Initial Thoughts

When I first saw the press release on the Tissot Sideral collection (Which we covered here), I wasn’t sure what to make of them. A colourful re-invention of a sports watch from 1971 with a regatta timer – would it work? The short answer is yes, it does! A fun and playful watch, these are not to be taken seriously. Whilst the original was a serious watch 50 yeas ago, the 2023 Sideral takes that seriousness and flips it on its head.

At $1,550 AUD, these are not overly expensive pieces in comparison to the larger world of luxury watches where many pieces are now into the $10,000+ range. And I’ll go out on a limb here and say these are not entry level either, despite their price. Why? Because they’re not an everyday wearing watch, they are designed to have fun with, and in my opinion, this is a watch that even seasoned collectors can add to their collection for that reason. After having all three models for a couple of weeks to play with, I’m even considering getting one. And here’s why…

The Design

The new Tissot Sideral collection is based on the 1971 Sideral S model, which according to Tissot, “embodied innovation, adventure, and the excitement of the unknown“. It was a serious watch designed for people who needed a piece that could handle what you dished out. Fast forward to 2023, and the new Sideral collection has taken it’s 52 year old relative and given it some updates, but kept that original design, almost down to a tee.

The case is a retro throwback, almost Tourneau in shape, and the outer case is made from forged carbon, which gives the Sideral a cool edgy look to it. Whilst the red and yellow versions have a plain black case with the typical grey carbon striations throughout, the blue variant’s case in infused with blue, giving it a much more unique look and really coming out in the sunlight.

On the dial, Tissot have given each piece an inner seconds track that colour matches to the strap. The Yellow and Blue variant really pop here as they are bright, where as the Red version’s dial much more subtle, almost looking like it’s a transparent red on the black dial, making it a dull maroon colour. I feel they could have gone all the way with this one like the other two however.

Inside the inner seconds track is a second inner 10 minute regatta timer countdown track, with the first 5 minutes in green, the second 5 minutes in red. It is a nice design cue, but unless you race yachts, and the race starts on the hour, this is more a case of form over function. The black carbon bezel does have a 10 minute countdown indicator on it, which is a much more usable and functional element. One small critique is the bezel action. The 120 click bezel is rough when turning it, and doesn’t give you that satisfying smooth clicking action other more higher end pieces do. However, it’s not a major issue unless you plan on using it a lot.

Tissot have given the Siderals colourful rubber straps that do really pop. I found myself gravitating towards the yellow version more than the others. There is something about the yellow strap and yellow inner track that stands out and contrasts super well with the black forged carbon case and bezel. Again, it’s the fun element coming out here, it’s designed to stand out and if you’re going to wear a bright colourful watch, why not wear the brightest one?

As the original Sideral S was designed for the more adventurous type, the new 2023 collection have given the pieces plenty of lume. The bezel numerals and indices, inner seconds track 5 minute markers, regatta timing sector and hands are all lumed, and when lit up and fully charged, make for quite a light display!

The strap fastening method is slightly different to most other watches out there. It’s a unique button fastening system where you thread the strap through the ‘buckle’ that fastens to the holes in the strap, and the longer section then plugs into the opposite side so it’s fastened on both sections securely. I had my reservations on the security of this method, but it’s actually very secure and not once came off.

How It Wears

In short, the Sideral is a very comfortable watch! It was the one thing that I noticed immediately when first trying it on, and had me wearing it over other pieces each day. The rubber strap is so pliable and sits perfectly around the wrist. The case is a not too big, not too small 41mm, and with no lugs, has a fairly small 46.5mm lug to lug width. The case is on the slightly thick side at 14mm, but due to the 41mm size, the way it sits flat on the wrist and the light weight, it wears very well and true to size. On my 17.5cm wrist, it sits flush in the middle without a lot of movement and isn’t oversized. (see pockets shots below for perspective). If you’re a little more slight of wrist, then I would say it’s safe on any wrist larger than about 15-16cm circumference.

The colour ways of the Tissot whilst playful and great for weekends and holidays, are not an everyday watch unless you’re in more casual clothes. But this is the point I was making at the start – it shouldn’t be you’re only watch, it’s the watch you put on for casual occasions and trips to the beach, out with friends etc. On that note, there is a colourway for everyone’s tastes, and if you’re not into the brighter colours, Tissot does offer straps that aren’t as bright – green, black and brown that can be easily swapped via Tissot’s quick change system.

The Movement

Inside the new Tissot Sideral is the Powermatic 80 movement with Tissot’s patented Nivachron Balance. This gives the watch 80 hours of power reserve, which is superior to many other higher priced watches with less power reserve, and in addition, Nivochron uses a proprietary titanium based alloy for the balance spring, making it antimagnetic.

The movement isn’t finished to any major standard, but at this price point, I wouldn’t expect it to be. It’s a workhorse movement designed to run and run well. Over the week or so, the pieces I had seemed to keep good time and I didn’t notice it loosing or gaining too much each day. With 80 hours of power reserve, it also means that you can wear it a couple of times a week and will still be running if not left too long between wears.

Final Thoughts

The new Tissot Siderals are the type of watches that need to be tried on and worn to fully appreciate them. They are not your typical watch that you would buy to wear daily, but maybe you would if you want to have fun and smile each day?! They’re a holiday for your wrist, and should be treated as such.

For AUD $1,550, they represent great value for money with what you get. A fun, colourful watch, easy to wear and super comfortable, light and sturdy with an 80 hour power reserve to rival some brand’s that are 10x the price. I found myself looking at them and smiling each time I glanced at my wrist, and right now the only question in my mind is, why wouldn’t I get one?

Reference: T145_407_97_057_00 (Yellow), T145_407_97_057_01 (Blue), T145_407_97_057_02 (Red)

Specification:

• Case: 41mm diameter, 46.5mm Lug-Lug, 14mm thick
• Case: Forged carbon and stainless steel case with black PVD, unidirectional, watersports look bezel
• Dial: Black dial with multi-coloured luminescent hour and minute markers with regatta countdown using Super-LumiNova®. Hour and minute baton hands coated with Super-LumiNova®
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 300m / 30bar
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding Powermatic 80 Nivachron movement
• Power reserve: 80 Hours
• Strap: Perforated rubber strap with unique bracelet fastening system

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $1,635 as of July 1st 2023

Availability: Available online at tissotwatches.com, Tissot Boutiques and Authorised Dealers now.

