Tissot Watches Guide
Tissot is one of Switzerland's longest-established watchmakers, producing Swiss-made watches continuously since 1853. Positioned in the accessible luxury segment, the brand is known for combining traditional Swiss watchmaking standards with modern manufacturing efficiency.
Tissot watches are designed to be worn daily rather than reserved for special occasions. Across mechanical and quartz collections, the emphasis is on reliability, legibility, durability, and consistent engineering rather than exclusivity or speculative value.
At OD's Jewellers, we are an authorised Tissot retailer offering the full range of current collections with expert guidance, in-store bracelet sizing, and full manufacturer warranty.
1 | History & Heritage
Tissot was founded in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland by Charles-Felicien Tissot and his son Charles-Emile. Le Locle remains one of the historic centres of Swiss watchmaking and is still home to Tissot's headquarters today.
From its earliest years, the brand focused on industrial innovation within traditional watchmaking. Tissot produced some of the earliest mass-manufactured Swiss watches while maintaining compliance with Swiss quality standards.
Since joining the Swatch Group in the 1980s, Tissot has expanded global distribution while retaining in-house development and Swiss manufacturing oversight.
2 | Core Tissot Model Families
Tissot structures its catalogue around several long-running core collections. These families define the brand's identity and are supported by seasonal variations rather than constant reinvention.
PRX
Integrated-bracelet sports watches inspired by a 1978 Tissot design. Known for clean geometry, slim cases, and strong bracelet integration. Offered in quartz and automatic formats. PRX Guide →
Seastar
Professional-spec dive watches designed for water resistance, legibility, and robustness. Typically larger cases with ceramic bezels and high-depth ratings. Seastar Guide →
Le Locle
Classic dress watches named after Tissot's home town. Traditional styling, Roman numerals, guilloche dials, and mechanical movements define the range. Le Locle Guide →
Gentleman
Modern dress-sport watches bridging formal and casual wear. Available with Powermatic 80 automatic movements and Silicium technology for enhanced accuracy.
PR100 & PR516
Sport-classic chronograph and time-only watches. The PR range offers strong value with Swiss movements, sapphire crystals, and 100m water resistance as standard.
Lovely & Bellissima
Ladies' collections featuring elegant proportions, mother-of-pearl dials, and diamond-set options. Available in bracelet and strap configurations from £270.
3 | Craftsmanship & Innovation
All Tissot watches are Swiss Made, meeting the legal and technical criteria for Swiss manufacture. Production combines automated precision with controlled assembly and testing.
Powermatic 80 Movement
The Powermatic 80 automatic movement provides an extended 80-hour power reserve, significantly exceeding the traditional 38–42 hour standard. Many models also use anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring technology for improved stability.
Sapphire Crystals
Scratch-resistant sapphire glass is standard across the range, providing clarity and durability that mineral glass cannot match. Anti-reflective coatings enhance legibility.
T-Touch Technology
The T-Touch platform integrates tactile sapphire crystals with electronic sensors, allowing users to access compass, altimeter, barometer, and chronograph functions without mechanical pushers.
Swiss Made Guarantee
Every Tissot meets the legal criteria for Swiss manufacture: Swiss movement, Swiss assembly, and Swiss quality inspection. This is not a marketing label — it is a regulated standard.
4 | Cultural Impact
Tissot maintains a strong presence in professional sport through official timekeeping partnerships. These relationships reinforce the brand's association with precision, endurance, and performance.
Official Timekeeping Partners
- NBA — Official Timekeeper of the National Basketball Association
- MotoGP — Official Timekeeper and Title Sponsor
- Tour de France — Official Timekeeper of cycling's greatest race
- UCI — Official Timekeeper of international cycling competitions
Tissot timing systems are used in-venue rather than purely for promotional placement. In recent years, renewed interest in heritage-inspired designs — particularly the PRX — has introduced the brand to a new generation of collectors and first-time Swiss watch buyers.
