and movements powered by ETA (ETA is Switzerland’s biggest and leading movement maker and brands like Omega, Longines and IWC use this movement) or Swissmatic movements (this one has a power reserve of 70 hours and guaranteed accuracy of about +/-10 seconds a day). 

Tissot introduced the first mass-produced pocket watch as well as the first pocket watch with two time zones as far back as 1853 and went further to present an anti-magnetic watch around 1930. Apart from Tissot watches being crafted under strict conditions that ensure quality, It has worked hard to build a legacy of offering excellent-quality watches that are water resistant to a depth of up to 200 meters

Style & Design

Next to outstanding quality and impressive history of craftsmanship, Swiss-made watches also come with an outstanding style and elegance. There’s a reason behind Swiss’s exclusivity. While both Seiko and Tissot produce exceptional timepieces praised for their designs and accuracy, Seiko has a strong focus on Haute Horlogerie, grand complications, and elegant dress watches.

Think of the legendary Seiko 5 SNXS73 and the oblong, timeless SWR053P1. There are also the noble complications of grand Seiko titanium watches that feature complex additional functions like flat surfaces polished to a mirror finish, minute repeaters, and perpetual calendars. The exclusivity of Seiko is directly tied to the fact that creating these highly crafted timepieces takes a whole lot of time.

Tissot, on the other hand, is much more renowned for its iconically-designed sports and gear watches – think of the Tissot Chrono XL, the Tissot PRC 200, Tissot Seastar, and Tissot Quickster (among others). Though Tissot produces dress watches as well, a lot of Tissot’s most popular models are iconic sports watches, loved by thousands of wrist watch enthusiasts for combining luxury alongside durable, accurate, and efficient components that are built to last beyond a lifetime without sacrificing functionality.

All of Tissot’s watches offer a stylistic versatility that Seiko doesn’t offer, but to match this Seiko presents finely created watches, with added innovations and movements found in more expensive watches among other brands. We can add at this point that Seiko has its own sports watches, like the Seiko 5 Sports.

But at the end of it all, Seiko is more focused on exquisite, complicated dress watches, and its range has always included some gorgeous ones and Haute Horlogerie pieces, such as the SARB065, SARB066, and Presage SSA343J1, whereas Tissot has a much sharper eye for high-end sports watches. So we see that the two brands have entirely different expertise, making it a bit difficult to say that one is better than the other.

Detection of Water Permeability

The water resistance of most contemporary watches from top brands is guaranteed so you should know that scratch and water resistance are features typically offered by both brands. Tissot has for a long time, utilized a touch-control sapphire technology, and produces highly functional timepieces with top-notch features that come without sacrificing a sleek design.

Both brands have watches that withstand up to 100 meters of water and some of Tissot’s diving watches are always tested in a pressurized tank in other to ensure water resistance. Seiko on the other hand offers watches that can be used for swimming and other everyday activities at 10 (20)-BAR.

Watch Case & Band

Tissot and Seiko always offer a wide array of watch band styles. From metal to leather styles, both brands continually combine materials to produce a strained, modern appearance. As far as closure styles go, Tissot watches come with ornate clape or the usual buckles. Nylon and rubber band watches (like Tissot T-Race T115417A) are also great options for some of the brand’s sports and field watches.

Seiko watches also presents watches with stainless steel bracelets, leather straps, and rubber and silicone bands. Fabric and nylon belts are also made widely available by Seiko so that you get the perfect fit for all your needs.

Popularity and Pricing

While neither Seiko nor Tissot openly releases distribution or production data, industry statistics estimate that in 2021 Tissot was exporting more than two million watches a year while Seiko was producing around 35,000 watches.

Tissot has been tied to sport to a great degree since the 1930s making it reputable and popular amongst athletes and other users across more than 150 countries according to World Tempus, it ranked number six in the top ten Swiss watch brands right after the Patek Phillipe.

In 2013, Swiss-made automatic watches made an unparalleled achievement by pairing down 51 parts (as against one hundred parts by other brands) to produce an entirely automated movement, and it combined all these parts with a single screw rapidly increasing its popularity and recognition.

Seiko on the other hand continues to be a recognizable brand popular for its simplicity of form and its understated elegance and productivity, such that in the first half of 2022, It launched 155 new models across its different product categories. One striking thing about Seiko and Tissot is their affordability. Seiko’s timepieces cost between $180 and $7,000.

