The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles is a very special piece that encapsulates an important part of Tissot’s history. It takes its name from the street in Le Locle, Switzerland, where the Tissot factory was established in 1907, and where the company can still be found today.
Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 GMT
The Case and Dial
Sized at 42 mm by 12.5 mm, the stainless steel case is treated with a rose gold PVD coating. It is mostly a dress or classic design, in style and configuration, although a leaner 39 mm by 10 mm case size is a more preferred dimension for classic timepieces. The shape, crown and construction are otherwise unsurprising, with an open caseback and tapered lugs.
A domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflective coating reveals a decorated dial. The dial uses a pseudo sector dial design, separated by stick hour markers and two contrasting surface textures. The outermost ring is a 24 hour marker for the GMT hand, followed by a hobnail embossed ring with applied markers. This is followed by a minutes track and date window, and finally the center sunburst finish of the dial.
A date window so far in from the periphery indicates a small movement larger case scenario – which this 42 mm case falls in.
Overall, the dial shows a good use of dial space, to incorporate the date window, and add more lively elements to the dial. Adding a rehaut for the 24 hour markers instead of the current flat display may help reduce the dial/case size, or lessen the clutter.
The Movement
The Tissot uses the POWERMATIC 80.661 movement. An automatic movement with GMT and 80 hours power reserve. It uses an ETA 2824 ebauche with modifications – like a lowered rate from 28,800 vph to 21,600 vph which helps increase the stored power. For a slightly lesser price, one can get the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium that comes with a anti-magnetic Silicium hairspring. Otherwise, the movement is adequately finished for the price point, with a laser engraved rotor and some decorations on the balance bridge.
Concluding thoughts
The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 GMT may appeal more to men who want something classic but with more wrist presence than a subtle silhouette. The case and dial are rather nice, but otherwise the watch lacks in the differentiation department.
In terms of practicality, the 3 days plus power reserve and a GMT hand adds to its usefulness as a daily wearer for travel. The watch is priced at US$975.
