Hands-on: Tissot Chemin des Tourelles in 3 sizes

Text/image: Aleksandar Mladenovic

Earlier this year Tissot presented updated versions of its model line Chemin des Tourelles – watches with a more elegant look which is Tissot's most classic collection. We at Eqotime have taken a closer look at the models with a focus on the new size 39mm.

Tissot has reached great success in recent years with its PRX line where we among other things took a closer look at their PRX Chronograph last year. But the brand offers much more than a sporty watch with clear 70s influences in the catalogue and today we take a closer look at their classic Chemin des Tourelles line. The watches are clean in design seen through Tissot's historic design choices which we like extra much since Tissot has long been a prominent brand on the Swedish market.

This year they present a total of 15 new models in the line divided into 3 sizes: 34, 39 and 42mm. Common to all the sizes is the watches' elegant and fairly ”clean” aesthetic and that they are driven by Tissot's Powermatic 80 movement which offers 80 hours of power reserve and which you can view through the case back that is fitted with sapphire crystal. It is very pleasant to be able to view the movement and the rotor which is decorated with the Tissot logotype.

The watches' case is brushed on the top side with a polished crystal ring and case sides. They feel well built and we like the shape of the lugs which gives us a bit of 50s vibes. You can tell that Tissot has glanced back in time to get inspiration for the model which has resulted in well-balanced choices in the line that look really good.

In the size 42mm the model is found only in steel, but in 34 and 39mm we find three different case materials: steel, steel with PVD treatment in rose gold as well as a case completely treated with rose gold coloured PVD. This gives us a number of choices where everything from a more classic execution in all steel to modern with gold and PVD is available to choose between.

There are a number of different dials to choose among and common to the models we looked closer at were sunray-finished dials with faceted indexes and hands. The hands reflect the light in a pleasant way where half of the hour and minute hand has a frosted finish and the other half a bright polished finish. Another thing we also thought was very pleasant was the ”pearl indexes” for the minute markings which brought to mind Patek Philippe's Calatravas from the first half of the last century. The model is is very honest in its look and has mixed classic design with new technology and a really solid movement.

Chemin des Tourelles is available both on leather straps and a five-part link with polished elements. All straps are equipped with ”quick switch” strap pins so that changing straps and thereby the look of the watch depending on mood and occasion takes seconds. This makes the watch perfect both for the one who needs a single watch in the collection and wants to be able to change straps, or the one who wants a nice addition to the existing collection.

Prices start at 8,895 kronor on leather strap and 9,695 kronor on link.

Read more about the watches at Tissot