Assessment: Tissot's Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80 Offers Premier Quality as a Top-Notch Entry-Level Diving Watch from Switzerland
In the world of Swiss watchmaking, Tissot has made a name for itself as a brand that offers quality timepieces at an affordable price point. Founded in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Tissot has a rich history of innovation and craftsmanship.
One of the latest additions to Tissot's collection is the Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80, a modern take on the brand's iconic dive watch. Introduced in 2018, this model offers a more compact, everyday-friendly 40mm case size.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80 features a fumé dial with a brushed gradient effect, a design that adds a touch of elegance to this rugged timepiece. The dial is protected by an AR sapphire crystal, which has anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring clarity under various lighting conditions.
The applied indices on the dial are bold, polished, and generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring easy readability in low light. The sword-style hands are proportionate and well-finished, completing the watch's sophisticated look.
The watch is powered by the Powermatic 80 automatic movement, a heavily modified version of the ETA 2824-2. This movement offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch can run for over three days without needing to be wound.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80 also boasts a 120-click, unidirectional bezel made of mineral crystal, rather than ceramic or sapphire. While this may not be as scratch-resistant as its more expensive counterparts, it does contribute to the watch's overall affordability.
The watch is water-resistant to 300m, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving. The Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet, with its three-link design, is both comfortable and stylish. The bracelet also features quick-release spring bars, making it easy to swap out the strap for a different look.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80 retails at $750, offering a stunning fumé dial, balanced proportions, 300m of water resistance, and an 80-hour power reserve for well under $1,000.
It's worth noting that Tissot produced the first ever non-magnetic wrist watch in 1930 (Antimagnetique), and in the 1950s, they collaborated with the Swiss Laboratory for Watchmaking Research of Neuchâtel to develop water-resistant timepieces. Today, Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, providing access to ETA-based movements, anti-magnetic technology, and cutting-edge materials.
The Seastar moniker has seen several iterations over the years, including the Seastar 660 in 2003 and the Seastar 1000 in 2004. The exact designer of the Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80 is not specified in the available search results.
In conclusion, the Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Powermatic 80 is a stylish and affordable dive watch that combines classic design elements with modern features. Whether you're a seasoned diver or simply looking for a versatile timepiece for everyday wear, this watch is definitely worth considering.
