The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium, a member of the Swatch Group’s diverse collection, is a watch that effortlessly combines affordability with luxury. Despite being priced under $1,000, this timepiece competes with brands like Blancpain, Omega, and Breguet, showcasing the exceptional value Tissot brings to the table. This Tissot is a versatile wristwatch that strikes a balance between sporty and formal aesthetics. Its design may seem simple, but its features and specifications make it a standout choice in its price range.
Design and Aesthetics
Let’s start with the design, shall we? The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a visual feast for the eyes. Its sleek stainless steel case measures a perfect 40mm, striking the ideal balance between presence and wearability. But the real star of the show is the dial. It’s bold, vibrant, and demands attention with every glance. The polished silver hour markers and dauphine hands add a touch of elegance, enhancing the watch’s overall aesthetic.
At a Glance: Tissot Gentleman Specs
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Movement: Powermatic 80
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Accuracy: +/- 2 seconds per day
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Crystal: sapphire
The Dial
The dial of the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a study in understated elegance. The metallic dark blue/green/black hue is a refreshing departure from the typical matte or glossy finishes found in other watches in this price range. The dial’s color shifts subtly under different lighting conditions, adding a dynamic element to the watch’s overall aesthetic. The applied hour markers, paired with the faceted hands, create a pleasing contrast against the dial’s dark background. The light coating of luminous paint on the hands and markers ensures legibility even in low-light conditions, a practical feature that’s always welcomed.
The dial also features a minutes/seconds track and a sub-seconds track, lending a sporty touch to the design. These elements, along with the Tissot logo and the Powermatic 80 and Silicium inscriptions, are arranged in a balanced layout that is easy on the eyes. The date window, though not perfect, is a useful feature that adds to the watch’s functionality.
Movement and Performance
The Tissot Gentleman is more than just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse when it comes to movement and performance. At its heart beats the impressive Powermatic 80 movement, a Swiss engineering marvel. This self-winding movement boasts an outstanding 80-hour power reserve, a testament to Tissot’s commitment to providing exceptional timekeeping functionality. Forget about winding your watch every day; the Powermatic 80 keeps going and going.
Inside the watch is Tissot’s Powermatic 80 movement, based on the ETA 2824. This movement boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve and features a silicon hairspring, a rarity in watches at this price point.
Silicon is a material that is increasingly being used in watchmaking due to its superior properties. It is resistant to temperature changes and magnetic fields, which can affect the accuracy of a mechanical watch. The inclusion of a silicon hairspring in a watch at this price point is a testament to Tissot’s commitment to innovation and value.
And let’s not forget the transparent case back, which gives us a glimpse into the intricate inner workings of the movement. Watching the balance wheel oscillate and witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship is a true delight for any watch lover.
Bracelet and Wearability
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium comes with an Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is robust and well-made, with a mix of finishes on the links that adds visual interest. The solid end links fit the case well, and the two half links allow for fine adjustments to the fit. While the bracelet is a bit heavy, it lends a sense of sturdiness and reliability to the watch.
Despite its heft, the watch is comfortable to wear. The caseback is relatively flat, allowing the watch to sit close to the wrist and reducing excess wobbling. For those who prefer a lighter option, the watch looks equally stunning on a leather strap.
Thanks to the oyster bracelet on the Gentleman, this Tissot will get that second, “is that a Rolex?”, look.
Is the Tissot Gentleman a good value for your money?
As with many other Tissot watches, the Gentleman strikes a great balance of luxury and affordability. Its price point is enough to make you proud of the time and effort you spent saving for the watch, but its not so expensive that you wouldn’t be able to save up for it given enough time. It’s an excellent introduction to Swiss watchmaking, and it comes from a trustworthy brand with a long history of producing quality pieces.
We listed this watch as an alternative option in our review of the Orient Bambino, and we stand by the idea that this is a good point of comparison when deciding what’s important to you. If the price point on this Tissot is too much to stomach, the Bambino is one of many lower-priced alternatives from Orient. Trading down from this Tissot to a Japanese-made watch may save some money, but it’s worth mentioning that the list of compromises made in exchange for those savings is lengthy.
The Tissot Gentleman vs. The Rolex Datejust
A great illustration of the value you get from this watch is its similarities to the Rolex Datejust. On the surface, the smooth-bezel Datejust 41 and the Tissot Gentleman look quite similar. The Gentleman comes in 1mm smaller in diameter, approximately the same thickness, and 0.5mm larger when looking at lug-to-lug. Their chief differences are their weight (the Rolex coming in meaningfully lighter), the date window (the Rolex has a cyclops window), and… their logos.
| Feature | Tissot Gentleman | Rolex Datejust (126300) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail price | $795 | $8,050 |
| Power reserve | 80 hours | 70 hours |
| Accuracy | +/- 2 spd | +/- 2 spd |
| Weight | 164g | 128.2g |
| Diameter | 40mm | 41mm |
| Thickness | 11.5mm | 11.6mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 48mm | 47.5mm |
Is the Tissot Gentleman a better watch than the Rolex Datejust? I’m not here to make that argument. But is the 41mm, smooth-bezel Datejust at least 10 times better than the Tissot Gentleman? I vote no.
When you can get a Swiss-made watch with comparable specs and appearance to a Datejust for under $1,000, you should.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a fantastic offering from Tissot. It combines a classic and versatile design with a robust movement, all at an affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or a beginner in the world of horology, this watch is a worthy addition to your collection.
The Tissot Gentleman is a testament to Tissot’s commitment to delivering high-quality timepieces that don’t break the bank. It’s a watch that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a piece of Swiss watchmaking excellence. With its blend of affordability, style, and performance, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a watch that not only tells the time but also tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and value.