I was out the supermarket checkout a week or so ago, and there was a young guy serving me. On his wrist was a Tissot PRX. I casually said, “Nice watch” and he went on to explain that it was his first watch, and was the quartz model, not automatic. Now Tissot is a great first watch, in fact, the Tissot PRS200 was my first swiss watch, and as a first watch when in your teens, you could do a lot worse than a PRX!

We spoke briefly whilst he scanned the groceries and I told him what I did, so he asked me – what would be my recommendation for a first proper automatic swiss watch? The answer to this is long and varied as there are a lot of great pieces out there now and at all different price points. But it did get me thinking. If I were back at the start of my journey, knowing what I know now with what is available on the market today, what would I choose as my foray into the watch collecting world?

After much discussion with the Watch Advice team, we’ve come up with some great options at different price points as we realise that people are all different with different levels of income and stages of life. What an 18 year old would buy for their first ‘good’ watch vs someone in their 30’s who wants to celebrate a milestone with their first nice timepiece they’ll keep forever will vary greatly. Let’s dive in!

Under $500

Seiko Solar – SNE525P

The Seiko Solar SNE525P is a great starter watch. It’s solar powered, or powered by any light really, so as long as you wear it in the day, you’re good and won’t run out of battery for up to 10 months once fully charged!

With an accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month, it’s more accurate than most mechanical watches out there and with both day and date indicators it’s highly functional too. Measuring 40mm and only 9.7mm thick it will wear well and has a classic steel sports watch design with the blue dial, so it won’t date easily.

Australian Retail Price: AUD $475.

Available at Seikoboutique.com.au

$500-$1000

Baltic HMS 002

Baltic are going from strength to strength with their vintage inspired pieces due to their build quality and design at their price point, and the HMS 002 is no exception. With a 38mm case size and 12mm thick, its more dress watch than sports, but it’s design means you can wear this casually. You also have the option of choosing the preferred strap and open or closed caseback to fit your style.

Made from 316L steel, 50m water resistance, a screw down crown and an automatic movement with 60hrs power reserve, it’s a great all round watch.

Australian Retail Price: Approx AUD $725 (€360 + €80 delivery)

Available at baltic-watches.com

$1000 – $1500

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

We mentioned the Tissot PRX Quartz at the start of this article, but if you can stretch the budget to just over $1000, then the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a great value watch that punches above its weight.

With an integrated bracelet design and great sturdy construction and nice finishing, it rivals watches 3x it’s price. It has Tissot’s new Powermatic 80 movement, meaning you’re good for more than 3 days and with the Nivachron balance spring, it’s essentially antimagnetic.

Australian Retail Price: AUD $1,100.

Available at tissotwatches.com

$1500 – $2500

Longines Hydroconquest

For those that want the look of a proper dive watch, then the Longine Hydroconquest in 41mm is a great entry level diver. 300m water resistance, rotating dive bezel, and steel bracelet with fold out dive extension, it’s a robust watch.

Longines has a lot of heritage in watchmaking, and whilst they’re not a hype brand, they are a solid brand with solid credentials, and this watch is an example of this. With the L888 automatic movement, 72 hours of power reserve and screw down crown, it’s a serious watch and great bang for buck.

Australian Retail Price: AUD $2,100.

Available at Longines.com

$2500 – $5000

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200

We’ve covered the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 last year in our hands on review, which you can read here. It’s a good entry level piece into a reputable brand that has so much history and are doing some great things today. At 40mm and only 12mm thick it wears pretty well and with a few new colours, like the green fumé dial pictured here, they look good.

It’s a highly versatile watch with 200m of water resistance and an automatic movement giving you 38hrs power reserve. Whilst that seems low, it’s designed to be a daily, so you shouldn’t have to worry the watch going dead. It also has a bright green and blue lume, so it’s highly legible in low light, adding to its versatility.

Australian Retail Price: AUD $4,150.

Available at Tagheuer.com

So there you have five watches to start your watch journey, no matter what your budget is. Whilst there a lots of others out there that would suit equally as well, too many in fact for this article, we felt these five would suit most people’s tastes and are all pretty versatile. Should you have more than $5000 saved up for your first watch, then congratulations! But this then would be another conversation.

Do you agree with these selections? Have suggestions for people? The leave us a comment below.

The trend of watch brands looking back to the 1970’s for inspiration is well and truly alive and TISSOT continue this with their latest release. The new Sideral collection is a modern reinterpretation of the original Sideral S from 1971, complete with colourful straps and retro vibes on the dial.

When updating the Sideral for 2023, Tissot remained committed to preserving the watch’s heritage and spirit. To recapture these qualities, Tissot chose forged carbon for the case, a material that parallels the lightweight, innovative, and resilient nature of fiberglass 60 years ago. By merging state-of-the-art materials with the Sideral’s vintage appeal, Tissot has crafted a timeless yet forward-looking masterpiece that pays tribute to its remarkable past.

“The original Sideral embodied innovation, adventure, and the excitement of the unknown…Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or socialising with friends, the Tissot Sideral is the ultimate accessory for those who dare to be audacious and embrace their unique style!”

The new TISSOT Sideral comes in three distinct colours – Red, Yellow and Blue, and each strap has it’s own unique fastening system that was pioneered back in the 70’s. And for those wanting a little less brightness in their life, TISSOT also offer a black, green and orange strap that can be swapped out.

The original case was made from fibreglass, a robust and lightweight material for it’s time. The 2023 version now is made from forged carbon with black PVD unidirectional bezel, an equally tough and lightweight material that gives the watch a unique sporty and rugged look. The dial showcases a multi-coloured luminescent animation and a regatta countdown gauge design in green and red, capturing the retro 70s aesthetic.