While Tissot watches can be gotten for around $200 for the most affordable ones. Tissot’s sports watches even run somewhere between $200 and $3,000 and even though Seiko’s grand watches are more expensive, that doesn’t make them any better, and going from a Seiko to a Tissot watch should not be considered a downgrade. For a depth comparison, we are going to look at a more detailed analysis of watches within both brands.

Tissot Gentleman vs Seiko Presage

While many of our reviews are more on the higher-end side of the timepiece industry, we know that not all our readers and other watch enthusiasts can afford a Cartier or a Rolex which is why we are featuring modestly priced watches here that offer great value for money.

Recently, both Tissot and Seiko stepped up their game to a higher bar by upgrading their competition mechanically speaking, with upgraded automatic movements, adding finer details, and doing something more to create a timepiece that drastically challenges the watch industry every time.

Both watch brands offer their unique innovations and strengths and are dedicated to perfection. Now you may be wondering if you can pit them against one another, and pick the better of the two but we don’t think so. Here’s why.

Tissot Gentleman

Tissot Gentleman

If you are on the lookout for a perfect companion for everyday usage that can offer precision, reliability, robustness, versatility, and timelessness, ( so that your watch would not go out of style within a couple of years), then look no further because the Tissot Gentleman is an ideal multi-purpose watch that is both ergonomic and elegant for any circumstance.

It is suitable for wearing in business environments and can be worn where conventional dress codes apply. It is no news that Tissot has a long tradition of churning out reliable, and finely finished highly affordable watches. It is a part of the swatch group, and despite the affordability, these watches utilize superior industrial tools and are made under quality standards.

This automatic watch is made in such a way as to be powered by the energy of the person wearing it (the wrist’s movement enables the mechanism to run). Gentleman Powermatic 80 movement boasts up to 80 hours of power reserve, which is sufficient to keep on telling time accurately after three days of inactivity. This one was crafted to outperform its competition, whose movements generally provide less than two days of power reserve.

Seiko Presage

Seiko Presage

Presage not only combines a Japanese aesthetic sense with traditional craftsmanship but raises the essentials of watch production to the level of art. No doubt, Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking skills are top-notch and offer Japanese beauty, quality, and long-lasting performance in a package that is affordable, durable, and convenient.

True to its form, the Seiko Presage offers one of the most iconical mechanical GMTs on the watch world’s market in its elegantly detailed Presage family. Let’s take a quick look at just how they fare against each other on a closer level.

Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium vs Seiko Sarb033

Tissot Gentleman  Seiko Presage
Every product comes with a 2-year warranty A two-year warranty applies to all products
Price ranges from US$549.99 to US$775.00 Starting price is around $900
Renowned for its durability
and accuracy		 Praised for its traditional craftsmanship that offers long-lasting performance
Focused on sports watches Focused on dress/retro lines
Quite Renowned Also very popular with a global reach
Usually ends up holding its value Can also be used as an investment as
well because some models do increase in value
Made In Switzerland Made In Japan
Moderately optimized online store Profoundly optimized online store
Founded In 1853 Founded In 1913
80-hours power reserve 50-hour power reserve
Movement: Swiss automatic Seiko caliber 4R35 automatic movement
Case & Crystal: Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective time coating Practical modern look with a bit of retro vintage 1960s appearance.
Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft) Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m)
More exquisitely refined and luxuriously designed. Very robust and durable from the start to finish

Tissot Gentleman PM80 Silicium vs Seiko Presage SARX045

Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium

Product Specifications  
Diameter 41 mm
Thickness 10 mm
Lug Width 22 mm
Strap Black leather with butterfly clasp
Watch Crystal Sapphire crystal
Dial Black analog dial
Hands Slim index hands
Markers Index markers
Style Dress
Movement ETA
Accuracy Chronometer grade accuracy  +/- 5 seconds per day
Power Reserve 80 hours
Water Resistance 100 m
Other Features Date display, exhibition case back

Pros:

  • Great balance of style, versatility, and affordability
  • Water resistance of up to 100m
  • The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.
  • Available in green, black, blue, and silver colored dials which all feature a sunburst effect – how cool is that?
  • 3 Hz movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve.
  • Available either with a leather strap with a folding buckle or a steel bracelet.
  • Comes with a warranty of up to two years

Cons:

  • Difficult to service.

