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Best Tissot dive watches

15 BEST Tissot Dive Watches (Seastar in All Its Glory!)

Posted on by David Castagno

Tissot is a name that has a rich history in the annals of horology. Originally founded in 1853, in Le Locle, Switzerland, by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot, this father and son duo found early success with the launch of their first timepiece, a two-timezone pocket watch.

The accuracy and craftsmanship of this timepiece would pave the way for future success and innovations. In the years to follow, Tissot would be among many firsts for the world of horology, with the two most important being they were the first watch company to mass-produce pocket watches and the first to develop anti-magnetic timepieces.

Now that the basic housekeeping of the who, when, and where is out of the way, we can now discuss the topic of today’s article. 

While Tissot sells millions of watches a year, we will not focus on the brand as a whole and its many different lines, but rather one; the Seastar collection.

So grab your trunks, goggles, and fins because today we are talking about the 15 Best Tissot Dive Watches and all of their aquatic glory.

Tissot or Not to Tissot, That Is the Question

I think it is safe to say that many of us in the watch enthusiast community know Tissot as the perfect entry-level luxury watch brand with many offerings/collections that range from lower-end quartz-powered models to much higher-end automatic timepieces in precious metals. Yup, you heard that right; precious metals.

But, while the topic of today’s article will focus on Tissot’s dive collection, the Seastar, it is worth mentioning that the Swatch Group brand has much more to offer than just a great dive watch.

One of those offerings being the PRX collection. Since their re-release and revival of the iconic PRX, originally launched in 1978, Tissot has been doing some great things with the collection. They have released many variants in different sizes, colors, and even complications. The latter is a stunning chronograph that would look at home on any race track. 

Though it is not the only great collection in the catalog (e.g. Gentleman, T-Touch, and Le Locle), the PRX line has been helping Tissot attract new enthusiasts to the brand.

So, if you are new to watches and need a place to start, check out all of what Tissot has to offer and then ask yourself, Tissot or not to Tissot?

History: Tissot Dive Watches

Even though Tissot is the twelfth oldest watch brand in existence, the history and documentation of the Seastar collection prove to be a rather difficult task. Not because the line has been unsuccessful, far from it.

But since its launch in the 60s, the Seastar has had a high production volume and a wide array of models, which may have helped the Seastar collection find success, but it also means that it got lost in the dive watch boom of the 60s and 70s. 

The Seastar, like many other early dive watches, was a tool, a functional piece of equipment meant to help those partaking in the new and burgeoning sport of recreational diving. So, it is no surprise that the watch is still in production and as popular as ever.

As you will see in this article, there are a plethora of Seastar models in different case sizes, colors, and movement types. With that said I believe that the Seastar collection has positioned itself as a great watch for the money in the entry-level luxury sector of the market.

The Best Tissot Dive Watches

1. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Black Dial 
 (ref. T120.407.11.051.00)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Black Dial   (ref. T120.407.11.051.00)

The Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 in 316L stainless steel is an incredibly strong way to start off our list today and is a pretty great value for money. With a case diameter of 43mm and a case thickness of 12.7mm, the Seastar 1000 Black Dial is a very capable dive watch with 300m of water resistance. 

For a reference point, the Rolex Submariner has a very similar case thickness and the same water resistance; the biggest and main difference is the case diameter of the Seastar and, obviously, the price. 

With that said, the Seastar 1000s ink black dial, black ceramic unidirectional bezel, 6 o’clock date, and applied indices make up a very nice-looking timepiece. 

The stand-out feature for this watch, and any watch with the Powermatic 80 movement, is the 80-hour power reserve. It gives you the ability to wear this timepiece in your weekly rotation without having to wind and adjust it every time you put it on.

2. Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Light Blue Gradient Dial 
(ref. T120.607.11.041.00)

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Light Blue Gradient Dial  (ref. T120.607.11.041.00)

The Seastar 2000 Professional with the light blue gradient dial definitely fills the role of the Seastar 1000’s big brother in almost every way. 

The Seastar 2000, with its amped-up specs, is a great addition to the Seastar line. This professional-grade timepiece comes in a little larger than the Seastar 1000 with a case diameter of 46mm and a case thickness of 16.3mm.

Much like its little brother, the Seastar 2000 comes equipped with a ceramic unidirectional bezel, applied indices, and date at 6 o’clock. But, the stand-out feature for the Seastar 2000 that really does prove to be an upgrade, aesthetically, is the dial.

