As should be no surprise to anyone reading this site, BaselWorld is well underway, with all manner of announcements being made about new and interesting watches. This year, Tissot actually had five different collections that were launched or extended. While items like the T-Touch and MotoGP watches get most of the attention, I was intrigued by a different set of watches – the Tissot Vintage.
While I do not know that I would personally call these vintage-inspired (perhaps in some of the numerals), I do think they have a sort of ageless class about them. This sense (or claim) to class is further reinforced by the case choice. Much like with Henry Ford and his Model T, you can get your case in whatever metal you want, so long as its gold.
Unlike the Model T, you can choose from some different colors. For the gold itself, you can opt for 18k yellow or rose gold; the dials come in either black or white, with one of the ladies models also putting a mother-of-pearl into the mix. So, you have some choice, but it does also create a cohesive look, particularly if you were looking to set up a his-n-hers combination.
In the ladies models, you can opt for either a mechanical (the Tissot Powermatic 80) movement, or a quartz. I like that they mixed in the quartz movement, as it offers up a more affordable option within the same family – particularly prudent if the person you’re buying it for prefers the set in and forget it nature of a quartz watch. While I initially favored some of the mother-of-pearl dials they have, it was actually the one that looks like a smoky cloud on a black background that came across as the most appealing.
On the mens side of things, we have the same movement options – quartz or automatic. Once again, you also have a few different choices, with a guilloche-style dial (in black or white, with Arabic or Roman numerals), one smooth dial, and a gradient dial. As with the women’s models, this mixes up what could otherwise be a boring black and white collection, and likely offers something that would fit what you would be looking for.
As I mentioned at the outset, I wouldn’t call these watches particularly vintage-inspired. In terms of a classic style, however, these are watches that would work well as a dress watch, or even a more upscale casual watch at the office, for years to come. Sure, it may not be as flashy as the latest T-Touch, but that is a strength in a watch like this. Prices for the collection range from $2100 for the quartz model, and $2,500 – $2,750 for the automatics. The gents Powermatic 80 is currently available in the States, with the rest of the collection available by May. tissot.ch
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Tissot Vintage Collection
- Price: $2,100 – 2,750
- Who we think it might be for: This is perfect for someone looking for a his and hers set of watches with clean, classic styling in gold
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: While the rose gold models are lovely, this is not ultimately a set I would see purchasing for my wife and myself – just not quite our daily style
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Keep working with this theme of similar (yes with stylistic differences) that can allow for watch pairings
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The amount of variety they fit into the models with a fairly basic palette of gold, white, and black.
