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Tissot and Victorinox are two watch brands that could not be further away from each other in regards to their reputation in the market. Tissot is known for its high precision watches and is considered to be one of the best mid-range luxury Swiss watchmakers in the business. On the other hand, Victorinox focuses on a specific timepiece category, which is a robust tool watch. Victorinox’s timepieces are designed to be as durable and reliable as possible.
This is an exciting match up as we will be able to compare critical qualities about each watch brand’s design with the other. How does Tissot’s watch build compare to the incredibly resilient watch construction of Victorinox? How does Victorinox’s watch movement compare to Tissot? Let’s find out how the two Swiss watch brand stacks up against each other.
Table of Contents
Tissot Brand Overview
Tissot began operations back in 1853 and was founded by the father and son duo of Charles-Felicien and Charles-Emile Tissot. The company was initially named as the Charles-Felicien & Son. The company went through several name changes such as Charles-Emile Tissot & Fils (1865), Chs. Tissot & Fils – SA (1917), Tissot Marche Suisse SA (1976), and finally Tissot SA (1982).
From the beginning of Tissot, the company aimed for international recognition as their pocket watches were primarily for export. Within a year of operating, Tissot watches were already being sold in the United States. About five years later, Tissot watches were made available in Russia as well. Their sudden growth of popularity in Russia stemmed from when Charles Tissot settled in the country after marriage. Tissot’s prominence in the country was further increased when their timepieces became the watch of choice of Tsar Alexander II’s court.
Tissot built an impressive repertoire within the watch industry thanks to their fantastic and precise watch movements. They primarily utilize high precision quartz movement, which helps endear them to several companies in the sports industry. Tissot watches are also often seen within the lucrative sports industry. Tissot managed to land several partnerships within the F1 racing circuit.
In 1983, Tissot joined the world-renowned Swiss Swatch Group. At this point, Tissot watches were available in over 160 countries and was the Swatch Group’s top mid-level luxury. Nowadays, Tissot is one of the most respected Swiss watch brands in the market. Throughout the years, they have proven the quality of their timepieces on all fronts. Tissot is also not afraid to take off the cuff watchmaking tactics, which is evident with their WoodWatch, RockWatch, and PearlWatch series.
Victorinox Brand Overview
Victorinox is another noteworthy Swiss watchmaker who has a fascinating history. Victorinox, unlike Tissot, did not start as a watchmaking company. Founded in 1884, Victorinox was initially a manufacturer of army knives, in particular the Swiss Army Knife. Victorinox was one of the primary suppliers of army knives in Switzerland.
Throughout the years, Victorinox was one of the go-to companies if you are looking for a top-notch quality Swiss army knife. Their tagline was that they provide “Original Swiss Army Knives”, and the quality and durability of their knives are undoubted. It wasn’t until 1989 when Victorinox finally entered the watchmaking business. Victorinox took their approach in making robust and reliable army knives and applied it to their watches. What came about are tool watches that provide excellent levels of durability and reliability.
Victorinox’s first crack at this market came when they debuted the Victorinox Swiss Army Watch. It proved to be quite popular with outdoor enthusiasts as well as military and police personnel. In 2005, Victorinox purchased and merged with their longtime rival in the Swiss army knife market, Wenger, which boosted both brands’ standing as their catalog expanded exponentially afterward.
As of this writing, Victorinox manufactures various products under their wing, not just tool watches and tool knives. They make travel equipment and accessories as well as fragrances as well. So, how do Victorinox watches compare to other well-known brands? For the most part, Victorinox timepieces occupy a specific watch category, namely tool watches. In this regard, they do provide excellent and reliable timepieces that also feature their signature rugged sense of style.
Tissot and Victorinox Watch Comparisons
Chronograph Watches:
Tissot PRS 516 Chronograph Review
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The Tissot PRS 516 features a sportier design compared to most of Tissot’s timepieces. This is certainly a departure from Tissot’s typical approach to their sports watch design which usually still comes off with a more luxurious and sophisticated appeal. The PRS 516 Chronograph is a straight-up sports watch from the black PVD coated stainless steel case to the highly flexible black rubber straps.
The Tissot PRS 516 managed to contain everything in a sleek build with its 42mm case. Within the PRS 516 Chronograph is the Swiss Calibre ETA G10.212 Swiss quartz movement. This watch movement is incredibly precise and can provide wearers with a highly dependable timepiece with chronograph functionality.
Of course, while the Tissot PRS 516 might not look the part at first glance, it is a luxury watch through and through. For example, the bezel here is made from ceramic material, and the carbon textured dial gives the watch another layer of detail. The dial is well-protected within a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window which also utilizes an anti-glare finish.
