Hands-on: Tissot Classic Dream Powermatic 80

Text: The editorial team

Image: Aleksandar Mladenovic / Tissot

It is not every day you come across a Swiss automatic watch that feels both classic, well-built – and good value. But that is exactly what Tissot has managed with the new Classic Dream Powermatic 80. A model that takes the best from the brand's elegant quartz line and adds an automatic heart with impressive performance. In Collaboration with Tissot have taken a closer look at the model with a black dial and steel bracelet – and can say straight away: this is a real all-round watch.

It is not every day you test a chronograph that both feels genuinely retro-inspired and at the same time lives up to today's demands for function and quality. But when Tissot earlier this year chose to breathe new life into the PR516 series it was clear that they were not out to just ride on nostalgia, Tissot wanted to deliver something for real. Now we have had the opportunity to take a closer look at the model with the Valjoux movement and blue and white dial, and we have to say it straight away: this is pure class considering what you get for the money.

Timeless design in an updated guise

The Tissot Classic Dream is exactly what it is called – a classic dream watch in a modern guise. The case measures 40 mm in diameter, has a slim profile of just over 10 mm and is made in brushed and polished 316L steel. It sits low and comfortably on the wrist, and even if you might spontaneously think “dress watch” this is a model that works just as well with a shirt as with a knitted jumper or a t-shirt.

We like the clean and symmetrical design. The black sunburst dial plays nicely with the light and has faceted indices as well as a discreet date window at 3 o'clock. The hands are of the classic dauphine type – which gives a vintage flirtation without feeling old-fashioned.

Details such as sapphire crystal, a polished bezel and a well-made bracelet with butterfly clasp and “quick release” show that Tissot have not been sloppy, despite the low price tag.

Powermatic 80 – automatic precision in the entry segment

Under the shell ticks Tissot's Powermatic 80, a movement we have tested in several models before. And it always makes us just as happy to see it in a watch under 10 000 kr.

The movement not only offers a power reserve of a full 80 hours – it is also equipped with a Nivachronhairspring that protects against magnetism and gives stable rate precision. Tissot themselves state a variation of ±7 seconds per day, which agrees well with our experience during the test period.

So it is not just a good-looking exterior – the Classic Dream Powermatic 80 backs up its design language with genuine watchmaking technology. This is the watch you can wear day after day without feeling the need to change.

An accessible Swiss watch

We on the editorial team really appreciate it when manufacturers manage to find the right balance between tradition, technology and accessibility– and that is exactly what Tissot does here. The Classic Dream is not a watch that screams for attention. It is rather a reliable companion that only gets better the more you wear it.

With a Swedish list price of around 8 000 kronor (depending on version and retailer), this is a model that makes it possible for more people to step into the automatic watch world – with a Swiss quality stamp that actually means something.

On the wrist: thin, comfortable and balanced

The Classic Dream Powermatic 80 wears exactly the way you hope an everyday watch should. With its 40 mm in diameter and a thickness just over 10 mm it feels slim but present. It lies low against the wrist and slips easily under the cuff, which makes it an excellent choice for you who want an automatic watch that does not get in the way – neither visually nor practically.

Despite its classic appearance there is a modern wearing comfort here. The weight (just over 130 grams on the bracelet) makes it feel stable without becoming heavy. The bracelet is supple with rounded links that give a nice ergonomics, and thanks to the smooth butterfly clasp it stays safely in place all day.

For reference the model wears really well even on wrists around 16,5–17 cm – and with the ”quick release” system you quickly switch to leather if you prefer an even lighter impression.

Summary

The Tissot Classic Dream Powermatic 80 is exactly what many are looking for but seldom find:
A clean, well-made, Swiss automatic watch that feels just as at home at the office as at dinner or on the weekend outing. Nothing exaggerated, no frills – just a solid everyday watch that delivers where it counts.

Read more at Tissot