With this watch, Tissot adds a gold case to the Powermatic 80 movement that it uses in its more expensive and lower-priced Chemin de Tourelles collection. The case, in pink or yellow gold, is 40 mm in diameter, with 3 bar/30 metres water resistance, and at 9.3 mm in thickness, it becomes a classic dress watch, with the Roman numerals and indices with an attractive tapering design. The black leather strap has a butterfly clasp in PVD-coated stainless steel, so that at least the colour matches the case.
Powermatic 80 movement
The Powermatic 80 movement by ETA (calibre C07.111) provides 80 hours power reserve, about double that of most watch movements. It also has a balance without a regulator. The rate is set automatically in the factory, so that subsequent adjustment is not necessary; if it has to be adjusted at some time during its life, there seem to be two screws on the balance that change its natural oscillation frequency. The movement utilizes production technology developed for the totally industrialized Sistem 51 calibre, and it possibly also incorporates the anti-magnetic alloys pioneered by Swatch Group. The 80-hour power reserve is attained by reducing balance frequency from 4 to 3 Hertz, by increasing the size of the mainspring, and by using a low-friction synthetic material (probably silicon-based) for the escapement.
The men’s version is available in four models, differing in case material and dial colour and design. The yellow gold versions have a curious arrangement of the Arabic numerals.
The women’s version has a white mother-of-pearl dial machined into a lacy pattern in the central part, hour indicators with diamonds on faceted gold bases, and a white leather strap.
References and prices
Tissot Vintage Powermatic 80, reference T920.407.76.068.00, rose gold case, black dial with Roman numerals, black leather strap, price €2,470, $2,950
Tissot Vintage Powermatic 80, reference T920.407.16.052.00, yellow gold case, black dial with Arabic numerals, black leather strap, price €2,470, $2,950
Tissot Vintage Powermatic 80, reference T920.407.16.032.00, yellow gold case, silver dial with Arabic numerals, black leather strap, price €2,470, $2,950
Tissot Vintage Powermatic 80, reference T920.407.76.038.00, rose gold case, silver dial with Roman numerals, brown leather strap, price €2,470, $2,950