Also, the build of the PRS 516 Chronograph gives the watch a substantial 100-meter water resistance making it suitable for light and water-based recreational activities such as swimming. If you are looking for a top-notch luxury chronograph timepiece with a contemporary sports flair, the PRS 516 offers all of these at a reasonable price.
Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Chronograph Review
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The Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance incorporates a more luxurious build and design with its stainless-steel case and bracelet construction. In terms of design, the Swiss Army Alliance captures the robust aesthetic that Victorinox is known to deliver. The Swiss Army Alliance comes in at a relatively large 44mm stainless-steel case. The attention to detail is quite impressive as each component is carefully thought of and designed to provide optimum functionality.
First off, the Swiss Army Alliance utilizes quartz movement with analog display. The dial to the sub-dial all works in conjunction with its highly accurate Swiss quartz movement. There is also a date display located just above the 6 o’clock position. The dial window is made from durable sapphire crystal glass, which is also incredibly resistant to scratches. Also, the construction of the Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance gives the timepiece a noteworthy 100-meter water resistance.
In terms of design, the Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance hits all the right notes. The professional and sleek design exudes an air of confidence and sophistication. As for precision, it passes that category with excellent marks as well. We thoroughly enjoy what Victorinox has to offer with this particular chronograph watch. While its watch movement may not be able to match up with the ones you can find on the high-end watch market, it still delivers everything you need with a highly durable and smart-looking timepiece.
Pilot Watches:
Tissot Chrono XL Review
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The XL on the Tissot Chrono XL is not just there to make the watch sound cool. This is a legitimately large timepiece that measures in at 45mm. Because of its relatively large build, the dial itself provides excellent legibility. This aspect is vital in pilot and aviation watches. The dial features bold Arabic numerals that incorporate color tones that contrast the dial face. The watch takes on a highly urban aesthetic making it quite an appealing timepiece for modern watch enthusiasts.
The Tissot Chrono XL comes in a variety of designs, making sure it covers as wide a customer base as possible. While most variations of the Chrono XL feature leather bands, there is also a stainless-steel bracelet version if you want something that has a more luxurious appeal. The design of the Chrono XL reels it back quite a bit and is almost minimalist in approach. I prefer a minimalist approach when it comes to my timepiece, making the Chrono XL quite attractive.
As for features, the Tissot Chrono XL features three sub-dials that track minutes (30), seconds (60), and 1/10th of a second. The watch incorporates the ETA calibre G10.212 quartz movement which provides excellent timekeeping accuracy 24/7. The clock is also designed to provide up to 100-meters of water resistance.
Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 Black Edition Review
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The Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 Black Edition is a no non-sense aviation timepiece that is designed for pilots. The highly professional and elegant design speaks volumes of what this Victorinox pilot watch has to offer. True to the brand name, the Airboss Mach 9 is designed with durability, functionality, and practicality in mind. Of course, if you are familiar with Victorinox, you know what to expect when it comes to its design. With a 45mm stainless steel case, this watch leans on over towards a more masculine appeal.
The Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 uses Swiss automatic movement, the ETA VALJOUX 7750, to be exact. Flip the Airboss Mach 9 to the other side, and you’ll notice a transparent back case that will significantly benefit from the intricate watch movement featured inside. Additionally, the watch movement used provides 48-hours of power reserve.
The dial and hands also incorporate a luminous finish for improved visibility, even in low-light environments. Legibility and precision are two of the essential aspects of a pilot watch, two factors that the Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 delivers impressively.
Conclusion: Tissot and Victorinox – Which is Better?
Choosing which is the better watch brand is relatively simple this time around. Tissot has been around crafting amazing timepieces since 1853. While Victorinox, a company that has been around since 1884, only began producing watches in 1989. Also, Tissot is a offers a more traditional collection of timepieces such as dress watches while Victorinox watches are considered to be outdoor and military watches. All in all, go with Victorinox if you prefer something rugged and functional and pick a Tissot watch if you prefer style and finesse.
FAQs
What brand is better than Tissot? ›
Longines has the upper hand when it comes to brand recognition and producing high-quality, luxurious watches. The Longines brand has more to offer to watch enthusiasts compared to Tissot. Exquisite Timepieces offers a wide variety of Longines and Tissot watches depending on ones' personal preference and taste.
Is Tissot considered high end watch? ›Tissot is considered a Swiss luxury brand
The brand is from an area of Switzerland that is famed for watchmaking expertise and heritage. This association elevates Tissot to luxury status and emphasises the brand's watchmaking excellence. These factors make Tissot watches very desirable for many collectors.
Tissot is often described as an entry-level Swiss luxury watch brand. The brand's owners, Swatch Group, class them as mid-range market watches. Expect to find them priced above most high-street brands, but below other Swiss brands like Longines, Omega and Rolex.
