The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton merges modern and classical at an approachable price
Zach BlassA lot of focus has been placed on the sporty Tissot PRX as of late. And for good reason, it’s caused waves across the industry for offering an attractive entry point to 70s-inspired integrated sports watch design. But the Swiss brand has a long tradition of dress watches that sit in stark contrast to the sportier PRX. The latest Chemin des Tourelles, named after the road the manufacture was founded on, are evidence that Tissot still has dress watch chops in its arsenal. And, with the new Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Skeleton, the openworked dials present a new dimension to the collection with a classic dress watch that leans further into a modern feel.
The options
There are three different styles of this model, each with its own personality and differences. Perhaps the most classical execution features a sunray-finished and ivory-hued chapter ring, with gold plated hands and baton indices. Turning the modernisation up a bit, Tissot has also introduced a blue dial variant with traditional elements such as a hobnail texture and Roman numerals on the chapter ring – notably offered on a five-link metal bracelet that gives it a casual-daily flair. The model we have in hand, however, is the most modern in feel with its stealthy and smokey blackened aesthetic.
The case and dial
With its black PVD case and smoked crystal, this is a dark, mysterious watch that seems almost futuristic in its execution of classical elements such as alpha-style hands and a chapter ring with applied indices. While the skeletonisation of the watch works to reveal the movement, the smoked crystal simultaneously works against it to conceal the Powermatic 80 calibre – or, rather, create the effect of darkened bridges to better match the hue of the externals.
The case, clocking in at a considered by many goldilocks 39mm in diameter, exhibits mixed finishes that become a tad more subtle in this particular expression due to the black PVD-coated stainless steel. The bezel is very thin, which will make the watch feel a bit larger visually, but you will be glad to know the lug-to-lug is just under 44mm. Also, the case is a reasonable 11.2mm thick including its domed sapphire crystal. And, just so you’re aware, the case is 50 metres water-resistant should you wish to surface swim with it. The openworked dial is ultimately the biggest change the Chemin Des Tourelles Skeleton brings into the mix – exposing the Powermatic 80 movement, the very same movement found in automatic PRX watches.
The movement
The Powermatic 80 was added to the Chemin des Tourelles line just last year, and while those models were kept very clean and classical, the skeletons show off its 80-hour automatic calibre by not only cutting this big window out of the dial but also doing a partial skeletonisation of the movement. With components such as the balance wheel and the gear train now exposed with even the barrel holding the main spring having cutouts in it. While the finishing here is very business-like, for this black dial variant’s US$930 price tag, you are definitely getting a fair bit of watch for your money.
The strap
Its black leather strap completes the predominant all-black look. Tissot’s strap options for the lineup are all interchangeable with quick-release systems, but unfortunately, there is yet to be a blackened five-link bracelet and I personally feel like you will want to keep this watch on a black strap. But it would at least be hassle-free to attempt to prove me wrong.
The verdict
This monochromatic variant is a very moody execution of what would previously feel like a classical watch at its core. This model, however, feels like the latest generation – made for those who prefer to look forward rather than back into the past. While not a dial aesthetic born in the modern era, for whatever reason I associate skeletonisation and openworking with a more modern look. Perhaps, were the bridges engraved, it would feel more classical. But when skeletonisation or openworking is presented with a more industrial finish it just seems more futuristic.
Ultimately the Chemin Des Tourelles Skeleton provides consumers with more options and aesthetics to explore within the line-up, catering to various points on the spectrum between classic and modern in terms of their visual. And, with the lineup starting at US$895, it sits at a more accessible and welcoming price point for those looking for the first, or simply a new, skeletonised watch.
Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton Black pricing and availability
The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton Black is available now for purchase. Price: US$930
| Brand | Tissot |
| Model | Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton |
| Reference | T139.836.36.441.00 |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 11.2mm (T) x 44mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | PVD-coated steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Domed sapphire front, mineral back |
| Dial | Gunmetal, open |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Black leather strap, interchangeable, pin buckle |
| Movement | Powermatic 80, ETA C07 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$930 |