The New Tissot Classic Dream Powermatic 80, a Sub-500 Entry-Level Swiss Watch with Substance

Tissot is basking in the limelight these days with a string of attractive models at unbeatable prices that have quite literally flown off the shelves, including the much-coveted PRX integrated sports watch. However, suppose you are in the market for a more traditional, clean-cut, daily, three-hand-and-date companion? Well, Tissot’s Classic Dream collection has just expanded with seven new references, powered, for the first time in this line, by the brand’s robust Powermatic 80 movement. The other compelling news regarding the new Classic Dream lineup, and an equally powerful sales pitch, regards price. Delivering incredible value for money, the new collection starts at just CHF 395 or EUR 475, proof positive that traditional high-quality Swiss watchmaking is not necessarily synonymous with exorbitant prices. 

Until today, members of Tissot’s Classic Dream lineup have been powered by quartz movements, which is why they have never been featured on MONOCHROME. However, since Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 was initially developed for Tissot, the brand’s decision to incorporate it into the Classic Dream was only a matter of time. And what the brand has released redefines our conception of entry-level Swiss Made watches… Being priced under 400 Swiss francs or under 500 euros makes this Classic Dream Powermatic 80 a true bang for your buck collection.

The Powermatic Movement

Released in 2011, the Powermatic was Swatch Group’s answer to keep one step ahead of the competition with a heavily reworked version of its ubiquitous ETA 2824-2, whose patent was about to expire. One of the primary targets of the new movement was to enhance the power reserve. Following a significant overhaul of the regulating organ and mainspring barrel, resulting in a longer mainspring and a reduced frequency of 3Hz (or 21,600 vibrations/hour), the power reserve was increased from ETA 2824’s modest 38-42 hours to a whopping 80 hours. Further improvements included the incorporation of a Nivachron balance spring to protect the movement from magnetic interference, as well as automating production (laser-regulated at the factory) to eliminate manual regulation. The downside, servicing or adjustments can only be executed at a Swatch Group centre.

The new Classic Dream Powermatic 80

The Classic Dream collection, as its name indicates, is a classic, verging on traditional, everyday beater presented in a 40mm case size with a water-resistance rating of 50 metres. Round with straight lugs and a fluted, diamond-shaped crown, the front of the case is polished for a dressier effect, with brushed finishes on the sealed caseback.

Although we photographed the steel model with a sunray blue dial, the lineup of seven watches comes in steel cases, yellow or rose gold PVD cases, or two-tone steel and gold PVD cases. Versatility is enhanced by a choice of a slightly sportier and practical 5-row metal bracelet or a classic leather strap with a pin buckle, both of which are interchangeable thanks to the quick-release spring bars.

The beauty of an understated, uncluttered dial is its ability to weather the dictates of changing fashion and should, in theory, have a longer lifespan than a dial flaunting the latest trends. Sticking to the basics, the sunray dials – available in blue, black, golden, and silver – feature applied and faceted indices indicated by traditional dauphine-style hands, a rectangular date window with a white background at 3 o’clock, and a peripheral minutes/seconds track. The deliberate absence of luminescence lends the watch a more dressy personality.

Availability & Price

Price-wise, there are not many bona fide Swiss-made watches with powerful mechanical movements in this price bracket. The model we photographed, for example, has a price of CHF 395 or EUR 475, while the gold PVD cases and the steel models with steel bracelets increase slightly to CHF 435 or EUR 495. The two-tone steel and gold models, paired with a matching bracelet, retail for CHF 465 or EUR 515. Now, that’s a genuine value proposition and an interesting move from Tissot, going back to its roots of accessible Swiss Made watches.

For more information and orders, please visit Tissotwatches.com.