For over a century, Swiss watchmaker Tissot has delivered timepieces of exceptional quality and iconic design at a terrific price point. A sense of agelessness lies at the root of the brand’s output, hence the seemingly tireless appeal its watches have held across the generations. Now, Tissot’s latest release puts all those attributes on display. Dubbed the Chemin des Tourelles, it’s named after the road in Le Locle, Switzerland, that leads to the brand’s mountain factory, and it features a minimalist design language that transcends time, enabling it to effortlessly fit a host of modern dress codes and ensembles.
A History of Innovation
When it comes to Swiss watchmakers, Tissot is amongst the most quintessential. Originally founded in 1853, the brand introduced the first mass-market pocket watch and the first dual-time zone pocket watch that very same year. A few decades later, it became one of the first brands to offer an antimagnetic wristwatch, and the landmark innovations would only continue thereafter. This ensured the brand remained at the forefront of watch craft from one era to the next, all the while retaining a timeless understanding of aesthetics and design.
Image: Tissot
A New Chapter of Swiss Excellence
While it’s certainly preceded by a long and storied history, the Chemin des Tourelles remains forever young at heart. The latest variants pick up where previous bestselling models left off, thanks to a refreshed design that includes a gentle dome of sapphire crystal, sunray dial, and updated movement. These changes further enhance the watch’s status as an enduring pillar of the Tissot range, exuding the effortless sophistication for which it’s long been known, while simultaneously kicking off a new chapter that we’re confident will enrapture the next generation of collectors in the process.
Timelessness by Design
With its round 42mm steel case, classical display, and mechanical insides, the new Chemin des Tourelles is a testament to the timeless qualities of Tissot’s design codes. The soft sunray dial makes masterful use of subtle detail, featuring elegant baton hour markers and a compact date window above 6 o’clock. Both the stunning display and see-through case back sit under a scratch-resistant dome of sapphire crystal with antireflective coating. It all comes together in a glorious fashion to deliver the best in style and sturdiness.
Image: Tissot
Performance, Meet Precision
No less impressive under the surface, the new Chemin des Tourelles runs on an updated Powermatic 80 movement with a patented Nivachron balance spring. As its very name would suggest, the movement offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Wrist motion enables operation but the watch keeps running for over three days when it’s not in use. Representing a similarly impressive feat, the patented Nivachron balance spring provides more resistance to magnetic fields than standard mechanical counterparts.
The Art of Subtlety
Tissot’s new Chemin des Tourelles comes in three striking iterations: the T139.407.11.091.00 (with a green dial), the T139.407.16.041.00 (with a blue dial), and the T139.407.16.261.00 (with an off-white dial). Each is an example of Tissot’s knack for understated elegance, and thanks to the brand’s interchangeable strap system, owners can customise their look by alternating between a variety of bands – including leather and steel – without the need for additional tools.
Image | Tissot
Punching Well Above Its Price Tag
Despite the sheer craftsmanship it brings to bear and the historical significance of its innovations, Tissot has always managed to keep its price points impressively accessible. The latest Chemin des Tourelles is no exception, as it delivers specs you’d expect to find in watches that cost two or three times as much. The 80-hour power reserve alone is worth the price of admission, which comes in at AUD$1,300 for the most expensive of the three models.
A New Generation of Collectors
When you consider what it takes to embody a pure Swiss watch, the new Chemin des Tourelles ticks every box. It’s this allure that brings with it an innate sense of timelessness that allows each piece to cross multi-generational thresholds. Combine that with its approachable price point and you end up with a perfect timepiece for collectors both new and seasoned. And so the legacy continues.
Image: Tissot