The beautiful light blue gradient dial with wave motif is very reminiscent of Seiko’s Save the Ocean wave dials, but the “light blue” almost teal-colored Seastar 2000 is what separates the two.

3. Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Quartz Blue Dial (ref. T120.410.11.041.00)

Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Quartz Blue Dial (ref. T120.410.11.041.00)

I think that, as watch enthusiasts, we tend to romanticize the idea of mechanical watches. While I love them and will always find an excuse to buy another, there are much more realistic ways to tell the time; for example, your phone, you always have it on you, and it will always be more accurate than your mechanical timepiece.

But, if it is the accuracy you are after and you still want something antiquated but fun on your wrist, your best bet will always be quartz. In steps, the Tissot Seastar 1000 quartz. A beautiful stainless steel dive watch with a case diameter of 40mm, a case thickness of a mere 10mm, and a water resistance of 300m! 

The accuracy and ease of use with the quartz movement in the Seastar 1000 is really the selling point of this timepiece. It is the perfect timepiece for someone who isn’t a die-hard mechanical purist but still wants the functionality of a capable dive watch.

4. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Rose Gold (ref. T120.407.37.051.01)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Rose Gold (ref. T120.407.37.051.01)

The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 in rose gold is most definitely one of the most stylish timepieces on our list today. Much like its sibling, the Seastar 1000 black dial variant, the rose gold Seastar has a case diameter of 43mm and a case thickness of 12.7mm. 

Also, like its sibling and older sibling, the Seastar 2000, this modern-looking angular case is a treat to wear and an even better treat to look at.

With its rose gold PVD coated 316L stainless steel case, the Seastar 1000 rose gold is a great statement piece to wear out on a night on the town and will fit nicely under a dress cuff due to its relatively thin case. 

One departure from the timepieces we have already talked about on today’s list is the rubber strap. While all of the variants on the list so far come on a stainless steel bracelet, the rose gold Seastar comes on a very nice fitted black rubber strap with matte black tang and buckle.

5. Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Navy Blue Gradient Dial 
(ref. T120.607.37.041.00)

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Navy Blue Gradient Dial  (ref. T120.607.37.041.00)

I would have to describe the Seastar 2000 Professional with navy blue gradient dial as the moody older brother in the Seastar family of watches. It also happens to be one of my favorite timepieces on the list.

While they share similarities in the case dimensions and use of the Powermatic 80 movement, that’s where they end. The Seastar 2000 navy blue is aesthetically so different from the light blue that, at a glance, it could be a different watch.

The Seastar 2000 Professional navy blue variant comes with a black PVD-coated case and an amazing deep navy blue gradient dial whose edges mimic the inky black waters of the deep ocean.

While the dial still has the familiar wave motif, there is something sinister and angry about the dial that reminds me of a stormy ocean. All in all, I think that the Seastar 2000 w/ navy blue gradient dial is a great pick for a timepiece that is just a little different from the rest of the collection.

6. Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph Green Gradient Dial 
(ref. T120.417.11.091.01)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph Green Gradient Dial  (ref. T120.417.11.091.01)

As discussed earlier, there is an easy ruggedness and a grab-and-go attitude when it comes to quartz-driven watches. They are particularly convenient when you have a rotation of multiple watches. The Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph w/ green gradient dial is the perfect addition to a rotation that needs a little color and convenience.

With a case diameter of 45.5mm and a case thickness of 12.8mm, this quartz-driven dive chronograph is a wonderful tool watch and a great entry if you are looking to add a dive chronograph to your collection. The modern case is completed with a screw-down crown and pushers, allowing 300m of water resistance.

The unidirectional aluminum bezel gives this modern dive watch a hint of vintage aesthetic that will likely age and patina well in the coming years. The beautiful gradient green dial, which is leaning more towards a dark teal, comes complete with three subdials, applied indices, and a color-matched date window at the four-thirty position.

7. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Light Gray 
(ref. T120.407.11.081.01)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Light Gray  (ref. T120.407.11.081.01)

One of my favorite features of the Seastar line is something we haven’t discussed in detail, the bezel. While it is similar to most models of the Seastar line, one of its best attributes is the conical sloped shape. It adds a sense of refinement and helps it stand out from other watches at this price point.

With that said, I think that one of the best-looking Seastar bezel/bezel insert combinations comes on the Seastar 1000 in light gray.