Inside the case, TISSOT has equipped the new Sideral with their Powermatic 80 Nivachron movement, meaning you’ve got plenty of power reserve to keep the watch going should you not wear it for a few days. TISSOT have also given the movement a more pleasing aesthetic look, with skeletonised rotor, showcasing the movement through the display caseback. And being a sports watch, it is water resistant to 300m, so you know you’re safe engaging in all those water sports in summer!

The Tissot Sideral stands out as a statement piece, empowering wearers to express their individuality and distinguish themselves from the crowd. With its vibrant aesthetic and one-of-a-kind bracelet fastening system, this watch is destined to draw attention, something we will test out when we do our hands on review of these new pieces in a few weeks time – stay tuned for that!

Final Thoughts

On the surface, these look like fun watches you can play around with and get out and about with, and not have to worry about their sturdiness. As we mentioned in our last TISSOT hands on review for the Chemin des Tourelles, which you can view here, their value at the price point is what sets them apart. Functional and fun, the new Sideral collection are nice retro styled watches that whilst are made seriously, should be worn less seriously! And for a bit of fun, check out the original commercial for the very first Sideral from 1969!

Reference: T145_407_97_057_00 (Yellow), T145_407_97_057_01 (Blue), T145_407_97_057_02 (Red)

Specification:

• Case: 41mm diameter, 46.5mm Lug-Lug
• Case: Forged carbon and stainless steel case with black PVD, unidirectional, watersports look bezel
• Dial: Black dial with multi-coloured luminescent hour and minute markers with regatta countdown using Super-LumiNova®. Hour and minute baton hands coated with Super-LumiNova®
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 300m / 30bar
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding Powermatic 80 Nivachron movement
• Power reserve: 80 Hours
• Strap: Perforated rubber strap with unique bracelet fastening system

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $1,550

Availability: Available online at tissotwatches.com, Tissot Boutiques and Authorised Dealers now.

This case size was designed to be able to cater to both men and women that are after a simplistic yet bold watch that offers versatility while not skimping out on technical performance. Like the existing models in the collection, the new 40mm timepieces come with water resistance certification of 300m (1000ft). The watches are also equipped with uni-directional bezels so they can be easily operated underwater. An affordable timepiece that offers more than just looks!

Tissot is offering the new 40mm Seastar 1000 in three different variants. Each of the three models has been designed to offer exceptional clarity, especially under low light conditions thanks to the generous amounts of SuperlumiNova used for the hands and hour markers.

The first model is a classic. An ageless combination of black lacquered dial and black mineral bezel. The watch comes with contrasting white hour indices, and white indications on the bezel, while the hands are filled with white SuperLuminova. Out of the three variants, this offers the sharpest and easiest-to-read look.

The second variant is a blue lacquered dial with a blue mineral bezel. An elegant yet sophisticated look, the blue dial is combined with the white indications on the dial to offer that classic blue and white dial combo. Anyone that’s a fan of blue-dialed timepieces will be allured to this model thanks to its simplistic yet stark-contrasting design.

Tissot’s final model in this latest 40mm version is the black lacquered dial with the black mineral bezel, now with golden detailing. The side profile of the bezel (knurled edges) is done in gold, with the indications on the bezel being gold as well. The indications on the dial follow a similar suit, however, the white SuperlumiNova aids in adding that vivid contrasting effect to the dial.

These models are powered by high-quality Swiss-made Quartz movement. The movement provides exceptional precision and quality, ideal for those deep dives the watches are designed for. The timepieces also come equipped with Tissot’s EOL, which is an end-of-life indicator. This indicator will let the wearer know when to replace the battery, instead of waiting till it’s fully depleted. The case back of the watches comes engraved with the Seastar logo, along with the image of a Seahorse.

Each model comes with an integrated stainless steel three-link bracelet which has a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces to match the case nicely. If, however, the stainless steel bracelet isn’t your choice, the black and gold models also come with a matching black rubber strap.

The Tissot Seastar 1000 collection already had great affordable timepieces from a high-standard Swiss manufacturer. Now, with the addition of the 40mm models, a lot more versatility is offered, while still retaining the ageless design and precision performance.

Reference: T120_410_11_051_00 (Black), T120_410_11_041_00 (Blue), T120_410_27_051_00 (Gold)

Specification

• Case: 40mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel with a coloured mineral uni-directional bezel.
• Dial: Black or Blue lacquered
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
• Water resistance: 300m (30 bar)
• Movement: Quartz
• Power reserve: N/A
• Strap: Stainless Steel three-link or black rubber.

Availability: May 2023, From Retial Stores or Tissot E-commerce.

Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: $675.00

TAG Heuer Carrera Date 36mm

TAG Heuer’s new Carrera Ladies range hits the spot perfectly. With a range of colours in silver, green blue or pink (shown here), you’ll be able to find something that suits her perfectly, and compliments her personality.

The 36mm Carrera is water-resistant to 50 metres, has a domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment and is fully automatic, meaning no battery changes ever. At AUD $4,600 these are great value!

Head to tagheuer.com to check this model out and more!

Longines Primaluna

For a more elegant watch, the Longines Primaluna is a great choice. At 34mm and only 10mm thick, it’s a perfect watch to wear every day, or for special occasions. Being a quartz movement, this is a reasonable AUD $2,450, and is great bang for buck.

In addition, you get a stunning Mother Of Pearl dial, date function and moonphase indicator plus diamond set hour indices. What more could a girl ask for?

Head to Longines.com for the full collection

Omega Constellation 18k Rose Gold Earrings

Maybe she’s got enough watches, but you still want to spoil her. Omega has your answer. With a range of jewellery to match their women’s watch range, you’ll find something she loves.

Like this pair of 18k Rose Gold Earrings, from their Constellation range. Coming in at AUD $1,825 these are unique and timeless, a little like Omega’s Constellation Watch Collection.

Check out the full Omega Jewellery range here.

Caroline Jewellery Box by WOLF

If you’re into watches, you’re not doubt familiar with WOLF and their collection of winders, boxes and travel rolls. But they also have a great collection of jewellery boxes, storage trays and travel cases for women.

