The 15 Best Tissot Watches for Men (The Most Underrated Swiss Brand)

Out of all the long-established Swiss watchmakers out there, Tissot is one of the most commercially underrated. Today, we’re going to shine a rarely shone spotlight with our picks for 15 of the best (in our opinion) Tissot watches for men.

James Stewart famously wore a handsome Tissot in Hitchcock’s stylish thriller Rear Window (he starred alongside Princess Grace of Monaco, also a fan of the brand).

Just as Sean Connery’s glamour reflects that of Rolex’s, Stewart and Tissot are quietly esteemed in their fields. They produced widely recognized classics, yet never sought a high profile.

Basically, Tissot just wants to make good watches.

Which begs the question…

 

Is Tissot a Good Watch?

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Exceptional design and sound engineering make a good watch manufacturer. History and innovations make a great watch brand. Tissot has all of these.

On the design and engineering front, they employ many high-quality movements. Two examples include: The Powermatic 80, an automatic that stays accurate even after three days of not wearing it.

The other? The Swissmatic, an automatic that’s surprisingly affordable because it’s built using an innovative automated production chain.

Tissot often uses movements built by ETA. However, since they’re both part of the Swatch Group, they often work hand-in-hand to develop precise, state-of-the-art movements.

This definitely isn’t in-house, but not totally outsourced either.

Tissot Isn’t Just Good, It’s Important

The brand boasts several unique innovations.

Historically, one of the most important of these is the world’s first non-magnetic wristwatch. In the 1920s, electricity became commonplace in households. Unfortunately, electricity also magnetizes wristwatches, which affects their accuracy.

The Tissot Antimagnetique came out in 1929, long predating the antimagnetic watch boom of the 1950s.

An important contemporary innovation is the world’s first tactile watch. In 1999, Tissot introduced touch-sensitive sapphire crystals to control functions such as a barometer, altimeter, and thermometer.

Despite their focus on innovation, this brand always has one foot in history. They’ve been around since 1853, soon after Omega arrived and long before Rolex. Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Charles-Émile Tissot founded the company in the Swiss Jura mountains.

A lot of Swiss watch engineering wouldn’t be around today if not for Tissot. Charles-Émile promoted watch-making schools focused on Swiss precision and was even appointed the Swiss national watch inspector.

And as any relevant watch brand, they’ve partnered with several sports institutions. Currently, they’re the official timekeeper of the NBA.

Is Tissot a High-end / Luxury Watch?

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Tissot is in a category that I call “affordable luxury.” Movado is another good example of this, though Movado leans more into fashion while Tissot leans into traditional horology.

To consider a watch luxury or high-end, it must go beyond simply telling time. It has to have history (we already know Tissot checks this box), it needs to represent a lifestyle, and it needs to tell a story.

As you’ll see with our roundup, it checks the latter boxes as well.

Moreover, watch specialists recognize Tissot’s specialities: Well-balanced design and a talent for dress watches. You know it’s a high-end brand when it has a trademark in the expert community.

Are These Watches Good Quality?

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Tissot fashions high-quality watches in every price range.

Even their $100 T-Classic quartz watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a beautifully complex stainless steel bracelet paired with a simple face, and 100m of water resistance.

All their watches are subjected to tests for resistance to impact, pressure, and water.

Many of their lines are COSC-certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. This means they’ve undergone 15 days of testing for accuracy and resilience in several challenging temperature and pressure conditions.

How Much Are Tissot Watches?

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The most affordable lines, their Small Prices Collection for example, are in the $100 range.

Their most expensive watch is a Limited Edition Gold Case Heritage. At $8,250, it’s definitely an outlier (yet still around the price of an entry-level Rolex).

The average price is in the $550-600 range.

What is the Best Tissot Watch?

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It depends what you’re looking for!

Tissot is one of the most wide-ranging luxury brands out there. The Excellence is an elegant evening watch perfect for a black-tie event or a dinner with your partner, while the T-Touch will serve you well on an off-grid adventure.

Tissot Watches for Men: Our Picks and Personal Faves

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Each timepiece we’ve picked is available on Amazon. Take a look and decide which watches are the best for you!

Tissot Classic Dream Swissmatic

From Tissot’s Dream Collection which focuses on modernizing classic designs, this Swissmatic is quintessential Tissot. It combines dressy features like the silky brushed dial and gem-like crown with harder elements like the sharp lugs.

Moreover, it runs on one of Tissot’s innovations, the bang-for-buck Swissmatic automatic movement, which you can admire via the exhibition caseback.

This Swiss Made watch is an effective choice for an everyday watch, or even as a one-collection timepiece. The balanced look pairs well with the croco-embossed leather strap it usually comes with or a stainless steel bracelet.