The monochromatic Seastar 1000, like its siblings, has a case diameter of 43mm and a case thickness of 12.7mm. But what helps this reference stand out in the line is its almost surgical aesthetic, which is very reminiscent of an aged diver with a ghost-like patina.

I think that most of the Seastar collection can be considered strap monsters, but I think that due to the subdued color scheme, the Seastar 1000 light gray is the most versatile and one that could be worn with a strap of any color or pattern.

8. Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Gray Gradient Dial 
(ref. T120.607.17.441.00)

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Gray Gradient Dial  (ref. T120.607.17.441.00)

As discussed earlier in the list, the Seastar 2000 is the professional grade dive watch from the Seastar family. But, one thing we haven’t discussed about the beefed-up big brother is its helium escape valve.

For those who don’t dive, the helium escape valve on a professional dive watch with high water resistance is meant to release trapped helium build-up while saturation diving at great depths, preventing your timepiece from being damaged by the high pressures of the deep ocean atmosphere.

As far as enthusiasts go, 99% of us will never need the luxury of a helium escape valve, but as Tim Mosso from The Watchbox says, “It’s a great conversation starter.”

9. Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm Quartz White Dial (ref. T120.210.11.011.00)

Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm Quartz White Dial (ref. T120.210.11.011.00)

We have finally arrived at the spot on our list with a watch that is a great size for those with smaller wrists. With a case diameter of 36mm and a case thickness of 9.7mm, the quartz-powered Seastar 1000 w/ white dial is a stunner and maybe the perfect summer watch.

While yes, it is a small dive watch, I think that the Seastar 1000 occupies a part of the market that is important to attracting new and female enthusiasts. Its only competition at this price point is the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz in 37mm. 

While both brands are part of the Swatch Group, Hamilton as a whole is a great brand with a great history, but I think for the money spent, the Tissot Seastar gives you a little more refinement with its white lacquered dial and case design.

10. Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph Blue Dial 
(ref. T120.417.11.041.03)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph Blue Dial (ref. T120.417.11.041.03)

Tissot’s Blue variant of the Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph is another great do-it-all piece within the Seastar collection. Unlike some of its purpose-driven professional dive watch siblings, the blue gradient dial has a sense of sophistication, much like the green dialed variant.

Where the blue-dialed chronograph really stands out is in its versatility. I think that this watch can be worn in a multitude of situations, from the beach to a boardroom and anything in between. While it will likely not be a black tie event type of watch, it will still prove to be a great daily wear, regardless of what your plans are.

So if you’re looking for a bit of color in your life, I recommend both the green and blue dialed Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronographs.

11. Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Black and Gold 
(ref. T120.607.17.441.01)

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Black and Gold  (ref. T120.607.17.441.01)

Since this will be the last Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional on our list, there are some things that I would like to highlight that we haven’t discussed yet.

First, the angular case of the Seastar 2000 is ultra-modern. With relief channels cut into the sides of the case, the Seastar 2000, though a big and brutish watch, saves on a little weight. I think that these relief cuts give the Seastar 2000 an almost futuristic look while maintaining its dive watch aesthetic.

Second, we mentioned the Powermatic 80 movement in passing but haven’t discussed it at length. The Powermatic 80 has an impressive power reserve of 80 hours, but the real standout feature is the Nivachron balance spring which helps the movement be anti-magnetic. 

I understand that silicon balance springs aren’t new, but it is definitely a huge upgrade for a watch that can be had well under $1,000.

12. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Blue Dial 
(ref. T120.407.11.041.03)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Blue Dial  (ref. T120.407.11.041.03)

I think the Seastar 1000 w/ the blue dial is a great reminder that Tissot is a brand that can build a great watch at a great price point and still looks the part for almost any scenario you put it in. 

Similarly to the blue-dialed quartz chronograph reference, the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 w/ the blue dial is a great option for adding a subtle change to the ever-present black-dialed dive watch in every watch rotation. 

With summer just around the corner somewhere in the world, I think that as an everyday wear, the Seastar 1000 is a great host for rubber or sailcloth straps that will allow you to customize your look and have an excellent watch for the beach, the bar, or the boat!

13. Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph Red Gradient Dial 
(ref. T120.417.11.421.00)

Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph Red Gradient Dial  (ref. T120.417.11.421.00)

When discussing watch dial colors, it is very common to see black, white, silver, blue, and even green, but a color that is not as common is red. While it is most definitely a bit more bombastic, I think that it has its place in the world of horology. When done right, red can be a seductive dial color and a wonderful addition to a collection.

The Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph w/ the red gradient dial is one of those timepieces that uses red correctly. The dial, much like the other chronographs in the Seastar collection, has your traditional sub-dial layout and a date between 4 and 5 o’clock. 

But where the Seastar 1000 really shines is in​​ Tissot’s use of a deep red, almost maroon, colorway that oozes sophistication. It really is a beautiful dial and a great timepiece that is a great way to start a collection for a new enthusiast who might want to stand out from the crowd a little bit.

14. Vintage Tissot Seastar Navigator (ref. 40522)

Vintage Tissot Seastar Navigator (ref. 40522)

Now that we have discussed the modern Tissot Seastar collection in its many different variations, I think it is important to discuss a few vintage timepieces that paved the way for the modern Seastar collection.

The vintage Tissot Seastar Navigator ref. 40522 is a funky and chunky (for its time) timepiece in a very 70s-styled tonneau case. With a case diameter of 41mm, this watch was definitely a big piece for its time.

The Seastar Navigator has a black bi-compax layout (meaning two subdials), and is powered by a manually wound movement, the Valjoux cal. 7734, and has a date at the six o’clock position. 

This delightful 70s creation adds just the right amount of color with red chronograph hands and, from a distance, might be mistaken for a Heuer Viceroy. With that said, you can have the 70s Formula 1 look on your wrist from a company with a wonderful history, if the Tissot Seastar Navigator revs your engine.

15. Vintage Tissot Visodate Seastar T12 (ref. 44518-7)

For someone like myself who loves vintage watches but has large wrists, the Seastar Navigator and our next and final watch on the list, the Tissot Visodate Seastar T12 ref. 44518-7 are great options.

Much like the Navigator, the Visodate comes with very modern proportions. With a case diameter of 42.2mm and a lug-to-lug of 50mm, the Visodate would fit perfectly on a variety of wrists and feel right at home by today’s modern standards.

One of the coolest parts about the Visodate is its overly cool 70s aesthetics. The black dial with red and white accents makes the Visodate the perfect companion for a quick ride on your vintage Powell-Peralta skateboard or Channel Island surfboard. 

Which reminds me, unlike the Navigator, which is a chronograph, the Visodate is a dive watch, one with a super compressor case. A super compressor case is a type of case-sealing technology patented in 1956 that allows for a spring-loaded caseback to seal tighter and tighter as the external pressure increases the deeper you dive.

To say that the Visodate is my favorite watch on the list is an understatement. If given the opportunity, I would buy this timepiece today and cherish it until I leave this world.

Parting Thoughts

Okay, so maybe that last sentence was a bit dramatic, but it is true! 

After taking the time and researching Tissot as a brand and, more specifically, the many different variations of timepieces in the Seastar collection, I can confidently say that there is something for everyone.

From the new enthusiast looking to start a collection to the enthusiast who has it all, I think that the Seastar collection offers a whole lot. Whether you are looking for color, size, complication, or strap options, the Seastar line has a variation for you.

So, if you are in the market for a well-made dive watch and need a starting point, check out the Tissot Seastar collection.

Tag Heuer vs. Tissot

Tag Heuer vs. Tissot (STILL Undecided? Here’s the In-Depth Comparison)

Posted on by William Boyd

The following article will feature the comparison of the Tissot watch brand with that of Tag Heuer. Both companies were founded in the mid-1800s in Switzerland and have a rich history of marketing and brand promotion.

Foundations

Tissot began when the Tissot family, father, and son, established the brand in 1853. They enjoyed great success with the manufacture of pocket watches, which gained popularity worldwide. As their success gained momentum, more wrist watches were introduced offering swiss craftsmanship at an affordable price. 

As electricity became more a part of everyday life, Tissot developed the first non-magnetic wristwatch in 1930. Since electricity adversely affected a watch’s timekeeping precision by magnetizing the movement, this was a great and necessary advancement. Today, Tissot is widely renowned for its quality and affordability. The collection has a retail starting point of approximately $450.00 and offers a wide range of selections for both men and women in straps, bracelets, and even gold and steel/gold models. 

Tag Heuer was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer and quickly became synonymous with high-precision instruments for measuring time. The company’s reputation was forged by the development of high-speed mechanical, and eventually, automatic chronographs. Another milestone for Heuer was the release of the Mikrograph in 2011.