Like the “Caroline” jewellery storage box with drawers in a range of colours. Each feature 15 compartments, 7 ring rolls and travel case with 3 compartments and 4 ring rolls. Plus it has special material that absorbs the gases that causes tarnishing, keeping all the precious metals like new. At AUD $679, it’s great value and will last!

For the full range, click here

TISSOT Bellissima Small Lady

If you’re not wanting to spend $7000+ on the new Chopard Happy Sport with the wrap around “Double Tour” strap, then the TISSOT Bellissima Small Lady may be a great affordable alternative.

At $625 it won’t break the bank, and you get a similar look to the Chopard, albeit, without the diamonds. But that’s ok as you still get a Mother Of Pearl dial with roman indices with a date function, domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflective coating and all wrapped up in 26mm case that’s only 7mm thick.

To view the full TISSOT Bellissima collection, click here

So, there you have 5 great watch and watch related gifts that says “I Love You!” for Mum, or whomever the special lady is in your life. If you like these, or end up buying one, drop us a line in the comments section below. HAPPY HOTHER’S DAY!

Now I should start out by stating that this watch retails for AUD $1,175, which by many people’s standard in the crazy world of watches we live in, could be considered quite cheap. However, this is a great entry level price point for a Swiss watch, and as such, I’m reviewing it with this in mind, and to be honest, I’ve worn plenty of watched that are 3x or more in price that are probably on par if not a little less appealing or well built! So, here we go…

Tissot holds a fond place in my heart. It was the first ever Swiss watch I bought. I had my first ever job in Sydney, and even though I wasn’t earning much, being a junior sales co-ordinator at a major radio network, I wanted to reward myself. So one lunch time I went to one of the local watch dealers, and a Tissot PRS 200 Chronograph with a white dial caught my eye. The fact that is was quartz and on sale may have had something to do with why I bought it as well. It cost me a whole week’s salary, and I ate packet noodles for the rest of that month. But it was so worth it!

So when I had the chance to review the newly released Chemin des Tourelles line, and wear a couple around for the week, I jumped at the chance. 20 years on, I wanted to see how Tissot fares today, now that I’m older and much wiser when it comes to watches compared to that 23 year old that bought his first Swiss watch.

The Design

Opening the box, I was pleasantly surprised. The 39mm Blue Sunburst dial, on the brown leather strap looked surprisingly good for a watch at this price point. However, it represents decent value for money. I’ve seen a lot of not so good looking watches for 10x the price point, so for just over a grand, a nice looking dress watch such as this ticks a lot of boxes.

The blue dial is quite stunning to look at. Finished in a lacquered deep blue sunburst, it plays with the light a lot. Changing colours from almost black, to deep blue, to almost a navy blue with bright columns of light in the sun. One small irritation that myself and my colleagues had was the anti-reflective coating, or lack there of. Whilst Tissot says it does have an AR coating, the domed dial did reflect the light quite a lot, detracting from that stunning dial colour.

Offsetting the deep blue dial are the applied indices in polished steel with one small detail that I did think was unique – the dial curves at the edges to follow the curvature of the crystal, and as such, Tissot have curved the indices as well as the minutes and second hands. It’s only noticeable when looking closely, so not to detract from the classic dial design.

The case is finished well for a piece at this price – with a combination of polished steel around the dial, fixed bezel, and the case is angled with the top half finished in brushed steel, and the underside polished. This gives the case an almost three-dimensional effect, and is continued on down through the lugs.

The leather strap that comes standard with the Chemin des Tourelles is decent quality. Tanned cow leather, with a synthetic inner lining and bolstered and stitched. It’s not buttery soft when you first put it on the wrist, but there have been very few straps I’ve tried on in my time that do. There are a couple of exceptions however, like the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronograph, which you can read about here.

The other added functionality which seems to be more and more common these days is the quick change strap and bracelet options Tissot have added. Tissot have gone in the direction of a slide mechanism on the spring bar, meaning you can just slide the lever, and pop out the strap or bracelet, and then quickly put the new one on. In my opinion, it’s less refined than Zenith’s push button, or IWC’s clasp system, but again, this is a watch that costs around 10x less, so I feel it’s right for this watch.

The buckle design is your typical push button deployant clasp, and Tissot have done a reasonable job with the look and feel. Polished outer buckle with the embossed “T” logo on the outside, and 2 strap minders to keep it in place and secure. If I had one small criticism of the buckle, I would say it was not as sturdy as I felt it could be, and you had to really make sure that it was secured properly, as it did pop open once or twice whilst fastening it. This is a minor irritation however, and not a deal breaker.

The Movement

Flipping the watch over, and the Chemin des Tourelles utilises a see through case back, showcasing the Tissot Powermatic 80 Movement with Tissot’s patented Nivachron Balance. This gives the watch 80 hours of power reserve, which is superior to many other higher priced watches with less power reserve, and in addition, Nivochron uses a proprietary titanium based alloy for the balance spring, making it antimagnetic.

The Chemin des Tourelles isn’t COSC, so a high level of accuracy isn’t guaranteed. I had this on my wrist for a good week, and in that time, it didn’t appear to lose a massive amount of time, maybe about a minute across the week, or approximately -10s a day. This is very reasonable for an automatic watch with 80 hours power reserve and whilst the movement finishing isn’t stunning, I wouldn’t expect it to be at this price, but the fact that you can see it, is a win in my mind!

Typically, dress watches don’t get much water resistance and 30m or 3bar is very common. Tissot have produced their new Chemin des Tourelles line with a much more attractive 50m or 5bar resistance. Now I don’t think I would head to the beach, or dive in the pool with it on, as my comfort level is generally 100m for this, unless the watch has a screw down crown, and in this model, this is not the case. But it means that you can wear it everyday and not fear that you may get water penetrating the case through normal activities like washing your hands, watering the garden, or just playing with the kids under the sprinkler.

How it wears

Once the leather strap was worn in a little and shaped to my wrist, the watch was comfortable. Being a 39mm case, 42mm lug to lug and only 11.2mm thick (as the domed crystal adds a little height to the 8.3mm case thickness), it sits nicely. My wrist being about 17cm or so in circumference, I didn’t feel that it wore too small, given I normally wear 40mm+ watches, and could easily be worn by people with much smaller wrists.

