For the first time, Tissot and Pinarello join forces to produce a new watch combining the expertise from both the fabled Italian bicycle maker and the Swiss watch manufacturer. We got a loaner for a week to test out, and here is our hands-on review.
New and Reviewed: Tissot Pinarello Special Edition
The Tissot Pinarello Special Edition Ref T162.408.97.061.00 retails at SGD 2,250 inclusive of GST.
Video introduction
The case, dial and hands
This is a brand new line for Tissot. Not only this is the first collaboration with bicycle brand Pinarello, but also the start of a new line for Tissot. Tissot has been an active supporter and sponsor of the Tour de France, and though the release materials does make any mention of this, my guess is that this is the linkage. Pinarello is a top racing bicycles maison which has won many Grand Tour races. And the collaboration is interesting as it blends the knowhow of watchmaking to the touches in carbon fibre and aerodymamics that Pinarello is known for.
The case is in forged carbon and measures 42mm in nominal diameter. But the case is not strictly round. The case middle is a one piece construction and is round in the center and extends to elongated lugs. But at the 10 o’clock position where the crown is positioned, the case bulges out to form a crown guard in the shape of the Pinarellow forkflap. It looks like the lever on a typical minute repeater, but is part of the case and not movable. This is a unique silhouette.
The sapphire crystal is box-shaped and the dial is grey with a texture which is inspired by asphalt. The markers are black nickle with SuperLumiNova infilling. The hands are also baton shaped, but grooved and faceted to catch subtle shifts in light. The seconds hand is long and slender, and rendered in blue with the Pinarello logo – a stylised “P” as the counterweight.
The movement
The movement is the COSC certified Powermatic 80 C07.611, which we are already very familiar with in other Tissot offerings like the PRX Powermatic 80. It runs at 21,600 bph, with a power reserve of 80 hours and is made in-house by the Swatch Group from the base ETA 2824-2.
Movement finishing is nothing to write home about, but is par for the course at this price level. The movement is proven and can stand use and abuse in a daily wear environment.
Concluding thoughts
We find the watch to be very nice on the wrist, despite th e42mm nominal case diameter. With the integrated rubber strap, which is interchangeable via a quick release mechanism, it looks the aerodynamic part. A characteristic which is very desirable in racing bicycles, and is a strong feature in Pinarello creations.
Visually, it stays sort of under the radar, making it an excellent choice for the road warrior, or even use on the bike. But it has the details and nuances to make it endearing to the cyclist, especially one who rides a Pinarello.