Tissot Classic Dream Swissmatic features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	42mm
Water Resistance	50m
Band Material	Embossed leather

Tissot Quickster T-Race

The Tissot Quickster T-Race is a staunch sport watch, with a multi-layered, multi-textured athletic construction.

The PVD version gives it a commanding look as well as a stronger build, while the matte granular inner dial in all versions add visual intrigue and legibility. Even the diamond-plating on the crown makes it easier to grip, while leaning hard into its automotive stylings.

Basically, all of the cool aesthetic qualities are also practical.

Overall, it’s a tough-wearing racer watch at a more than reasonable price point.

Tissot Quickster T-Race features:

Movement	Quartz
Case Size	44.5mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Rubber strap

Tissot Chrono XL, Black PVD

I definitely get Timex-like cool vibes from this Chrono XL. 

The brown leather strap is of decent quality, but is elevated by the texture and side stitching. Meanwhile, the black PVD coating makes the stainless steel case nigh impossible to scratch— it also makes it really cool looking!

Touches like that aren’t typically found in field-style watches in this price range. This is why the Chrono XL is one of the best, despite Tissot not being known for field watches.

TISSOT CHRONO XL, BLACK PVD features:

Movement	Quartz
Case Size	45mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Leather strap
Band Color	Black PVD

Tissot T-Classic Everytime, Rose Gold

I know all of that rose gold won’t be everyone’s style (even the hands are rose gold!), but this is truly a unique piece.

Yes, you get the beauty of gold at a fraction of the price. And yes, the band has the complexity of any high-end evening watch.

But the band and case are actually made out of stainless steel. It’s rose gold ion plated. Meaning this gorgeous dress watch can actually take quite the beating! Tissot certainly loves surprises.

TISSOT T-CLASSIC EVERYTIME ROSE GOLD features:

Movement	Quartz
Case Size	38mm
Water Resistance	30m
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Color	Rose Gold PVD

Tissot PR 100 Chronograph

This watch is one of Tissot’s traditional chronographs, and one of the most versatile options on the list.

The PR 100 perfectly balances dressy and sporty features. The busy chronograph, long rectangular indices, and T-second hand are bold and masculine, but the royal blue dial and the multi-link bracelet add a touch of class.

This is the kind of watch I imagine a king would wear when he’s playing polo with a sheikh.

TISSOT PR 100 CHRONOGRAPH features:

Movement	Quartz
Case Size	41mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Stainless steel

Tissot T-Race MotoGP

This Tissot T-Race MotoGP is so generously-sized and seriously-spec’d, it’s as if a G-Shock got the Tissot treatment.

It’s an undeniably dynamic tank of a watch, but with refined details, like the flawless brushing on the bottom-most layer of the dial. Even its main strap has that multi-textured, multi-material build. Plus, its in-house chronograph automatic movement fully cinches the Swiss Made moniker on its dial face.

If you’re looking for a tough sport watch, this T-Race levels up the beater category both in style and operation.

Tissot T-Race MotoGP features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	48.8mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Leather, nylon, rubber strap

Tissot Visodate Automatic

Our first automatic on the list is also one of Tissot’s most quintessential timepieces. The Visodate is a bit like an automatic Tissot Tradition, with its vintage Rear Window-esque case.

It’s popularly worn with a croc-embossed leather strap too. On top of it being an automatic, I also like it better because of the day-date feature.

Overall, this is a versatile everyday watch, regardless of what strap you pair it with.

Tissot Visodate Automatic features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	40mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Stainless steel bracelet

Tissot T-Sport PRC200

The PRC 200 is a universal, masculine Chronograph. 

The face is about as busy as a chronograph can get with each dial barely touching the hour indices. The pops of yellow add personality though, a similar effect as the iconic orange hand on the Rolex Explorer II.

It also features a robust five-link bracelet with alternating brushed and polished links. Since it’s also suitable for recreational diving, the PRC 200 is the perfect example of a luxury sport watch.

Tissot T-Sport PRC200 features:

Movement	Quartz Case
Case Size	42mm
Water Resistance	200m
Band Material	Stainless steel

Tissot T-Classic Automatic, Two-tone

This elegant T-Classic literally shines. 

It features a silver dial enhanced by rose gold leaf hands and very noble Roman numeral indices. The stainless steel case has a rose gold PVD coating, and the band is a complex multi-link stainless steel with alternating silver and rose gold links.

The front of the case is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and the caseback is transparent so you can see the automatic movement at work!

TISSOT T-CLASSIC AUTOMATIC features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	39.3mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Stainless steel
Caseback	Transparent

Tissot Tradition Dress Watch

This Tradition Dress Watch is another time-honored evening timepiece, but is more monochromatic than the T-Classic Two-tone. If you like the idea of the T-Classic, but wish it was more toned down, this watch is for you.