Are Victorinox watches high quality? ›They are functional timepieces, made to last in both design and quality. Victorinox is typically regarded as a good entry-level Swiss watch due to their pricing points.
Who wears Tissot watches? ›Founded in Switzerland in 1853, Tissot has a long history of producing high-quality and stylish watches. Some notable celebrities who have been seen wearing Tissot watches include actor George Clooney, basketball player LeBron James, and singer Justin Bieber.
Is Tag Heuer better than Tissot? ›For an affordable, quality timepiece, Tissot definitely fills a niche and has a long history of watchmaking to back up the brand. The Tag Heuer brand is more expensive, and narrower in selection but has built a strong reputation over time within the racing world and with their chronograph models.
Is Tissot an entry-level watch? ›Is Tissot an entry-level luxury watch? Tissot has watches coming in at under $500. Some of Tissot's most popular watch brands which are considered entry-level luxury watches include; the Tissot Chrono xl, Tissot Classic Dream, and Tissot Carson among others.
How does Tissot rank? ›Tissot offers their watches at retailers in more than 160 countries! As far as ranking is concerned, I'd say that Tissot probably ranks among the top 30-40 brands in the world. Tissot is a very old brand if this interests you – Tissot was established in 1853, in Le Locle, in Neuchâtel – Switzerland.
Does Tissot hold value? ›Finally, Tissot watches are a great investment. Many models hold their value well over time and can even appreciate in value, making them a smart purchase for collectors and enthusiasts.
Is Seiko better than Tissot? ›Tissot no doubt offers more automatic movement features than Seiko, but still, Seiko is affordable, cost-effective, and available in higher quantities. Quartz – Whenever quartz watches are discussed, Tissot provides accurate, reliable, and durable products. Seiko has quartz movements for its products as well.
Is Tissot under Omega? ›
No, Tissot is not owned by Omega. The Swatch Group actually owns both luxury watchmakers. In addition, Swatch controls a number of other brands, including Swatch, Longines and Bregeut.
Is Tissot like Rolex? ›Just like the Rolex watch, Tissot uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its modified ETA movement offers a whopping 80 hours of power reserve, a full 10 hours more than its Rolex counterpart. Thanks to a silicon hairspring, the Tissot movement is anti-magnetic.
Who competes with Victorinox watches? ›Victorinox Swiss Army's competitors and similar companies include Rotary Watches, Orient, Bell & Ross and Festina Group.
What brand is similar to Victorinox? ›The original Swiss Army Knife has spawned countless competitors for your EDC selection. Makers like Boker, Leatherman, Gerber, Swiza, MKM and more have much to offer and certainly give the trusty SAK a run for its money! Best Swiss Army Knife Alternatives: Victorinox Vs The World!
Who wears Victorinox? ›The Swiss army is famous for wearing Victorinox watches in their service. Victorinox is first and foremost famous for its legendary Swiss Army Knife. Victorinox was founded by Karl Elsener in 1884, and the original idea of the brand was to manufacture high quality pocket knives for the Swiss army.
What is special about Tissot? ›Tissot introduced the first mass-produced pocket watch as well as the first pocket watch with two time zones in 1853 and the first anti-magnetic watch, in 1929–30. Tissot was also one of the first companies to manufacture an antimagnetic wristwatch in the early 1930s.
Why is Tissot costly? ›Why is Tissot so expensive? Tissot watches are expensive because they are made in Switzerland, by a well-respected company with incredible attention to detail in both the design and materials. You also get great quality and stylish designs with Tissot watches, which makes them more expensive.
Are Tissot made in China? ›No, all Tissot watches are made in Switzerland.
Is Victorinox a luxury brand? ›Victorinox is usually well known for its Swiss Army knife. They also make luxury watches that are built with precision and quality in mind. The brand offers watches that are known for their durability, precision, and functionality. They are also in the affordable end of the luxury market.
What is better than TAG Heuer? ›Omega vs Tag Heuer Quality
TAG Heuer is especially known for chronographs, and it's a giant in the watchmaking world but Omega watches are considered to be of higher quality.
What is better citizen or Tissot? ›
Both are awesome brands so go with whichever u love. Tissot makes overpriced quartz but reasonable priced automatic watches. Citizen makes great value quartz & automatic watches. Not to forget citizen makes awesome solar powered watches too.
How long will Tissot last? ›In ideal conditions, the watch has a battery life of up to 6 months if connected and 10 years if used independently (without the app).
Which is more expensive Tissot or Rolex? ›Here is a Tissot Gentleman, designed to emulate a Rolex Datejust (that you can to see further down). We are comparing an MSRP of $920 and $8,260. Basically the Rolex costs 9 times more than the Tissot, but based on my explanation you can now understand what all that extra money accounts for.
