Tissot Presents The Redesigned Chemin des Tourelles Collection With Powermatic 80

Chemin des Tourelles… A name that might not be the easiest to pronounce for anyone outside of Switzerland or France, but still a very meaningful one for Tissot. One of the most long-lasting collections of the brand, it’s also one that pays tribute to its history, with a classic design and a name that refers to the street where the Tissot factory was established in 1907. While keeping the timeless spirit of this range alive, Tissot is updating the Chemin des Tourelles Collection this year with reworked cases, 3 different sizes, new dial designs and a modern automatic movement inside all references. 

The concept behind the new Tissot Chemin des Tourelles is to bring more refinement in the design, more choices in the dials and colours, more versatility in the range of straps and bracelets and more modernity in the mechanics. Basically, how to make a classic up-to-date and in line with the market’s expectations. Easier said than done, this meant for Tissot to basically redefine entirely the watch, as most aspects have been revamped while keeping the overall spirit and design of the collection intact.

There are several important collections in Tissot’s portfolio. The star ranges are the PRX, a sporty-chic option with 1970s inspiration and an integrated bracelet, the Gentleman, a casual, all-rounder watch with a modern feel and discreet sporty feeling, the Le Locle, the most traditional of all collections, and the topic of today’s article… The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles. It is defined by Tissot as a timeless option, its evergreen classic… A watch that combines classic codes with a touch of elegance and luxury, and a subtle slice of modernity.

The 2023 Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Collection changes everything, without altering the concept much. However, looking at the new references – 15 in total – you’ll notice immediately that the work done goes deep into the architecture of the watch, as we’re talking about evolutions all around. Not a single element of the watch has been retained, yet the design remains familiar. It’s more refined overall, more versatile, a bit more modern and answers certain needs of the current market.

Let’s start with the case… or the cases, as the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles is now available in 3 different sizes; 42mm for those who want an oversized, masculine version, 39mm, which has to be the sweet spot in the range, with a balanced look and the right combination between presence, comfort and elegance, and finally 34mm as a more feminine option. As you can see, compared to the previous generation, the case has been re-designed with more curves, shorter and slimmer lugs, better ergonomy of the profile and a tapered side design that makes it visually lighter, more refined. The bezel is more domed, and so is the sapphire crystal that protects the dial. The new position of the satin-finished and polished areas is also adding to the overall elegance and character. All watches are water-resistant to 50 metres (a bit short…)

Below: the same style, with a 34mm (left) or 39mm (right) case

The same can be said about the dials found in this new Tissot Chemin des Tourelles collection. First of all, all dials are now domed and the hands have been remodelled. From a quite generic baton design, they’ve changed to a slightly bolder Dauphine style, with bent tips to follow the curvature of the dial, and a dual finish, sandblasted on one side and polished on the other. It makes it both pleasing to the eye and easier to read, even though the dials are not featuring luminescent material. The applied markers are also new, curved and faceted for a more luxurious look.

Depending on the chosen case size, multiple dial options will be offered. For example, the classic look of the previous generation, if slightly updated, has been brought back, with its deep blue colour, a sunray-brushed centre part, a clous de Paris pattern on the chapter ring and applied Roman numerals. This style is also available in two-tone options, with rose gold PVD and steel cases.

You can also opt for more modern and sleeker dials, with a full-sunray-brushed background and baton applied markers and a pearl-like minuterie – available in silver, grey, blue, champagne or green. Finally, the 34mm model can be ordered with a central part in mother of pearl.

As for the topic of versatility, all watches in the new Chemin des Tourelles collection are equipped with quick-release spring bars, so changing the strap or the bracelet will be done effortlessly. Multiple leather straps are available and the 5-link, brushed and polished bracelet has also been redesigned, with more angles and bevels on the links.

Modernity mostly comes from the updated movement, the Powermatic 80, also known as Swatch Group’s all-rounder automatic engine for accessible watches. It has been used in the past in the Chemin des Tourelles collection, however, it now comes with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring. This movement, with its comfortable power reserve of 80 hours, is found on all references and sizes, and visible under a transparent caseback.

Overall, the new Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Collection is a tasteful and comprehensive reshuffle of a classic collection. It brings more refinement while updating some of the technical aspects to answer the expectations of the market (anti-magnetism, quick-change straps). It is a fully-equipped, classic option with prices that, in typical Tissot tradition, are more than fair. A no-brainer for a first automatic watch, and a great option for a daily/business beater.

Prices start from EUR 825 for the model in steel on leather strap (whatever the size) and EUR 895 for the models in steel with a steel bracelet (again, whatever the size) – and rare enough to be mentioned, it is about 20 to 30 euros less than the previous collection. For more details, please visit www.tissotwatches.com.