The short lug distance also makes the watch wear maybe slightly smaller than the measurements would suggest, but this is perfectly ok given the style of watch. Interestingly, I didn’t think I could pull off this watch in a more casual setting, but as I’m not wearing a lot of suits these days, I was keen to give it a go.

The blue and brown combination does help dressing this down, and when paired with a casual summer outfit, actually worked well. I even received several compliments from people at the local café who noticed the watch and asked about it, and I was more than happy to have a conversation about it. If this isn’t proof that watches can bring people together, I don’t know what is!

Whilst I mainly focused on the the blue dial variant with the tan leather strap, I also had the pleasure of trying out the grey dial on steel bracelet to compare and contrast the two. Whilst they are the same watches essentially, the design aesthetic makes a huge difference. The slate grey dial gives the face an almost industrial look, and on the steel bracelet the watch becomes much more less a dress watch, and more of a sports watch, albeit a dressier one.

The fitted bracelet works well with the lugs and moulds to the wrist well. Initially I thought it may wear slightly bigger, but I did not notice much of a difference at all. This fact is good to know, as it means that if you wanted to change the strap for the bracelet over, you’re not fundamentally altering the way it wears, or appears to wear!

The bracelet design is quite classic – keeping with the traditions of the model line. The five link bracelet is somewhat reminiscent of the Omega Seamaster bracelet, with the brushed middle and outer links contrasted with the polished smaller inner links. On this piece, it does seem to complement it well, and whilst I know that this style of bracelet may have detractors due to it being a little dated for 2023, it does add to the more dressy nature and charm of the Chemin des Tourelles.

Final Thoughts

The new look Tissot Chemin des Tourelles gives watch enthusiasts a great option at the circa $1000 price point. This makes it perfect for the new collector looking for a nice and well put together watch, without having to spend copious amounts of money. With an 80 power reserve, and great looks that rival a watch at 2-3 times the price, Tissot has given new (and even seasoned) collectors something to consider. Whilst it doesn’t have the manufacturing quality or finishing of other pieces, it’s not meant to in my opinion. This is a value play, and Tissot has delivered on this. I’d say go check out the pieces for yourself, and make your own mind up. But remember, for AUD $1,175 on leather and $1,300 on steel, there are few swiss brands that will be comparable. The closest I can think of is the Longines Elegant Collection, but at around AUD $3,000 for similar style, size and specifications, whilst better finished, you’re still paying almost 3x the price. And it is for this reason, the new Tissot Chemin des Tourelles collection should be considered!

Reference: T139.807.16.041.00 (Blue dial, leather strap) /
T139.807.11.061.00 (Grey dial, steel bracelet)

Specification:

• Case: 39 mm, Lug-Lug 42mm and 11.2mm thick
• Case Material: Combination of brushed and polished 316L Steel
• Dial: Sunburst Blue / Slate Grey
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal, scratch resistant with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 50m / 5bar
• Movement: Tissot Powermatic 80.111 with 23 Jewels and Nivachron Balance Spring
• Power reserve: 80 Hours
• Strap: Tan Cow Leather outer, synthetic inner lining / 5 link brushed and polished steel bracelet

Australian Recommended Retail Price: Collection ranges from AUD $1,175 AUD on leather, through to AUD $1,300 on steel

Availability: Available online at tissotwatches.com, Tissot Boutiques and Authorised Dealers now

Furlan Marri Rosso Grigio

Reference: 1085-A 

Australian Recommeded Retail Price: CHF 555.00 (Approx $895 AUD)

Availability: Now

Starting off this list is the Furlan Marri Rosso Grigio (ref. 1085-A). This chronograph timepiece comes with a dual-counter layout, with the 3 o’clock counter being a 24-hr timer and the 9 o’clock counter being a 60-minute counter. The outer part of the dial features an asthmometer (5 respirations) scale. The asthmometer is used to measure respirations per minute by using the chronograph hand and stopping it after the patient/person’s 15th respiration.

The timepiece comes in a 38mm 316L stainless steel case (50m waterproof) which has a beautiful shine under light. I personally own the “Mare blu” and under different lighting conditions, the case shines so well, even more so in sunlight. The 38mm case size makes it a great fit for the average wrist (6.5-7 inches), however, if you have a larger wrist size you may find this small. Legibility of the dial is fairly easy thanks to the white markings on the grey dial background. The hour indexes are a mixture of baton-style black markings or Arabic numerals for the 12 and 6 o’clock.

The movement in this piece is a mechaquarts Seiko VK64. Mechquartz movements are hybrid movements that use quartz technology for the chronograph watch movement and a mechanical module for the operation of the chronograph. Priced at CHF555.0 (approx $895 AUD), this timepiece is a great contender for the under $1,500 category.

MIDO Commander Big Date

Reference: M021.626.17.041.00

Australian Recommeded Retail Price: $1,450

Availability: Now

The MIDO Commander Big Date is a three-hander timepiece with super easy dial readability. The watch comes in a 42mm stainless steel case that offers a see-through case back. The initial release of the MIDO Commander Big Date back in 2018 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the brand. Since then there have been different iterations of the watch created, with the one chosen for this article being the blue sunray satin-finished dial.

As the name suggests, the timepiece comes with a large date window at 6 o’clock, which MIDO states “offers unrivalled date legibility”. As part of MIDO’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, they developed an exclusive automatic movement named Calibre 80. In addition to the big date window display, the power reserve on offer is impressive at 80 hours. The open case back shows the Calibre 80 movement with its finely decorated oscillating weight with its Geneva stripes and MIDO logo.

This, modern and elegant timepiece is a great option to consider, as it offers great readability with a beautiful sunray blue dial while having the performance of an 80-hour power reserve movement to back up the aesthetics.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide

Reference:  AI2008-80080-300-0

Australian Recommeded Retail Price: $1, 190

Availability: Now

For those that are after something a bit more funky, playful with a dose of colour and backed by a luxury brand, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide may just be that watch. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide is offered in a variety of eye-popping colours as they were made to be noticed. One of the best things about these timepieces is they help the oceans become a little bit cleaner.

