Tissot scores high in form and function

FOR THE TRENDY, SPORTY OR minimalist, Tissot has all the bases covered. The three new models featured here appeal to those who value both form and function. For women divers, a rugged timepiece waterproof to 300 metres is your new trusted companion. If you like a shade of bling, the popular PRX lineup twinkles with diamonds. Expect no compromises when it comes to performance and trimmings, yet Tissot watches come at prices friendly to the pocket. 

Sparkle Time

Tissot has added a tinge of bling to its popular PRX model to brighten up the festive season.

The new PRX is still the slim, smooth watch with an authentic ’70s feel, yet is packed with 21st century features. It now also comes dressed with 44 diamonds on its hour markers, ringed by an 18K solid rose gold bezel. The smaller 35 mm wide stainless steel case is made for smaller wrists, but unlike earlier models of the same size which are powered by quartz, this one runs on the same mechanical movement – the innovative Powermatic 80 – which is standard issue for the original 40 mm PRX model. Price: S$2,700

Panda Appeal

Take the popular PRX, combine it with a chronograph, and power it with an automatic movement made by Swiss chronograph mechanism specialist Valjoux. The result is the 42 mm PRX Chronograph Valjoux, with an extended power reserve of 60 hours. It comes in the classic 3, 6 and 9 chronograph dial layout, in two versions: one with the so-called “panda” dial, which has three black subdials set against a contrasting white backdrop and rose gold indices; the other features a “reverse panda” dial displaying three silver subdials on a blue vertical brushed face with silver indices. Both dials are framed in the by-now familiar sleek, angular, satin-finished steel case. Price: S$2,550

Vintage Classic

Some 84 years ago, competitive skier Vital Thiebaud created a sensation when he raced down the Swiss slopes of Villas-sur-Ollon with a Tissot chronograph strapped to his wrist. The new Telemeter 1938 recalls the heyday of mechanical timekeeping with a modern remake that retains much of its original look. Look out for the vintage-inspired dial (in black or white) with its Arabic numerals for hour markers, the railroad sub-dial flanked by scales, the red spiralling tachymeter scale and the blue telemeter scale around the dial’s outer edge. The classic look continues in its brushed and polished 42 mm stainless steel case, the pusher and an oversized crown modelled on the first chronograph. All these complete the watch’s ageless profile but inside, there’s an upgraded automatic movement fitted with a brand new Tissot Heritage rotor design. Price S$2,850