The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium Collection

Presented in 2019, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is an essential all-rounder, with the multi-purpose, versatile style needed for an everyday watch. Not too fancy or formal so it can be used on weekends, not too sporty either so it can be worn at the office. Modern yet classic, it might not be a particularly original design but, it is a very effective one. And that makes it, alongside the attractive PRX collection, one of the best Tissot models now on offer. 

The 40mm diameter and 11mm height of the case make the Tissot Gentleman relatively compact on the wrist. The sleek look, with a smooth polished bezel, adds to the robust feel of the watch, as well as its discretion. The case, as you would expect from Tissot, is well-executed, nicely decorated with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, with an overall quality that is quite impressive given its price category. For instance, the side of the lugs is highlighted by a nice polished bevel, while the flanks are brushed. The watch is also suitable for leisure activities since water-resistance is rated at 100m, and the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

The watch is offered in several versions, with different dial colours, for instance, green, black, blue or silver. Some feature a crosshair, and some are plain, as you can see with the models we had for this review. These dials all feature a sunburst effect and faceted applied hour markers, offering great legibility and eye-catching plays of light. The dauphine-style hands are filled with luminescent material, just like the plots at the edge of the dial.

As indicated by the name of the watch and on its dial, inside the watch is the Powermatic 80 Silicium calibre. The Powermatic 80 offers a great competitive advantage for Swatch Group brands in this price category. In substance, it is an upgraded version of the tried-and-tested ETA 2824. In particular, the kinetic chain and the regulating organ have been reworked to improve the chronometry and the power reserve. In the case of the Gentleman’s Powermatic 80, it means a 3 Hz movement with 80 hours of power reserve. Also, it is equipped with a silicon balance spring, giving the Gentleman improved anti-magnetic resistance –  not to be overlooked given that magnetism is one of the major causes of problems on watches these days. It indicates the hours, minutes, seconds and date. The stop-second mechanism allows for precise time settings. Turning the watch over, the Powermatic 80 can be seen via the exhibition caseback. The finishing is overall quite simple, and the rotor is decorated with a wave pattern.

The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is available either with a leather strap with a folding buckle or a steel bracelet. As for the rest of the watch, the design of the bracelet is classic, with a 3-link construction combining polished centre links and brushed surfaces. Overall, the bracelet feels nicely executed. It is closed by a concealed folding buckle that is released by a pair of pushers. 

Tissot is known for offering some of the best value for money watches on the market, and the price of the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 starts at EUR 780 for the steel versions on a strap and EUR 840 for the steel versions on a bracelet. This makes the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium a great daily wearer that won’t break the bank, a watch that is a perfect entry-point to the world of mechanical watches. The overall quality and execution are excellent, considering the price, and the movement is packed with modern features to suit a modern, active lifestyle. Last but not least, it has a classic design so that it won’t go out of style anytime soon.

More details and online orders at www.tissotwatches.com.