The Aikon #tide range of watches comes from the same family of other Aikon watches created by Maurice Lacroix and is created by ocean-bound upcycled plastic which is then combined with glass fibre. This results in the overall material being twice as hard as standard plastic material, five times more resistant and with a carbon footprint that is greatly less than the production of virgin PET. Maurice Lacroix states that “the bezel, case, case back, crown, end-piece and buckle on this new model are all made from this composite material. It takes 17 bottles to make one fabulous watch and its tailor-made packaging”.

The watch has a 40mm case size and comes in a wide array of colours that match the dial. Our personal favourite is the blue dial with “vagues du Jura”, however, as mentioned a variety of colours to choose from depending on personal tastes.

SEIKO Presage Sharp Edge Blue Rose Open Heart

Reference: SPB311

Australian Recommeded Retail Price: $1,550

Availability: Now

The timepiece from Seiko ticks a lot of the boxes for being a great timepiece under $1,500 (Aud). Seiko’s Presage Sharp Edged series was created a few years ago, and since then has established itself for its combination of traditional mechanical watchmaking with a distinctively modern Japanese style.

Seiko has given this model a 40.2mm stainless steel case with a contrasting brown leather strap. The beauty of this timepiece lies in the dial. Firstly we have the patterned indigo blue dial which is complimented beautifully by the rose gold-covered hour indices and hands. Then at 9 o’clock, we have the open-heart which shows the movement’s balance wheel in action. A nice touch to what is already a stunning dial.

Seiko has given their 6R38 movement for this timepiece, giving out a sturdy power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The watch comes with an open case back too in which you can see more of the movement.

TISSOT PRX Powermatic 80 Ice-Blue

Reference: T137.407.11.351.00

Australian Recommeded Retail Price: $1,100

Availability: TBA.

A list of great timepieces under $1,500 wouldn’t be complete without the addition of Tissot’s PRX Powermatic 80. This watch has been out for a while now and is loved by watch aficionados around the world. With the shimmering bracelet design, the 1970’s integrated case now brushed and polished to the ‘tapisserie’ patterned dial, Tissot hit the ball out of the park with this watch.

Now, the brand has quietly introduced an ice-blue coloured dial into the PRX’s lineup. It borders on the ever-so-popular Tiffany-blue, but is a few shades lighter. The ice blue is beautiful, and combined with the tapisserie dial makes it stand out very well.

This latest PRX Powermatic 80 carries all the same functions and features that make the previous versions so great, the only difference being now is the dial colour change. The movement inside is the Powermatic 80.111 which gives out a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. The timepiece is however not yet been released in Australia, however, keep an eye out on Tissot’s website as it is expected to be dropped shortly!

The Chemin des Tourelles is an evergreen classic in the Tissot line up, elegant, refined and good looking watches that are designed to symbolise life’s great achievements. This newly revitalised range comes in a wide variety of sizes and colours to suit most people’s tastes. Here at Watch Advice, we’ve had the pleasure of going hands on with several of the watches in the collection, and will be releasing a Hands On Review in a couple of weeks time, so stay tuned for this.

The new Chemin des Tourelles will be available in three cases sizes, measuring 34mm, 39mm or 42mm. Similarly, it will appear with either an all-steel, rose gold PVD or steel and rose gold PVD bi-colour finish, with a variety of dial and strap colours. The watches will also be offered with metal bracelet options, and for those who like classic to be classical, there will be a choice of versions featuring Roman numerals on a Clous de Paris dial motif. For those who like simplicity, the models with baton indices will cater to those needs.

Whilst the look of the Chemin des Tourelles remains fairly similar to the previous range, Tissot has upgraded each model to the new Nivachron Powermatic 80 movement. This Swiss Made automatic calibre brings a number of benefits, including an 80-hour power reserve and increased resistance to magnetism via the Titanium based alloy in the balance spring.

Another new addition to each model in the collection, which I will touch on in the upcoming Hands On Review, is the quick change spring bar mechanism on both the leather straps and steel bracelets. Whilst not as refined as some brands quick change mechanisms, these are easy to use, and also gives the ability to add custom straps with standard spring bars should the owner wish to.

The hero feature across the collection is the dial. Tissot have designed some stunning colour variations – deep blue, slate grey, silver, white, ivory and green sunray finished and a ladies model with Mother of Pearl at the centre. This gives potential owners a vast array of colours and styles to suit their needs, not to mention the three sizes of 34mm, 39mm and 42mm.

Tissot have gone one step further with their dial design, allowing the dial, indices, minute and seconds hand to curve at the edges to follow the curvature of the domed sapphire crystal. Whilst not noticeable at first, looking closer you can see this, in an almost optical illusion. Just another way Tissot have given some new life to the collection.

The cases are finished in a combination of brushed and polished steel, with relatively short lugs, allowing the satination and polishing to continue through, giving the watches a nice three dimensional effect, and combined with the polished fixed bezel, adds to the classic look the Chemin des Tourelles is known for.

Specification:

• Cases: 34mm / 39mm / 42mm.
• Thickness: 10.5mm / 11.2mm / 11.3mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel, rose gold PVD or bi-colour case Polished and satin-finish details 
• Dial: Black, white, blue, silver or ivory lacquered dial options, or mother-of-pearl dial. Hours, minutes, seconds and date indications
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal, scratch resistant with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 50m / 5bar
• Movement: Tissot Powermatic 80.111 with 23 Jewels and Nivachron Balance Spring
• Power reserve: 80 Hours
• Strap/Bracelet Options: Range of leather straps, five-link brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet or five link brushed and polished bi-colour bracelet

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $1,175 (Steel on leather) through to AUD $1,400 (2-tone Rose Gold & Steel on bracelet)

Availability: Available online at tissotwatches.com, Tissot Boutiques and Authorised Dealers now

One of the most anticipated watches in 2022 has just been released, and Watchadvice has been given a chance to do a full in-depth review of it. The Tissot PRX Chronograph is the latest addition to the ever-popular Tissot PRX collection released last year. 