It also features a complex multi-link band, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a transparent caseback so you can see the automatic movement. It features a single silver-tone throughout, a white face, and simple indices for every hour marker except for the Roman 12 at the top.

TISSOT TRADITION DRESS WATCH features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	40mm
Water Resistance	30m
Band Material	Stainless steel
Caseback	Transparent

Tissot Seastar Powermatic 80

The Tissot Seastar is in the OG Club along with the Tradition and the Visodate, filling the role of classic dive. Compared to other automatic dives in the industry, the Seastar is one of the most reasonably priced.

It’s made of a durable 316L stainless steel and features a folding clasp with a safety and diver extension closure.

For a bit of a premium, you can also get it in blue, which I think looks more nautical.

TISSOT SEASTAR POWERMATIC 80 features:

Movement	Automatic, 80-hour power reserve
Case Size	43mm
Water Resistance	300m
Band Material	Stainless Steel
Caseback	Transparent
Bezel Function	Unidirectional

Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80

If the T-Classic Two-tone was too much, and the Tradition Dress was not enough, the Le Locle Silver-tone falls right in the middle.

I really do think that Tissot is one of the best dress watch makers out there. This timepiece is elegant and classic, and features Roman numerals for every hour and a checker plate pattern on the face like the T-Classic, but is one tone throughout like the Tradition Dress.

It’s also powered by Tissot’s Powermatic 80, which has an 80-hour power reserve, viewable through the caseback.

Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 features:

Movement	Automatic, 80 hour power reserve
Case Size	39mm
Water Resistance	30m
Band Material	Stainless steel

Tissot T-Touch II Titanium

The second T-Touch on the list is a lot like our first, so why has it doubled in price? 

This guy is made out of titanium. Read all about what makes titanium special in our Effortless Guide to Watch Metals.

Titanium is three times stronger than steel and much lighter, so it really levels up this T-Touch. Style-wise it’s much sleeker and more futuristic. 

TISSOT T-TOUCH II TITANIUM features:

Movement	Quartz
Case Size	44mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Titanium
Dial Window Type	Tactile sapphire crystal

Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar

This watch is the top stage of T-Touch evolution (for now!).

Just like the II Titanium, it features a titanium band and case. And just like all T-Touch watches, it features the tactile sapphire.  

Additions to this watch include PVD black coating on the bezel which gives it a slightly more matte look than the II Titanium, and a plethora of features that the other two watches don’t have. These include an accumulator change indicator, an altitude difference meter, a countdown timer, and a regatta function.

The T-Touch II Titanium and the T-Touch Expert Solar are similar in price. If the extra features aren’t that important to you, you can at least choose based solely on which style suits you better!

TISSOT T-TOUCH EXPERT SOLAR features:

Movement	Quartz
Case Size	45mm
Water Resistance	100m
Band Material	Titanium
Dial Window Type	Tactile sapphire crystal

Tissot Telemeter 1938

The Telemeter 1938 is unique for the brand, in that it beautifully achieves that retro cool look we usually see in Timexes or Bulovas.

The exquisite silver dial features vintage sporty elements, like the railroad subdials and several tracks on the outer dial. It’s a combination of racer aesthetics with sciencey aesthetics, lending it to a range of personal styles. Plus, the primary colored accents fully cinch the old-school stylishness.

Function-wise the Swiss automatic chronograph is equipped with a Nivachron, providing a level of strength that keeps servicing needs at bay, and a Tissot-branded rotor seen through the caseback.

Tissot Telemeter 1938 features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	42mm
Water Resistance	30m
Band Material	Leather strap

Tissot Seastar 1000 GMT

Tissot’s answer to a Sea Dweller or a Planet Ocean, the brand new Seastar 1000 GMT boasts tons of specs and super cool looks.

GMT capabilities and a whopping 1000 meters of water resistance aside, this tool watch is based on a standard diver design with unique details that make it classic, yet distinguished. The forest hue on the green-and-black bezel is sophisticated, as is the swanky wood paneling texturing on the dial.

The movement is exquisitely complex, with a wave-embossed rotor. And of course, it wears large and athletically on any wrist.

Tissot Seastar 1000 GMT Features:

Movement	Automatic
Case Size	46mm
Water Resistance	1000m
Band Material	Stainless steel

The Right Tissot Watch For You?

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We hope you found this roundup helpful and fun! 

Tissot truly makes some of the most creative and high-quality timepieces at reasonable prices. They deserve more of the spotlight, and I know watch specialists agree! Which one are you going to get?

If you have any questions or comments, DM me on Instagram!