5 | Sizing
Tissot produces watches across a wide range of case sizes, making fit selection an important consideration.
Small Wrists (5–6.5")
25–36mm cases. Ladies' Lovely, Bellissima, and PRX 25mm models sit perfectly on smaller wrists without overhang.
Medium Wrists (6.5–7.5")
38–42mm cases. The sweet spot for most men — PRX 40mm, Gentleman, PR100, Le Locle 39.3mm, and Seastar 40mm all fit here.
In-Store Bracelet Sizing
Bracelet sizing and strap adjustment can be completed in-store at OD's Jewellers while you wait. For detailed guidance, refer to our Master Watch Size Guide.
6 | Care & Warranty
Tissot recommends full servicing approximately every 4–5 years through authorised service centres. Regular servicing preserves water resistance, accuracy, and component longevity.
Water Resistance
Varies by model: 30m (Le Locle, dress models), 100m (PRX, Gentleman, PR100), up to 600m (Seastar 2000 Professional). Have water resistance tested annually if used for regular swimming.
Automatic Care
Powermatic 80 models run for 80 hours unworn. Full service every 4–5 years maintains accuracy and gasket integrity. Store on a soft surface to protect polished cases.
Manufacturer Warranty
- Duration: All new Tissot watches include an international manufacturer warranty
- Covers: Manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
- Requirement: Purchase from an authorised retailer — warranty is void without proof of purchase from an authorised source
- At OD's: We coordinate all warranty claims and provide in-store assessment
For universal watch care principles, see our Watch & Jewellery Care Guide.
7 | Shop Tissot at OD's Jewellers
We stock over 55 Tissot watches across the PRX, Seastar, Le Locle, Gentleman, PR100, Lovely, and Bellissima collections. Here is a selection from our current range — all in stock and ready to wear.
Men's Highlights
Ladies' Highlights
Value & Everyday
55+ Tissot Watches In Stock
Browse our full Tissot collection online, or visit us at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens to try them on. We provide complimentary bracelet sizing, expert movement guidance, and full aftercare support.
Top Picks at OD's — In Stock Now
Three best-sellers our customers are choosing this month — all in stock, ready to ship from St Helens, available to try in our St Helens store before you buy.
All available in-store at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY — try before you buy.
Browse the full jewellery range at OD's.
8 | Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tissot watches Swiss Made?
Yes. Every Tissot watch meets the legal and technical criteria for Swiss manufacture, including Swiss movement, Swiss assembly, and Swiss quality inspection. “Swiss Made” is a regulated standard, not a marketing label.
What is the Powermatic 80 movement?
The Powermatic 80 is Tissot's signature automatic movement delivering an 80-hour power reserve — significantly exceeding the traditional 38–42 hour standard. This means you can take it off on Friday evening and it will still be running on Monday morning. Many models also feature anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring technology.
How often should I service my Tissot watch?
Tissot recommends full servicing approximately every 4–5 years through authorised service centres. Regular servicing preserves water resistance, accuracy, and component longevity. If you use your watch for regular swimming, have the water resistance tested annually.
What size Tissot should I buy?
Tissot offers cases from 25mm to 46mm. For small wrists (5–6.5 inches), consider 25–36mm models. For medium wrists (6.5–7.5 inches), 38–42mm is the sweet spot. Try on in-store at OD's Jewellers for the best fit assessment — we provide complimentary bracelet sizing.
Is the Tissot PRX good value?
The PRX delivers the visual language of high-end integrated sports watches — sharp case lines, flat bracelet, slim profile — at an accessible Swiss price point. The quartz starts at £290, while the Powermatic 80 automatic offers mechanical heritage from £640. It is widely cited as one of the best value Swiss sports watches available.
Can I buy Tissot in-store in St Helens?
Yes. OD's Jewellers is an authorised Tissot retailer at 41 Barrow Street, St Helens. Visit us Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, to try on the latest collections. We provide expert guidance on size and movement choice, complimentary bracelet sizing, and full aftercare support.