Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 T1204071704100: Watch Review
An affordable gem in Swiss watchmaking
Tissot is a brand that needs no introduction. Calling themselves ‘innovators of tradition’ may sound like a bold claim, but for them, it is true. They’ve been around since 1853; that’s only half a decade after Omega and over half a century before Rolex. Heritage isn’t something that Tissot needs to fake. Having made watches for over a century and a half, it’s pretty safe to say that the brand has become pretty damn good at making them. And with advancements in technology in this modern era, the brand has also embraced innovation with its timepieces. Whether it’s in the form of the incredible and functional T-touch series or its newest Silicium escapement for its Powermatic 80 calibres, Tissot is a brand that constantly looks forward in its creations, while commemorating its illustrious heritage too. And with such an extensive history, it should be expected that Tissot’s collection is equally extensive too, and it is.
The Brand:
The brand is now known more for being a creator of affordable and reliable Swiss-made luxury timepieces, and for good reason. Its acquisition by the Swatch group in 1983, which was at the time the largest watch producer and distributor in the world, meant that it had all the budgets and resources that it needed to create and develop properly good timepieces, which it has since done over the years. If you’re looking to get your feet wet with Tissot and are struggling to find the right one for you, well, you’re in luck. Today, we’ll be taking a look at one of their most popular and well-received models: the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80. A tidy-looking entry-level luxury Swiss diver that ticks a lot of boxes for enthusiasts and beginners alike. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s what with the Seastar 1000.
The Diver:
The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 is a fine example of a modern entry-level Swiss luxury diver. It is an elegant watch for water sports lovers, though that term might be a bit of an oxymoron considering the large bezel, relatively large case size of 43mm, and is being equipped with a rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It certainly isn’t a brash watch nor is it exactly reserved either, it’s just a well-balanced sporting timepiece from one of the best affordable Swiss luxury names in the market. With a uni-directional rotating bezel, simple and legible dial and water resistance of 300m the Seastar 1000 is a proper no-nonsense diver that would fit right in beneath the waves or under the cuff of a suit
Tissot didn’t go all spartan and utilitarian on the Seastar 1000 though, they did have some fun with the dial. In a gorgeous gradient sunburst blue that fades to black as it gets nearer to the six O’clock mark, it certainly gives a lovely touch of finesses on this otherwise refined and rugged diver. It’s powered by Tissot’s proprietary Powermatic 80 automatic movement which, as the name suggests, offers 80 hours of power reserve no less.
The Verdict:
The Seastar 1000 is certainly a strong contender in the otherwise less dominated market of affordable Swiss divers; putting brands like Longines (who is also a fellow cousin within the Swatch group), Oris and even Sinn (who is German) aside. The Seastar 1000 is certainly a strong contender among its very, very venerable competition and at a significantly lower price point too. And in such a competitive industry, the praise doesn’t get any higher than that.
Key Features:
- Modern, timeless, and versatile sporty design
- In-house Powermatic 80 movement
- Eye-catching gradient blue dial
- Swiss-made
- 316L Stainless steel case
- Immensely durable sapphire crystal
- 43mm x 12.7mm