The Tissot PRX was a revamp of the original PRX created in 1978. Back then, Tissot released the PRX in an emblematic design with an integrated case and bracelet. The model stood out for its timeless design and sleek slender appearance. Unlike this modern reinterpretation, the original model came in various dial colours and different case shapes. 

The original Tissot PRX never had a chance to be in the limelight, as the model was released when Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak in 1972 and Patek Philippe released the Nautilus in 1976. Now, however, I feel like the Tissot PRX (40 205) is getting the undivided attention it deserves. 

The latest Tissot PRX is a much-loved timepiece upon its release, with watch fanatics jumping on the bandwagon to get their hands on this piece. While the Tissot PRX is a fantastic watch and well worth the price point, adding a chronograph to the PRX collection is what we’ve been waiting for. 

Design:

The Tissot PRX Chronograph retains the iconic design of the original PRX in its Tonneau shape case and rounded bezel design, along with the stunning Audemar’s Piguet look-a-like integrated bracelet. 

Tissot has given the PRX Chronograph a 42mm case. While this may seem big to some, I think it’s sized nicely so that the sub-counters are large and readable, making the dial less cluttered. The case has the same vertical satin-brushed finish as the PRX (40 205) and the same integrated bracelet design. This means that the case widens as it gets closer to the bracelet, with the edge of the case angled inward to transition into the bracelet seamlessly. Like the standard PRX, the case is rated to a water depth of 100m (330ft). 

Tissot has used rectangular chronograph pushers for the PRX Chronograph, and its great design complements the case while providing a smooth operation. Compared to circular chronograph pushers, the larger surface area of the rectangle means that when you press the pushers, it provides great feedback as you feel it. 

The combination of the case and pusher design resembles the iconic design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph. While the Royal Oak’s pushers are very large, the design of the case and pushers on the PRX carries a similar resemblance. The Tissot has all these details while also carrying the shine and mirror-like finish from the iconic Royal Oak bracelet. 

The dial colours on offer for the PRX Chronograph are blue and white. Honestly, as I got to wear both for an extended period of time, it was hard not to want both. The two dial colours have their own individual characteristics, which make it hard to choose. So it comes down to personal colour choice and what dial colours you may already have in your watch collection. 

Both dial colours come with a vertical brushed finish, but that’s about where the similarities stop. The blue dial has a stunning sunburst finish, and at different angles of light, it becomes almost black in colour. So essentially, you’re getting two dial colours for one! Combine this with the white sub-dial counters, and you have a stand-out appearance.   

The white panda dial variant offers something completely different. While you don’t get the two dial colours in one option, and the vertical grained finish is a bit less in appearance as the colour white absorbs a lot of light, the combination of black, white, and rose gold is hard to look past. This is my favourite out of the two models for this exact reason. The sleek design of the hour indices and baton-style hands being coated in rose-gold finish adds a lot of character to this watch. The hands of the sub-counters are also done in a matching gold finish, which stands out beautifully against the black. During my time with the white model, it was hard to stop myself from constantly gazing at the beautiful dial and wanting to take pictures whenever I had the chance. In saying that, however, I understand the appeal of the blue dial variant too, and if I could have both in my collection, I would jump at the chance. 

While there are certainly a lot of positives to this watch, the elephant in the room needs to be addressed, and that is the watch’s thickness. Measuring at 14.5mm, it’s one of the bigger chronographs out on the market. This thickness is due to the case back being a domed-like shape, similar to the front, which makes the watch sit higher on the wrist. In saying this, there aren’t many automatic chronographs on the market at this price point that have a smaller thickness. While the watch is big, it’s not a deal breaker for me. 

Movement:

The Tissot PRX Chronograph comes with the Valjoux A05.H31 calibre movement. This automatic ETA movement is used by Tissot to power the chronograph and the sub-counter functions of 30-minute at 3 o’clock, 12-hour at 6 o’clock, and the constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock. Operating at a frequency of 4hz (28,800 VpH), the movement has an extended power reserve of approximately 60 hours. 

The movement also allows for a date function, which can be seen between 4 and 5 o’clock on the dial. It should be noted that the date change feature on the PRX chronograph is not done traditionally by pulling out the crown. The date is changed through the quick date set function located outside the case between 9 and 10 o’clock. You will need a toothpick or something similar to change the date.

Another key design feature I like about this PRX Chronograph is the open case back. Much like the normal PRX (non-chronograph), you can see the movement from the case back. However, with this chronograph model, the simple design feature of having a skeletonized or hollowed-out rotor is a great addition, making it luxurious. A watch that looks to be more expensive than it is. 

How does it wear?:

During the few weeks, I was able to wear both versions of the Tissot PRX Chronograph, I was not let down by the anticipation of receiving this watch for review. I do believe that pictures don’t do this watch enough justice. Photos are not able to capture the shine this watch gives off. See here if you want a true reflection of what the watch looks like in person. The bezel ring has a mirror-like finish which shines beautifully, especially in daylight or under lighting conditions. 

This is then complimented by the bracelet, which comes close to the AP bracelet on the Royal Oak in mirror-like shine and finishes. If you are interested in this watch, it’s highly recommended to see it in person, and if you are in the store, ask the staff if possible to take the bracelet stickers off, as only then will you see the true appearance of the watch. 

While the PRX automatic non-chronograph model sits great on the wrist thanks to its 40mm case size, this chronograph version might sit a bit large for some. Although the case size is 42mm, the watch wears a little larger. I have approximately 6.5inch wrists and needed a fair few links taken off from the bracelet. Luckily the bracelet comes with half-links, which allows it to be resized to a snug fit on the wrist. 

If you want to wear this watch daily, I suggest getting the spare leather/rubber strap when it is available for the PRX chronograph. This way, the bracelet can be preserved and used for special occasions/outings. Thanks to the quick strap change mechanism, the straps can be changed instantly, which offers the user the luxury of changing the strap to suit the occasion. 

Of the two dial colour options, choosing the better option will certainly be a head scratch. The blue dial offers a contrasting appearance while at the same time playing beautifully with light. However, the white dial offers a more luxurious appearance, with the rose gold tones throughout the dial adding more character and making it more visually appealing. 

