The Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80—an underrated dress watch that’s stealing my heart (mostly). In this Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles review, I’ll cover two things I absolutely love, one thing I don’t, and why this watch deserves more attention in 2025. Watch my full video review below, and let’s dive in!
What Makes the Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Special?
The Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles is named after the street in Le Locle, Switzerland, where Tissot’s factory has stood since 1907. Le Locle is a watchmaking haven, home to brands like Mido and Zenith, and a world-renowned horology museum I’m dying to visit. This lineup embodies Tissot’s heritage, with the brand’s founding year, 1853, proudly displayed on the dial—a signature that’s practically a logo.
For me, watches like this are timeless treasures. In a world of high-tech gadgets, the analog charm of a mechanical watch feels like the warm crackle of a vinyl record. The Chemin Des Tourelles delivers that classic, no-fuss elegance, powered by the modern Powermatic 80 movement with an 80-hour power reserve. That means it keeps ticking accurately for three days without being worn—a marvel for us watch enthusiasts!
Fun fact: Non-watch fans might scoff, “Three days? Why not get a quartz?” But for us, 80 hours of mechanical magic is pure joy—like choosing vinyl over Spotify.
Key Specs of the Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80
Available in 34mm, 39mm, and 42mm sizes, this lineup suits all wrists. I’m reviewing the 42mm version, kindly loaned by a friend (thanks!). Here’s the breakdown:
- Case Size & Fit: The 42mm case, with a 48.9mm lug-to-lug and 11mm thickness, wears true to size. It’s too big for my 150mm wrist and even loose on my husband’s 160mm wrist, despite the tightest strap adjustment. For smaller wrists, the 39mm is ideal; the 42mm suits larger ones.
- Lug Width: At 21mm, the odd size means you’ll need specific straps. The alligator-style strap looks classy but wears out quickly—my old Tissot strap barely lasted a few years. Third-party straps are a must.
- Butterfly Clasp: The signed butterfly clasp extends strap life, a thoughtful touch.
- Movement: The Powermatic 80 shines through a transparent caseback with gold accents—stunning to admire.
- Crown & Case: A signed crown and vertically brushed case add sophistication.
Two Things I Love About This Tissot Dress Watch
1. Gorgeous Blue Sunburst Dial
The Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles blue dial is a showstopper. Under the domed sapphire crystal, this rich, radiant shade glows in any light. The sunburst effect sparkles from the center, while the textured outer dial and Roman numerals at each quarter exude class. I’m picky about blue dials—Tissot PRX Ice Blue and IWC Portugieser Blue get my vote, but Seiko SNXS77? No thanks. This Tissot nails it.
The dial keeps it simple: pencil hour/minute hands, a ticking second hand (21,600 beats/hour), and a white date window at 6 o’clock. No lume, as expected for a dress watch. It’s a dial you’ll want to stare at all day.
2. Versatile Sizing for Every Wrist
I love that the Chemin Des Tourelles offers multiple sizes. My husband and I once considered matching 34mm and 42mm versions as wedding watches—how romantic! We went with a Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono instead, but Tissot’s flexibility makes this a great pick for couples or anyone.
| Feature | Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles | Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 42mm | 40mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48.9mm | 49mm |
| Case Thickness | 11mm | 14.3mm |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 20mm |
One Thing I Don’t Love: Reflective Domed Crystal
Here’s my only gripe: the domed sapphire crystal is too reflective for watch photography. As a watch enthusiast, I love snapping outdoor shots, but this crystal shows my phone and face in every pic! Earlier this year in Kuala Lumpur, I struggled to shoot this watch with just natural light—reflections everywhere. I was a newbie photographer then, clueless about glare.
When our friend loaned the watch again in Jakarta, I used a controlled light setup with a diffuser to get clean shots. The crystal’s not a dealbreaker—it adds visual depth and class—but it’s a challenge for photo buffs like me.
Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Price and Where to Buy
The Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80 retails for RM 3,450 (~$837 USD). Boutique stores rarely discount, so shop authorized dealers or Jomashop for better deals. Jomashop offers authentic watches with their own warranty, often at lower prices. Always check warranty details with dealers for peace of mind.
Compare the prices here:
Why This Watch Deserves More Hype
Overshadowed by the Tissot PRX, the Chemin Des Tourelles is a hidden gem. Its heritage, stunning dial, and modern movement make it one of the best dress watches under $1000 for collectors and newcomers. If you’re after a timeless, elegant timepiece, this Tissot delivers.
Final Thoughts on the Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles
That’s my Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles review! The blue dial and sizing options are winners, but the reflective crystal tests my photography skills. Have you tried this watch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more watch reviews, check out my Seiko Monster Penguin review or browse my blog for the latest watch guides and stories.
