It’s a been a significant amount of time since we’ve sat down and spent some time with a Tissot for the purpose of a hands-on review. The last one being the PRX Powermatic 80, that happened to be a huge release for the brand, and is now subject to very positive memes when in comparison to the Rolex Land-Dweller. Today we have with us a relatively new release, the Visodate 39mm, launched in March of this year.
When it was announced, I really didn’t think too much about it, but upon closer inspection of the spec sheet my interests were piqued, and one phone call later we had a sample in our studio courtesy of Gem Bijou watch store out of Toronto. To understand why I think this new release is so great, you first need to acquaint yourself with the previous model, which has a significantly larger case in both diameter, thickness, and just overall heft. The previous model also had a domed crystal, which has now been updated to a box style sapphire crystal with AR, a revamped dial, mesh bracelet, a lower water resistance, and there’s a myriad of other adjustments. The new model we have here is really a completely transformed watch when compared to before, and almost every change is for the better.
Case Redesign
let’s start off with the obvious, but the one area that really surprised me the most, which is the reconstructed case shape. This new Visodate now has one of the best case sizes for this type of watch within its price tier. The case measures in at 39mm in diameter, and a very impressive and apparent 10.45mm thickness, which translates to a sublime fit on wrist. I was a little bit dumbstruck when I first unboxed the watch, as the watch just felt so nice in hand, and placing it on my wrist had me wondering why I haven’t been paying much attention to Tissot recently.
Not only was the sizing excellent on my 6.5 inch wrist, but the general case finishing and details of the watch just felt a notch above previous Tissot watches I’ve handled, at least to my memory. This new version is now sporting a very elegant and thin polished bezel, which appears to be only about 2mm wide. The profile of the case has a beautiful and gradually curved silhouette finished with a very fine brushing. The lugs are medium length, and in excellent proportion with the rest of the case, they’re also slightly beveled with polished edges. These details, packed into a 39mm case, have created a tremendously understated but classy watch, and when comparing to the previous model, this has to be one of the best watch makeovers I’ve come across in recent years from any brand.
One of the few case features that has remained the same as on the older generation Visodate is the exhibition display back, exposing the same Powermatic 80 movement that many of us have grown to love.
On Wrist
There’s really only a few comparibles, or I guess you can say competitors to this new release, all of which I’ve either worn or reviewed in the past. The Hamilton Khaki Field line is of course the first that comes to mind, specifically the Murph 38. There’s also the Mido Multifort Patrimony, Seiko Presage Style60’s, and the Orient Bambino 38 in a significantly cheaper price bracket. I’m going to place my stamp of approval on this new Visodate 39 as the best wearing of the bunch.
While I generally find 39mm time and date only watches slightly large on my wrist, something about this one is working very well. The way the bezel integrates into the case, and the overall angles of all the design elements are creating a rather pleasant wearing experience. The cherry on top is the thin 10.45mm thickness, which is not only allowing the watch to sit incredibly flat on my wrist, but it seems to have also helped in reducing the overall weight of the watch.
Additionally, the lug width is now 20mm wide, allowing for nice presence from the beads of rice center link bracelet. The bracelet is proving to be extremely comfortable as well, as it’s not overly thick or wide, and the links feel very malleable on wrist. I’m also impressed with Tissot’s manufacturing tolerances specifically where the end-links of the bracelet meet the case and lugs, the transition looks and feels excellent.
This is sporty dress watch, or you could also classify it as a retro chic sports watch. It has a restrained formal appearance on wrist, but it can be easily worn with everyday casual attire. I still wouldn’t consider it a GADA watch like an Oyster Perpetual though, as it remains stuck with a 50 meter water resistance rating and no screw down crown.
Dial Layout
This new release of the Visodate brings with it three dial color options, of course there’s the black dial version we’ve been exploring today, but there’s also a deep sunburst blue, and a classic silver option with gold markers on a brown leather strap. The dial style has gone from a rather flat lacquered appearance on the previous generation, to a now stepped, or layered design with alternating brushed sections. The center of the dial is an elevated circular section with vertical brushing, and on the exterior of that is a stepped down area with concentric brushing. On the very outer section of the dial is a seconds track with small hashmarks and 5 second numerical intervals.
The minutes are displayed with slender baton markers, each one capped with a really neat plot of lume above it, kind of like what you’d see on 80s or 90s era watches, which weirdly is one of my favorite design aspects of the watch. The minute and hour hands are quite large, providing excellent legibility, and leaning towards the sportier end of the spectrum contrary the the rest of the dial layout that leans dressy.
While not exactly part of the dial, I need to mention the sapphire crystal, which is very impressive due to its low-profile box style, again one of the best I’ve ever seen on a watch of this calibre. It has that domed shape we all love, but does not protrude excessively so as to ruin the thickness of the watch, and it also seems to be distorting the dial a little less than usual when reading the dial from shallow angles.
The Verdict
I’m overall very impressed with how Tissot has transformed the Visodate. It’s gone from a somewhat interesting novelty in previous years, to now what I’d consider one of the leading watches within its segment. It’s very wearable as a daily, and has been subdued somewhat in flamboyancy, but concurrently manages to retain its retro appeal.
If I was currently looking to add to my collection in the price tier of around $850 USD, this would be one of the strongest contenders. It’s a relatively new release but I think it’s going to give the Hamilton Khaki Field a run for its money, as potential buyers begin to notice the newcomer on the block.
Leave a Reply