A staple in the realm of luxury dress watches, the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts. With its Swiss precision, elegant design, and remarkable power reserve, we think that’s well-deserved. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this excellent Tissot. We’ll examine its unique features, design elements, and why it’s a top choice for a dress watch.
But first, you may be asking yourself, “how do you pronounce Le Locle?” It’s pronounced, leh-loke-la. Moving on!
Tissot’s Rich Heritage
To fully appreciate the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80, it’s helpful to understand the storied history of the Tissot brand. Founded in 1853 in the quaint Swiss town of Le Locle, Tissot has been a symbol of quality and innovation for over 150 years. The brand’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and precision has established it as a frontrunner in Swiss watchmaking. As part of the Swatch Group, Tissot continues to craft exceptional timepieces, combining traditional watchmaking techniques with cutting-edge technology.
The Timeless Design of the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Featuring a classic, elegant dial design, the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 pays tribute to the brand’s Swiss origins. The 316L stainless steel case boasts a stunning rose gold PVD coating that creates a subtle yet eye-catching contrast against the white dial.
The Specs
- Case diameter: 39.3mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Case thickness: 9.8mm
- Water resistance: 30 meters
- Power reserve: 80 hours
The watch’s slim 9.8mm thickness is an under-appreciated aspect of this piece. 80 hours of power reserve with a thickness less than 10mm is quite impressive. The slim case size of the Le Locle helps it shine as a dress watch – remaining understated and elegant.
The white dial displays a guilloche pattern, adding texture and depth, while Roman numeral hour markers and slender hands contribute to the watch’s timeless appearance. A date window at the 3 o’clock position offers added functionality without detracting from the overall aesthetic.
Inside the Powermatic 80 Movement
The Le Locle is powered by the Powermatic 80.111 automatic movement. This Swiss-made caliber is renowned for its remarkable 80-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to maintain accurate time for over three days without being worn or wound. This notable power reserve sets this dress watch apart from many others in its class. The Powermatic 80 movement also features a hacking seconds function, which allows the second hand to stop completely when setting the time.
A standout feature of the watch is its exhibition case back, which provides a glimpse into the timepiece’s inner workings. The transparent case back reveals the elaborate Powermatic 80 movement, enabling you to appreciate the precision and craftsmanship that goes into each Tissot watch.
Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal and Water Resistance
Equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, you can rest assured that this watch will maintain its form even if you give it a hard time. This robust crystal also offers exceptional clarity, letting you admire the dial’s intricate details.
Though primarily a dress watch, the Le Locle also boasts water resistance up to a pressure of 3 bar (30 meters / 100 feet). Don’t take this watch in the ocean, but you can rest assured you’ll be safe for everyday wear.
Strap and Clasp Details
An alligator-style grained cowhide strap comes out of the box on the Le Locle. The strap’s rich brown color complements the rose gold PVD coated stainless steel case well, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look that is taken to the next level by the strap’s butterfly clasp.
A butterfly clasp is nice for a few reasons. First, it helps the strap to sit more flush against your wrist. Second, it just adds a touch of class that’s missing from a quick release strap. A butterfly clasp it one of those things you don’t think about that takes a dress watch to the next level.
Alternatives to the Tissot Le Locle
If you’re looking for an automatic dress watch in this price range, you may have come across the Orient Bambino and the Seiko Cocktail Time. We’ve done writeups on both of these pieces and think they’re really great additions to any collection.
Japanese watches are almost always a great value relative to their Swiss counterparts. That said, Japanese and Swiss watches are rarely in the same price category when compared.
When we’re talking under $1,000, any Swiss-made automatic watch is a great value, and the Tissot Le Locle is no exception. Sure, you could find some savings by choosing a Japanese-made alternative. But unless you need a dress watch really quickly, it’s worth spending the extra time to save and opt for a next-level Swiss piece.
Final Thoughts
The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 is an exquisite dress watch that masterfully combines timeless elegance with modern innovation. Its classic design, high-quality materials, and impressive power reserve make it a must-have for any watch enthusiast or someone seeking a refined timepiece to complement their wardrobe.
With a rich heritage, commitment to precision, and focus on quality craftsmanship, Tissot has created a truly exceptional timepiece in the Le Locle Powermatic 80. If you’re searching for a stylish, reliable, and sophisticated dress watch, the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 should be at the top of your list.
