The New Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton Collection

While its primary focus has been the highly successful PRX collection for a couple of years, last year, Tissot decided to go back to basics by discreetly reinterpreting one of its classics, the Chemin des Tourelles collection. Subtly redesigned, upgraded mechanically with a Powermatic 80 movement and offering new and elegant dial designs, the revamped Chemin des Tourelles is the brand’s definition of a classic, elegant watch at a fair price. Now expanding the collection and offering a view of the mechanics on both sides is the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton Collection. 

If you look at Tissot’s collection, besides Heritage-oriented watches and sports models such as the PRX or the Seastar, you’ll find an array of classic watches. There’s the Gentleman, which can be defined as a modern casual-chic option; then comes the Le Locle, with its textured dials and retro style, and finally, there’s the Chemin des Tourelles, which can be seen as a contemporary take on the elegant all-rounder watch. It might sound slightly confusing, but looking closely at these three collections, you’ll easily spot the differences.

As said, the Chemin des Tourelles was revamped last year, introducing the Powermatic 80 movement to all 15 references – which includes 42mm, 39mm and 34mm options – as well as a redesigned case and updated dial patterns and colours, subtle modifications to keep the collection up-to-date and relevant. Now, Tissot introduces three new models in the range, with openworked dials – and contrary to the Le Locle collection that only benefits from the Open Heart concept with an opening over the balance, the Chemin des Tourelles reveals most of the mechanics through its dials.

For now, Tissot only presents its Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton in mid-size cases, meaning a 39mm diameter – which is, in our opinion, the best size in this collection, a pleasant mix between modernity and comfort. The case, with a reasonable thickness of 11.2mm, follows the same design as last year’s update, with more curves on the sides and bezel, shorter and slimmer lugs, better profile ergonomics and a tapered side design that makes it visually lighter. The length of the case, at 43.7mm, also makes it compact and elegant on the wrist. Water-resistant to 50 metres, these new skeleton models feature a domed sapphire crystal on top and a see-through caseback.

The important update here is the opening on the dial, making sure that the movement is visible. The Powermatic 80 might not be the prettiest of movements, but it’s been treated here with vertically brushed surfaces and offers a clear view of the mechanics – always a great way to learn how a mechanical watch works. The display of this Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton has been simplified, as the date has been removed.

There are three versions of the Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton. The first is a classic for the collection, with its blue dial, its clou de Paris pattern and applied Roman numerals. As for the closed dial version, this blue model is worn on a 5-link stainless steel bracelet. Tissot also presents an elegant and warm version with an ivory (I personally think it should be called champagne) version with a nicely executed domed and brushed dial, on which you’ll find gold-coloured hands and baton markers. The last version is a bolder take, with a black PVD-coated case, a smoked crystal dial and grey markers and hands. These two versions are offered on nubuck-like straps, closed by a folding clasp. Some nice details can be seen on all three references, such as the two-tone (polished and blasted) hands, the domed profile of both the dial and the hands and, on the black and ivory versions, a pearl-like minutes track.

Under the hood is Swatch Group’s go-to movement, the Powermatic 80. An evolution of the 2824 architecture, this automatic calibre offers a solid 80-hour power reserve and is equipped with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring. The see-through caseback reveals the other side of the movement with its rather industrial finishing (to be expected considering the price…).

Now available from the brand and retailers and part of the permanent collection, these new Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton models are offered at fair prices (as always with Tissot), ranging from EUR 975 to EUR 1,045. For more details, please visit www.tissotwatches.com.