The Mikrograph is a self-winding chronograph with an accuracy of 1/100’s of a second. This was the first of its kind for this degree of accuracy in a stopwatch. Tag Heuer has built a strong reputation in the racing world as a durable and accurate wristwatch. Albeit, in comparing the Tissot and Tag Heuer brands, the Heuer watches have a much higher retail entry price point and also offer a much narrower selection for women throughout the collection. 

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph VS Tissot PRS516 Chronograph

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph VS Tissot PRS516 Chronograph

With this preliminary background, I will compare one of Tag Heuers’ most popular models, the Formula 1 with a comparable Tissot model to give the reader features to weigh in determining or helping make a decision in purchasing one or the other. 

The Formula 1 quartz chronograph has a 43mm. Brushed steel case with a screw-down crown and water-resistant to 200m. It is outfitted with a brushed steel bracelet and a scratchproof sapphire crystal. The quartz movement reflects hours, minutes, and seconds, and also displays the date. The chronograph records seconds and 30-minute increments. It is available in both strap and bracelet models and retails in the $1650.00-$1850.00 range. 

The Formula 1 chronograph is also available with a caliber 16 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The case of the automatic measures 44mm and is comprised of brushed and polished stainless steel with a ceramic bezel. It also has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to 200m. This model is priced at approximately $3250.

If you have no interest in owning a chronograph, an analog Formula 1 with a quartz movement is available. This watch has a 41mm. Case and is available in both strap and bracelet, and in various colored dials and bezels. These timepieces have an entrance point of $1450.00. TAG Heuer® Official Website – Formula 1 Chronograph Watches | TAG Heuer US.

For comparison, after reviewing the Tissot collection, I have chosen the PRS516 Chronograph. As with the Tag Heuer Formula 1, this model is available in both quartz and automatic movements. The quartz model is made of 316L stainless steel and measures a diameter of 45mm and is water-resistant to 100m. It has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a 4 jewel swiss movement with EOL (battery end-of-life indicator).

The chronograph features a central 60 seconds chronograph hand, 30 minutes and 1/10 of a second counter, and ADD and SPLIT functions. A very reasonable entrance price point of approximately $475.00 rounds out this offering. The automatic version shares many of the same attributes with its quartz counterpart.

Fundamental differences are that the sapphire crystal has a non-reflective coating, a ceramic bezel, and a see-through case back. The movement is a 27 jewel Swiss Valjoux A05 H31 automatic with a 68-hour power reserve. This model retails for $1895.00. TISSOT PRS Collection | Tissot® official website | Tissot

Conclusion: For affordability, the Tissot wins, but there are many subjective factors to consider. In either case, trying on either piece, aside from price, and determining the fit and finishes, and comfort on your wrist will go a long way in making a decision. The Heuer will most likely be perceived as a more prestigious choice, but I suggest you make your decision given the price, quality, and features. 

Tag Heuer Carrera Dress Watch Vs Tissot Gentleman

Tag Heuer Carrera Dress Watch Vs Tissot Gentleman

In all fairness, I felt that comparing a more basic watch from each collection would offer a juxtaposition to the sportier chronographs previously compared. My choice here was the Heuer Carrera Dress Watch and the Tissot Gentleman. 

The Heuer Carrera is dressier, may I even say a simpler model, but a very sleek and great-looking wristwatch. The Carrera is available with either a quartz or an automatic movement with the following attributes. The quartz model is marked by a 36mm. polished steel case. It is water-resistant to 100m. and available with a bracelet or with a strap and retails for $1900. 

The automatic is available in either a date or a day/date model. The date model has a 39mm. Brushed and polished steel case and is water resistant to 100m. The accompanying bracelet has a steel folding push button clasp and is fitted with a caliber 5 movement with 38 hours of power in reserve. The date model with a strap retails for approx. $2750. in contrast, the bracelet option carries a retail of $2850. 

The day/date selection has a 41mm. Case and a see-through back to admire the automatic movement. The watch shares the same caliber 5 movement with a 38-hour power reserve as the date model, and both are available in a limited selection of dial and strap colors. Though limited, each combination is captivating in its elegance, understatedness, and beauty. Luxury Sporty Watches for Men | TAG Heuer® Carrera – Official Site | TAG Heuer US 

The Tissot Gentleman was a model that I felt was comparable in appearance and features to the Heuer Carrera. Here the comparison feels more like comparing apples to oranges when reviewing the quartz Gentleman. There is an abyss between the price points on each of these watches, to begin with. The strap version retails for $350.00 and the bracelet selection for $375.00.