What is the difference between Tissot Powermatic and automatic watch? ›An automatic watch is powered by the energy of the person who wears it. Wrist movement enables the mechanism to run. The Powermatic 80 movement boasts 80 hours of power reserve, which is enough to continue telling time accurately even if the watch is not worn for three days.
What are the Swiss top 10 watches? ›So, what are the top Swiss watch brands 2022? Based on Morgan Stanley's report 2023, they are Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Longines, IWC, Breitling, and Vacheron Constantin. Those are the brands in the top 10.
What rank is TAG Heuer watch? ›Brand Popularity
Rolex would be the obvious winner based on the numbers. Enough data shows that Rolex is the #1 watchmaker in Switzerland and the world, while TAG Heuer is a distant #12 Swiss and #50 in world rankings. Despite this gap, TAG Heuer is a world-class watchmaker that you can't write off as a luxury brand.
Using high-quality Swiss movements (both in-house developed and sourced from ETA), Tissot watches are known globally for their quality, reliability, and unmistakable style.
Is Amazon authorized to sell Tissot? ›A: Thank you for your question. Tissot brand is the only authorized retailer to sell Tissot watches on Amazon. As long as you purchase from the actual brand Tissot "Shipped & Sold by Amazon" you will receive an Authentic Tissot watch with the 2 year international warranty.
Is Movado a luxury watch brand? ›Movado is an American luxury watchmaker. It is best known for its Museum Watch. Movado means "movement" in Esperanto. The watches are known for their signature metallic dot at 12 o'clock and minimalist style.
Which watches will increase in value? ›Rolex and Patek Philippe are generally considered to be the top most collectable luxury watch brands, and the most likely to hold and even appreciate in value over time due to brand recognition, exclusivity, complications, popularity and craftsmanship.
Is Bulova better than Seiko? ›
Seiko provides traditional, stylish, functional, and innovative timepieces that all come from its revolutionary mindset. Bulova has unique and loud designs, and the brand stands out for its style and accuracy. However, Seiko's sleek and classy design earns more respect than any other in the competitive market.
What is the Swiss equivalent of Seiko? ›Seiko: Point-by-Point Breakdown. Both watch companies are known for creating high-quality, precision-performance timepieces. However, they feature completely different styles. Tissot, with its heritage in Swiss-made watches, is the clear choice for any buyer with their heart set on a Swiss watch.
Is Tissot popular in China? ›Additionally, China is a key market for Tissot and, as such, it was only natural to partner with the most popular television sport in China.
What is the sister company of Tissot? ›The Swatch Group is the world's largest watch company and employs about 36,000 people in 50 countries. The group owns the Swatch product line and other brands, including Blancpain, Breguet, Certina, ETA, Glashütte Original, Hamilton, Harry Winston, Longines, Mido, Omega, Rado, and Tissot.
Does Rolex make Tissot? ›The answer is that Tissot SA are a part of the Swatch Group.
Are there fake Tissot watches? ›TISSOT has registered its trademarks with Customs around the globe based on which authorities carry out seizures of often large shipments of fake products, but also of smaller quantities of counterfeit watches, purchased on the Internet and sent by post/airmail.
What watch is better than a Rolex? ›RESALE VALUE: Patek Philippe's watches are known to either hold their value or even appreciate over time. Patek Philippe has one of the highest resell values among its competitors with the exception of Rolex. So there is much truth to their campaign slogan, it's an accurate description of their products.
Who is the closest competitor to Rolex? ›- Breitling.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre.
- Chopard.
- Citizen Watch.
- House of Horology.
- Hublot.
- Audemars Piguet.
- TAG Heuer.
Any Air-King, Datejust, or Explorer on our list are fantastic choices if you're looking for a cheap Rolex watch. Still, a popular opinion among many Rolex enthusiasts is that the Air-King is the best affordable Rolex.
Is Tissot comparable to Rolex? ›Just like the Rolex watch, Tissot uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its modified ETA movement offers a whopping 80 hours of power reserve, a full 10 hours more than its Rolex counterpart. Thanks to a silicon hairspring, the Tissot movement is anti-magnetic.
Is Tissot Made in China? ›
Tissot watches are known universally for their precision and quality. They are based in Le Locle in Switzerland, with a long and imposing history dating back to 1853. Tissot SA operate under the worlds biggest Swiss timepiece manufacturer, the Swatch Group, and have done so since 1983.
Is Tissot a respectable watch? ›Is Tissot high quality? Absolutely. Tissot is devoted to fine workmanship in its watchmaking, and all its timepieces are carefully-wrought with over 150 years of innovation.
Is there a watch brand better than Rolex? ›Patek Philippe
Patek often costs more than Rolex on the retail level, but both companies are innovative and offer the highest quality available on the market.
In ideal conditions, the watch has a battery life of up to 6 months if connected and 10 years if used independently (without the app).