In a world full of flashy gadgets and overpriced trends, there's something refreshing about a watch that just gets the job done right. Tissot has been cranking out solid timepieces for years, from sporty models like the PRX Automatic to more vintage vibes in the PR516 or the everyday Gentleman. They've even got that old-school charm in the Heritage 1938 COSC. But now, the Ballade collection is stepping up its game. First launched back in 1994 and given a fresh look in 2024, this lineup is back in the spotlight for 2025 with automatic versions that pack serious accuracy without breaking the bank. We're talking about the Tissot Ballade COSC watches, coming in at 39mm for a solid wrist presence or 30mm for something a bit more understated.
Tissot didn't just slap an automatic movement in these and call it a day. They built on last year's revamp, which brought back that eye-catching fluted bezel and added some textured dials for extra character. Before, the Ballade was all quartz, in bigger 40mm or smaller 34mm cases. Now, these new ones go automatic, and they've earned that COSC certification – that's the official stamp for chronometer-level precision, meaning these things keep time like a champ, no matter what your day throws at you.
Image credit: Tissot
The collection rolls out with seven models total, split between the two sizes. No matter which you pick, you're getting a stainless steel case that's brushed and polished just right, topped with a tough sapphire crystal to fend off scratches. They're good for 100 meters of water resistance, so a splash from the sink or a quick swim isn't going to faze them. And that see-through caseback? It's a nice touch to peek at the mechanics inside. The fluted bezel is the star here, giving the watch a classic edge that ties everything together. These cases stay slim too – just over 10mm thick, so they slide under a shirt cuff without any bulk.
Dials on these Ballade COSC models play up the textures big time. They've got this embossed sunray pattern that catches the light in a subtle way, matching the fluted bezel perfectly. Unlike the quartz versions, these automatics swap in applied Roman numerals for the hour markers, adding a touch of elegance without going overboard. The hands are brushed and polished, with a bit of luminous material on them and dots near the markers for low-light visibility – handy for checking the time during those late-night drives or early mornings. The date window gets a metal frame around it, which keeps things looking sharp and put-together.
Image credit: Tissot
Options-wise, Tissot covers the bases. For the 39mm size, you can go full steel with a silver dial for a clean, versatile look, or step it up with dark blue or dark green for something with more personality. There's also a version that mixes in yellow gold PVD on the bezel and some bracelet links, giving it that warm contrast without the full gold commitment. On the 30mm side, steel comes with ice blue or silver dials – the ice blue has a cool, modern feel – and there's a rose gold PVD option paired with silver for a softer vibe.
What really sets these apart is what's ticking inside. The 39mm models run on the Powermatic 80 movement, which is basically an upgraded take on the reliable ETA 2824-2. It beats at 3Hz – that's 21,600 vibrations per hour – and holds onto power for a solid 80 hours, so you can set it down over the weekend and it'll still be good to go come Monday. They've thrown in a Nivachron hairspring that's resistant to magnetic fields, which is great in a world full of phones and laptops. The 30mm versions use the Powermatic 48, based on the ETA 2671, with a 48-hour reserve and the same anti-magnetic tech. Both have 23 or 25 jewels depending on the model, and that all-important COSC certification means they're tested to stay accurate within seconds per day.
Image credit: Tissot
These watches come ready to wear on a five-link steel bracelet – brushed on the outside links, polished inside for comfort. It fastens with a butterfly clasp that's secure and easy to use, and there's a quick-change system if you ever want to swap in a leather strap or something else. Lug widths are 20mm for the bigger one and 16mm for the smaller, so finding alternatives won't be a hassle.
Tissot's keeping these accessible, with prices starting at 1,025 euros for the all-steel models and bumping up to 1,095 euros for the ones with gold PVD accents. That's for both sizes, and they're out now through Tissot's site or authorized dealers. If you're the type who appreciates a watch that's built to last, precise enough for your busiest days, and styled in a way that never goes out of fashion, the Ballade COSC might just be the upgrade your wrist has been waiting for. It's proof that you don't need to drop a fortune to get something truly reliable.