The quartz movement is a basic swiss movement, and accurate for argument’s sake, but it seems to be a lopsided comparison in examining the two timepieces side by side. Tissot Gentleman | Tissot. The gap is closed considerably in examining the Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium. This offering seems to be a much fairer contest when observing its features with the Carrera.

The watch has a 40mm. 316L stainless steel case and possesses water resistance to 100m. It has a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and a see-through case back. The 25 jewel movement has an 80-hour power reserve and retails for $775.00. There is even a steel model available with an 18 kt. gold bezel that retails for approx. $1575.00. 

Conclusion: For my taste, I prefer the Heuer Carrera but the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a worthy consideration and as with all Tissot watches, a quality choice at an affordable price. 

Tag Heuer Ladies Carrera VS Tissot T-My Lady

Tag Heuer Ladies Carrera VS Tissot T-My Lady

Both Tissot and Tag Heuer offer a wide range of women’s watches with a predominance of quartz choices and some automatic alternatives. The entry price point for a lady’s Tissot wristwatch is below $200.00 whereas any Tag Heuer is considerably higher. A woman can purchase a basic dress watch with a quartz movement for an exceptionally reasonable price and there is a much greater depth of selection than in the Tag Heuer brand. 

In order to make a reasonable comparison between two similar or comparable models from each collection, I have chosen the Tissot T-My Lady and the Tag Heuer Ladies Carrera offerings. The T-My Lady is available in both quartz and an automatic version. The quartz model has a 3 jewel swiss movement with EOL, and a battery end-of-life indicator. It retails for $425.00. The automatic model has a 29.3mm case and is made of 316L stainless steel.

It is water resistant to 100m. And has a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a see-through back. It is powered by a 24-jewel swiss made movement with 48 hours of power reserve capacity. It retails for approximately $850.00. The Tag Heuer Ladies Carrera comprises about 40% of the lady’s collection and ranges within approximate retail of $1700.00-$6300.00.

The quartz model comes in a 36mm. case with a single offering with a 32mm. case. The 32mm. retails for about $2400.00 and is adorned with a tastefully designed diamond dial. The 36mm. Styles are available in an all-polished stainless steel case with either strap (1900.00) or a steel bracelet ($2150.00). It is water resistant to 100m.

And there is a selection of variations with diamond dials or diamond bezels. The Carrera automatic is designed with a caliber 9 swiss movement and has a 40-hour power reserve capacity. These cases are 29mm. in diameter and have a starting point of $2500.00 retail. In addition, Tag Heuer has a relatively new selection of sporty women’s watches roughly priced in the $1950.00-$3600.00 range.

These Aquaracers are manufactured with either a 30mm. Or a 36mm. Case with either quartz or automatic movements. They are adorned with rubber straps or stainless steel bracelets and in an array of dial colors. Are there better watch brands on the market compared to Tissot or Tag Heuer the definitive answer would be yes. But when making any comparison, one must consider price and an array of factors in agreeing or disagreeing with this point.

For an affordable, quality timepiece, Tissot definitely fills a niche and has a long history of watchmaking to back up the brand. The Tag Heuer brand is more expensive, and narrower in selection but has built a strong reputation over time within the racing world and with their chronograph models. If one would have to categorize either brand as a luxury brand, the scales are tilted in Heuer’s favor.

Tag Heuer Vs Longines

The question has been posed as to how Tag Heuer watches stack up against the Longines brand. Here again, subjectivity must come into play in arriving at a conclusion. The Longines brand has a history that dates as far back as 1832, even though its founding date is 1867. Whether widely known or not by watch enthusiasts, Longines was a major contributor to the development of the chronograph which reflects a common thread between the two brands.

Today, the Longines brand has a reputation for fashionable, high-quality swiss timepieces. There is a much deeper selection of watches to choose from in either gents’ or ladies’ models and most of the collection is priced between $1000.00- $3000.00 retail. If you would like to compare similar styled and featured watches, then you might do some further research on the Longines Spirit Chronograph and do a side-by-side comparison with the equivalent Tag Heuer Formula 1. 

