TISSOT | Basel World 2013 New Watch Releases: On-Site Report

TISSOT | Tissot

The Classic World Timer Returns

Focus on Standard Models with Innovative Technology

At Baselworld 2013, Tissot was one of the most highly regarded brands among watch professionals. Particularly recommended are its standard watches, which generously incorporate the classic world timer and the latest mechanical movements.

Text by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

A Major Leap in its 160th Anniversary Year

As a core brand of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch group, Tissot might not always capture the spotlight due to its accessible price point, averaging around ¥100,000. However, it is a Swiss powerhouse in terms of both history and technical prowess, consistently ranking within the top 10 globally in brand sales. 2013 marks the company's 160th anniversary. The collection released in 2013 to commemorate this occasion features an array of models with unprecedented appeal and innovation.

First, we recommend the reissue of the world timer, the "Heritage 160th Anniversary Model," perfect for overseas travel and international business. The dial displays major cities from 24 time zones, and combined with the 24-hour bezel, it allows for immediate checking of current times in major cities in addition to the local time. While it features a simple mechanism for a world timer, its practicality is outstanding.

Next, the most noteworthy models for practical use are from the "Luxury Automatic" collection, powered by the groundbreaking new movement, "Powermatic," developed jointly with ETA.

Mechanical automatic movements typically have a power reserve of around 40 hours. However, Tissot's Powermatic 80, by introducing new technology to the mainspring and barrel, achieves approximately double the power reserve of about 80 hours with a similar structure, while also enhancing basic performance such as accuracy and realizing chronometer-certified high precision.

A power reserve of approximately 80 hours means the watch will continue to run for nearly four days after being taken off the wrist. In other words, if you take off your watch on a Friday night, you can rest assured it will still be running on Tuesday morning after a long weekend, without needing to rewind it, provided it was fully wound. This is a specification that deserves far more attention and praise.

For those who appreciate intricate mechanical watches, the modernly designed skeleton model "T-Complication Squelette" is recommended. Additionally, for those seeking a classic sports watch, consider the Powermatic 80-equipped models from the "PRC200" collection, one of the brand's most popular lines, named after Precision, Robustness, and Classic.Chronographmodels are also not to be missed.