Whichever dial colour you choose, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a timepiece that offers what this latest PRX chronograph does for the money spent. An automatic movement with decent power reserve and visual looks that make the watch look more expensive than it is, the new PRX chronograph model is a winner in our book. 

References: T137.427.11.011.00 (white dial) and T137.427.11.041.00 (blue dial)

Specification:

• Case: 42 mm, Lug-Lug 48mm and thickness 14.5mm
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel Tonneau shape case
• Dial: Vertically brushed white and blue dials
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside
• Water resistance: 100 meters
• Movement: VALJOUX A05.H31
• Power reserve: 60 Hours
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel interchangeable quick-release bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $2775.00

Availability: Available now.

1. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 – RRP AUD 1050.00:

Why do we love this watch? This watch offers a lot for its price of AUD 1050.00. The case size of 40mm fits most wrists and comes in three honeycomb motif dial colours, white, black and blue (pictured above). Power reserve of 80 hours, which means this watch can be left alone over the weekend and come Monday, it will be ready to be worn without needing to wind it. The finishing of this watch is on par with some of the more expensive watches that cost ten times more. The single-link steel bracelet is comfortable to wear and produces an eye-catching shine. Tissot brought back an iconic 1970s design that will turn heads and is suitable for stylish dads with a busy lifestyle. Tissot offers two years international warranty on all of its watches. For more information, head over to Tissot.

2. Tudor Black Bay Pro – RRP from AUD 5010.00:

Released earlier in the year at Watches and Wonders, Black Bay Pro is an entirely new watch from the brand and became an instant hit among watch enthusiasts. The polished and satin-finished steel case (39mm in size) and riveted bracelet are made for everyday use. We like this watch for three reasons. 1. Great power reserve – at 70 hours, perfect for everyday use. 2. Dual timezone feature, which showcases two time zones simultaneously. 3. Rapid adjustment on the clasp, meaning on hot days, watch bracelet adjustment can be made on the go! Tudor Black Bay Pro is offered in three strap choices, a steel bracelet AUD 5430.00 (left), a Hybrid strap AUD 5010.00 (centre) and a Fabric strap AUD 5010.00 (right). Tudor offers five years warranty on all of their watches. Compact, sport and robust, this watch is great for adventurous dads. To find out more, head over to Tudor.

3. Raymond Weil Freelancer Chronograph 7741- RRP from AUD 5,695.00

Raymond Weil’s Freelancer collection was upgraded earlier in the year with the addition of Chronograph 7741. The latest improvements include a bigger case size of 43.5mm, a clean dial layout and a ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale. The Tri-compax Chronograph is offered in a selection of dial configurations, and our favourite is the green (pictured above). Powered by the calibre RW5030, which generates a power reserve of 56hours and is showcased through an exhibition case-back. The freelancer 7741 combines classic and modern design cues to create a handsome timepiece suitable for a dad who loves his classics! Raymond Weil offers three years of international warranty on the freelancer models. For more information, visit Raymond Weil.

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar- RRP from AUD 48,600.00:

First announced during 2022 Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar is one of the most beautifully executed perpetual calendars in the current market. The 42mm case (offered in steel and red gold) has a graduated blue lacquered dial with four counters that showcase the date, moon phase, date, month and year. This particular perpetual calendar does not need any manual adjustments on the counters till the year 2100.

Another feature we like in this model is the quick changing straps. You can change from a steel bracelet to a rubber strap within seconds. Powered by in-house calibre 868, which generates a power reserve of over 70 hours. Sporty and complicated, this watch is a perfect addition to a seasoned watch collector dad. Jaeger-LeCoultre offers eight years of warranty on all their watches. For more information, visit Jaeger-LeCoultre.

5. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver – RRP AUD 9650.00

One of the most exciting releases from the brand in 2022 is the Aquaracer 1000 Super diver. Geared towards the professional divers, this timepiece is made for the deep waters. Grade 5 titanium case measuring 45mm and with a thickness of 15.75mm, the robust case is designed to withstand the pressures at 1000 meters below sea level, equipped with a helium valve to prevent damage upon decompression. The simple and highly legible dial comes alive at night. TAG Heuer teamed up with the swiss movement manufacturer to exclusively create the movement TH30-00 for the Superdiver, which produces a power reserve of 70 hours. The Superdiver comes with five years of international warranty. The Superdiver boasts sporty elegance and will be suitable for an adventurous and daring dad, particularly water lovers. For more information, visit TAG Heuer.

6. Breitling Navitimer B01 70th Anniversary – RRP from AUD 12090.00

Earlier this year, Breitling celebrated the 70th anniversary of the legendary Navitimer. With that, Breitling brought out their latest versions of the Navitimers. Offered in 46mm, 43mm and 41mm case sizes and vibrant dial choices, there is sure to be a model that will cater for every dad! Noticeable changes for the new Navitimers include the new in-house B01 movement with a power reserve of 70 hours (showcased on the caseback), the new AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) wings logo replacing the old Breitling logo and new vibrant shades dials, notably the blue (pictured above) green and Copper. The watch can be worn with either bracelet or leather strap. A five-year warranty is offered on the in-house movement Breitling watches. The new Navitimer would be a great gift for the stylish and classy dad. For more information, visit Breitling.

7. Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date- RRP from AUD 4,470.00

Montblanc entered the diver watch category earlier in the year with their first ever diver – The 1858 Iced sea Automatic Date. Starting price of AUD 4470.00 for the 41mm steel case on the rubber strap is a great value for the price point. Three things we like about the new dive watch. 1. Quick change strap change system with fine adjustment system 2. The dial was inspired by the glaciers of the Montblanc massif and produced in an ancestral technique called “gratté-boisé”. 3. Unidirectional bi-colour Ceramic bezel that matches the dial. 1858 Iced sea Automatic date is offered in three dial variations, black, green and blue (pictured). Stylish from every angle, Montblanc’s first-ever diver watch is a great addition to any dad’s watch collection or his first-ever swiss watch. Montblanc offers two years of international warranty on all their watches. For more information, head over to Montblanc.