Tissot for budget-conscious

Tissot is a great stylish choice if budget is a major determining factor in purchasing your first swiss watch. Along with affordability, there is a reasonable depth of selection earmarked by styles that should be attractive to most men and women. If your budget is less of a consideration, and especially if you are looking for a chronograph with brand recognition and the element of prestige, then the Tag Heuer would and should be a worthy consideration.

Even if you are not in the market for a sport or chronograph watch, the Carrera (mentioned in this article) is a reasonably priced and eye-catching watch that will surely satisfy your hunger for a high-quality swiss made watch and will draw compliments. The added ability to choose either a quartz or automatic movement, the options of either strap or bracelet models, coupled with dial and strap colors should make finding the perfect timepiece a surety.

I hope this article has provided a starting point in assisting you in choosing either a Tissot or Tag Heuer watch. There are many brands from which to choose your next timepiece but always remember to be subjective. If you are making a purchase for the sole purpose of status or recognizability, then the list of choices becomes greatly narrower, but if you are willing to be open-minded and patient and do your due diligence, there are many brands worthy of consideration due to their features, quality, etc. for your next purchase. Hoping your search bears fruit and you find the perfect timepiece.

Longines vs Tissot

Longines vs Tissot Watches: Brand Comparison

Posted on by Ethan Richardson

When shopping for exquisite timepieces, most people give Swiss watch brands priority. Tissot and Longines are among the top Swiss watchmaking brands available in the market. This detailed comparison of Longines vs Tissot presents different facts about both of the luxury watch brands. Both Tissot and Longines are members of the Swatch Group, so the two watch brands are under the same watchmaking banner. However, this doesn’t mean they produce the same kind of watch models. Longines and Tissot target different areas of the watchmaking industry when creating their timepieces.

Longines is widely known in the watchmaking industry as a luxurious watch, while Tissot is more popular as a mid-range Swiss watchmaking brand. Even though Tissot isn’t considered a luxury watch brand, they still produce some costly heritage timepieces in their collections. Longines, known as a high-end watch brand, delivers very classy and elegant timepieces. Longines watches’ pricing is very exclusive, competing with other top Swiss luxury watch brands like Omega. When comparing these two brands, the designs and versatility of their models play an essential role. The two brands have a lineage in the watchmaking industry that cannot be overlooked.

 

The History of The Longines Brand

longines history
The Original Longines Factory

The Longines brand was founded in 1832 and prides itself in more than a century of watchmaking culture and craftsmanship. Since its inception, the company has managed to build a reputation for making high-end watches. When founded, the Longines watch brand was initially known as Raiguel Jeune and Cie. The brand was based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. It wasn’t until 1867 that the brand changed its name to Longines and moved its operation to Les Longines, St. Imier.

In 1889, the Longines brand unveiled its logo, which is an hourglass with wings. The logo’s design hasn’t changed since it was created and has remained one of the authentic identifiers of the brand in the industry. Longines being a watchmaking brand from Switzerland means the brand uses the quartz movements used by Swiss watchmaking brands. The Swiss quartz movement is one of the most accurate watch movements in the watchmaking industry. With its impressive reputation of making luxurious watches of high quality, Longines has been awarded several contracts as official sponsors in sporting events. The brand even has partnerships with some top players in the sports industry.

Longines uses in-house movements in their watch models. The first Longines watch model to use the in-house watch movement was the Longines Calibre 20A. The watch was such a success that it even garnered an award during the 1987 Universal Exhibition held in Paris, France. The Longines Calibre 201A features an anchor escapement, which has a pendant and setting watch mechanism. Even though Longines makes luxurious watches, their models are still considered affordable compared to other luxurious watch brands like Rolex and Omega. The Longines brand is one of the respectable members of the Swatch Group Limited.

 

The History of the Tissot Brand

tissot history
Vintage Tissot Magazines Ads

Tissot is a Swiss-based watch brand that, over the years, has managed to gain immense respect in the global watchmaking industry. Tissot, like Longines, has more than a century of watchmaking history. The brand was founded in 1854, just a few years after Longines was founded. Tissot started by producing gold pocket watches. After that, the brand decided to expand its market coverage outside its home country. In their first year of operation, the brand reached the United States watchmaking market, and within five years, the Tissot brand was a household name in the Russian watch market.

