Tissot’s new top range diver’s watch increases the ranges maximum depth to 600m (2000ft).
This watch (ref. T120.607.11.041.00) is specialised for professional divers but that shouldn’t put anyone off because how many diver’s watches are actually worn by divers? Tissot know this and have added little features to it to ensure that this is just as much an everyday watch as it is a diver’s watch. These features include a little date window at the 6 o’clock position and a sapphire caseback. We can’t think of many diver’s watches with a sapphire caseback.
The 46mm watch is encased in stainless steel and for the divers Tissot have included a helium release valve, a black ceramic insert ring, and a unidirectional steel bezel. The Seastar is powered by the Swatch Group’s 3Hz automatic Powermatic 80 movement. This provides a massive 80-hour power reserve that means it will accurately tell the time even if you haven’t worn it for three days.
To preserve the precision of the watch, Tissot developed a new, titanium-based alloy that is used to create the Nivachron balance spring. This spring is far more resistant to magnetic fields than other balance springs.
It all comes together with the dial, the blue gradient on the dial looks luscious and deep. A lot of diver’s watches attempt to replicate the ocean depths on their dial, but the Seastar does an excellent job of replicating the mid-level depth of water. It isn’t so much the absolute ocean depths but like the green/blue of the shallower regions. The imprinted wave pattern also adds to this effect. It looks like you’re staring up at the surface of the ocean from its depths.
It does have two other dial variants, one in a darker blue (ref. T120.607.11.041.01) and one in black (ref. T120.607.17.441.00). Neither quite capture the magic of the lighter blue/green variant but are by no means ugly, they’re just a little more generic. The black does change up the strap to be a rubber one which gives it a sportier and casual look.
Unfortunately, these will be difficult to get in Australia as Tissot does not ship them there. It might take a little effort to find a seller for the Seastar if you are interested. It is priced at $1,200 USD. Visit Tissot’s site for more information.