Seiko SARX045

Product Specifications  
Diameter 38mm
Lug width 11mm
Thickness ~45mm lug-to-lug
Watch Crystal Sapphire
Lume Indices and hands
Strap Stainless steel
Style Dress
Movement Seiko 6R15 with 23 jewel
Accuracy +25/-15 seconds per day
Power reserve 50 hours
Water resistance 100 meters

Pros:

  • A robust movement that offers hand-winding and hacking
  • Very affordable (can be gotten for around $500)
  • Versatile ( you can easily dress up and down with just a change in strap)
  • Dope Bracelet
  • Excellent value for money

Cons:

  • Discontinued

What Tissot and Seiko have in common

Both Tissot and Seiko are recognized worldwide for producing high-quality, precise watches. Each has a distinct look and feel with a long history in the watchmaking industry and has both performed impressively, achieving a high level of luxury by employing only the highest quality materials and following a strict design style.

From steel to luxurious leather, both models show off classic luxury in their designs. An automated winding is used by both Tissot and Seiko though Tissot surpasses Seiko with 80 hours of reserve power, the Seiko Presage watch has 40 hours of battery life which is still very impressive.

Tissot and Seiko both have fine quartz watches, so are both thin, but some Seiko models are solar-powered, and will not need a battery change. Lastly, both watches are perfect for everyday use.

Seiko vs Tissot: Durability and Everyday Use

A lot of this comes down to how you plan to wear the watch and which model you choose. For example, I find Seiko’s to be a go-to choice for functionality. However, I’m more of a Tissot fan when it comes to style.

Your point of view will definitely be different, but it’s essential to consider how you actually wear your luxury watches. Are you an avid diver or go to a lot of formal events? These minor questions will help you find some answers to the questions about durability and everyday use.

Seiko is widely known for its detail in craftsmanship. Not only that, but the quality of their materials is also important. While Tissot comes with some pretty decent protection and durability, their designs tend to be more standard. This is in the sense of the usual sapphire crystals and titanium cases.

I find that Seiko likes to give the same amount of attention to every layer of their designs. Between durability and everyday use, I’d say Seiko found that middle ground a long time ago. It isn’t that Tissot can’t achieve this; I just feel it’s rare from my hands-on experience. Based on my years with both of these brands, I like to tell others that Seiko is for durability while Tissot is for fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tissot an entry-level luxury watch?

Tissot has watches coming in at under $500.  Some of Tissot’s most popular watch brands which are considered entry-level luxury watches include; the Tissot Chrono xl, Tissot Classic Dream, and Tissot Carson among others.

Do celebrities wear Tissot or Seiko watches?

Tissot timepieces have been spotted on the wrists of celebrities like Simon Pegg in the movie  Mission Impossible. Angelina Jolie was also wearing a Tissot in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith and other prominent personalities have made public appearances with the Tissot watch on.

Seiko has also been worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger (in the movie The Predator) and Sigourney Weaver also had a Seiko Speedtimer 7A28-7000, in the movie Aliens. So yes, celebrities do wear Tissot and Seiko watches.

Is Tissot high quality?

Absolutely. Tissot is devoted to fine workmanship in its watchmaking, and all its timepieces are carefully-wrought with over 150 years of innovation. It comes with great longevity, precise running with profound resistance to magnetic fields, and has an impressive collection of dynamic sports watches, bold diver’s pieces, elegant dress models, trendy chronographs, and even features solar-powered watches.

Is Seiko considered a luxury brand?

Yes. Seiko is a luxury watch brand from Japan that has been known globally for precision, reliability and excellence for over 100 years now.

Is Tissot considered a luxury?

Tissot designs evoke luxury and craft its watches with scratch-resistance sapphire, precious stone glasses, and top-notch materials with a timeless style that could be from any era. For instance, Tissot’s PRX 40 205 was crafted to be a contemporary demonstration of a design from the late 1960s.

Which has better battery life, Tissot or Seiko?

Tissot has almost twice as long battery life as Seiko, making it a preferred option if power is what you need.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Exquisite Timepieces earns from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This helps support our website at no additional cost to you.

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