Tissot has been operating in their Chemin des Tourelles, Le Locle headquarters since 1907. The brand has maintained the location as their primary factory until today. In 1910, the Tissot brand unveiled wristwatches that were made exclusively for women. Soon after, the brand also released its wristwatch collections made for men. The wrist watches for men were sleek but slightly different than the ones made for women, that’s why there are watches for small wrists that best caters for women size. The men’s wristwatches were bulkier.

Tissot started developing its in-house watch movements in 1917, and the brand also decided to produce high-quality timepieces that were affordable in the watchmaking industry. Tissot is famous for several innovations in the watchmaking industry. The Tissot non-magnetic wristwatch released in 1930 was the first non-magnetic watch.  In the same year, 1930, the Tissot brand partnered with Omega to form the Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère (SSIH), the first Swiss watchmaking association.

Tissot is among the top watch brands popular in the sports industry due to its rich watchmaking history and tested accuracy. They have become the official timekeepers of some of the top racing teams in the world.

Longines vs Tissot: Watch Comparison

Longines and Tissot are definitely in the same banner in the watchmaking industry but occupy different watch markets. The Longines brand is a luxurious watchmaking brand with a high price tag on its timepieces, unlike Tissot, a budget-friendly watch brand. If you a watch enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly watch, you will opt for the Tissot brand, but you will pick a Longines model if you want a luxurious timepiece. The two main types of watch models you will find common in the Longines vs Tissot debate are the dive watches and the sports watches.

 

Longines vs Tissot: Dive Watches

Dive watches are designed for any underwater activity. These watches have particular features, which allow them to withstand pressure when they are submerged in water. Both Tissot and Longines have exceptional models, which fit in the category of dive watches.  The Longines Hydro Conquest L3.640.4.56.6 and Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph are considered the top dive watches from each brand.

When looking at the dive watches from the two brands, both functionality and price play an important role. The Longines Hydro Conquest L3.640.4.56.6 feels like a premium grade diver’s watch with its water-resistance of up to 300 m or 1,000 feet, 38 hours of backup power, and highly accurate timekeeping thanks to the Japanese quartz movement. The Hydro Conquest, though subtle in appearance, has high functionality, making it a reliable diving watch. The Tissot Seastar 1000 offers a much affordable option and has the same designs as the Longines Hydro Conquest. With its compass-like aesthetics, the Seastar 1000 has an upper edge when it comes to design. The watch also has the same water-resistance level as the Hydro Conquest of 300 m or 1,000 feet.

After looking at the two models, it’s evident that the Longines Hydro Conquest L3.640.4.56.6 is a premium high-grade diver’s watch despite the higher price. Even though the Tissot Seastar 1000 might be a more affordable option when looking for a dive watch, the watch’s lithium battery-powered movement seems to be the main downside of the watch.

 

Longines vs Tissot: Sport Watches

These are watches that are more practical and less stylish. They are known to be more about precision and not about style. Longines and Tissot have several high-quality and luxury sports watches in their collection. We will compare the Longines Sports Legend L3.674.4.50.0 and the Tissot T-Race Swiss Automatic Chronograph.

The Longines Sports Legend L3.674.4.50.0 has a more traditional flair in design with a unisex appeal. The watch has a simple dial and a super compressor case design, hence the water-resistance of 300 m. The Sports Legend is seen as a marvel of watch engineering focusing more on the watch’s polished and exceptional functionality and less on appearance. The Tissot T-Race Swiss Automatic Chronograph comes in with a budget-friendly sport design and excellent functionality. The T-Race collection from Tissot is very popular due to its functionality and its racecar-like design. The watch model comes with chronograph functionalities and a magnifying glass on top of the date window display. The Tissot T-Race Swiss Automatic Chronograph is a wonderful blend of precision, style, and functionality.

The Tissot T-Race offers excellent quality and functionality, with a pocket-friendly price tag. The Longines Sports Legend L3.674.4.50.0, though with a minimalistic design, provides much more improved functionality, which is highly sought after when shopping for sports watches.

 

Longines vs Tissot: Conclusion

Tissot and Longines offer different incentives to watch connoisseurs, Tissot being the more well-rounded option between the two brands. Longines has the upper hand when it comes to brand recognition and producing high-quality, luxurious watches. The Longines brand has more to offer to watch enthusiasts compared to Tissot. Exquisite Timepieces offers a wide variety of Longines and Tissot watches depending on ones’ personal preference and taste. You will find a substantially expansive list of watches to choose from.

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