Enthusiasts have been discussing the Tissot vs Seiko debate for decades. It’s time for The Slender Wrist to settle it once and for all.
Tissot vs Seiko – which is the better brand? It’s a topic that has fuelled countless debates among enthusiasts over the years. And like most horological titans that compete on such a grand scale, we instinctively have that urge to compare them. We all want to save ourselves time, money, and effort by getting that one definitive answer.
The problem is that these tricky watch topics target the “for” and “against” points for two very strong subjects. Sometimes, we want to compare two leading brands, a genre of watch, or a type of mechanism or complication. There is no direct answer to which of the two is better in such instances. More often than not, these debates look at two opposites.
Take, for example, the mechanical vs quartz debate. There is such a strong argument for both since they each offer a wearer something completely different. You can say the same for brands like Tissot and Seiko. Both are watchmaking giants that have produced some incredible bang-for-your-buck designs. Both also contributed significantly to watch design and truly deserve the success they enjoy from their own merits. But in many ways, they appeal to different wearers. So, the answer to the question “Is Tissot or Seiko better?” depends on preference. It makes the debate incredibly hard to settle, and choosing which brand reigns supreme near-on impossible.
Sometimes, we must accept that a debate is more about comparing two subjects rather than concluding which is better. I have a feeling this article will go much the same way. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both brands in this diverse and controversial topic: “Is Seiko better than Tissot?” Here we go.
Table of Contents
Seiko vs Tissot: A Brief History
Brand heritage and provenance play a massive role in helping us compare one successful watch brand to another. To do this fairly, we should look at the histories of both Tissot and Seiko. In doing so, we can unpack what makes each one stand out with such prominence in an already overcrowded space. Let’s start at chapter one: Seiko vs Tissot: A Brief History.
The History of Seiko
Seiko began its 140+ year journey watch watches back in 1881. Its small watchmaking shop soon grew into the larger Sheikosha factory, where Seiko released its first watch, the Laurel. It was the first wristwatch in Japan to feature in-house components.
Since then, Seiko has been innovating iconic design after iconic design, becoming a leader in timekeeping technology. Some of its groundbreaking developments include the Spring Drive movement and Kinetic technology. Despite its numerous horological feats, Seiko practically produces all its watch components despite its surprising affordability.
The History of Tissot
Tissot began life in 1853 with the birth of its Le Locle company in Switzerland. Having begun its success as a pocket watch manufacturer, the brand produced its first mechanical timepiece in 1915. By the time Tissot specialized in sports watches, it produced some of the best bracelets on the market.
Tissot went on to sponsor several F1 teams, including Porsche, Renault Alpine, Sauber Mercedes, and Lotus. The company merged with Swatch Group in 1998 and continues to sponsor MotoGP and Tour de France while maintaining its headquarters in Le Locle.
Iconic Watches From Seiko and Tissot
If I were to list 100 of the best watches from Seiko and Tissot, they wouldn’t do either brand justice. No amount would. They’d only represent a fraction of a fraction of what both companies have produced during their time. The truth is that Seiko has been manufacturing remarkably well-built, solid, reliable timepieces since the early 1900s. So, too, has Tissot. Its catalog is equally as big, albeit filled with more classic-looking designs than Seiko’s solid tool-like designs.
Of the two, Seiko is the brand that has amassed a huge fan base. Over time, the brand’s followers have christened their favorite watches with obscure nicknames. And the brand’s pop culture presence across the industry is still very much thriving today. Contrastingly, Tissot can lay claim to creating several innovative never-been-seen-before designs over the last century. Let’s look at some of the most iconic watches from Seiko and Tissot.
Seiko Icons
You could liken Seiko’s relationship with watches and pop culture to Hamilton’s back catalog of cinematic watches. The watch-wearing public respects both brands and Rolex in similar ways. In 1976, Seiko surfaced the “Turtle” watch with a 150M water-resistant rating and a cushion case. Its profile garnered much attention across watch-collecting circles, as did the Seiko “Tuna.” Standing tall on the wrist, the “Tuna” was not the most attractive of offerings. Still, its 600-meter water-resistant case, made from lightweight titanium, evoked the look of a Tuna Can, hence its nickname.
Other iconic Seiko watches worth mentioning include the “Monster” watch, with its jagged bezel, and the “Samurai.” The Samurai has one of the most distinctive styles of watch hands, while the H558 “Arnie” is the famed action film watch of the last century. You guessed correctly! This was the watch Arnold Schwarzenegger wore in the films Predator, The Running Man, and Commando. The cool diver suddenly doubled in price after fans saw the Governator wearing it, and, as such, it remains a popular collectible today.
Tissot Icons
We rarely hear the words grail and Tissot in the same sentence as we would a Seiko. While the brand’s success owes itself to authentic Swiss craftsmanship, it doesn’t tend to create what we call “icons.” Like Seiko, it has built a reputation for itself by creating well-built, reliable sports and dress watches. However, it has less of a cultural following and more of a broader classic-watch fan base. Tissot appeals to the masses with its affordable “does what it says on the tin” kind of designs. But this brand still has its fair share of bestsellers to be proud of.
One of Tissot’s most important revelations was releasing the world’s first anti-magnetic watch movement. The brand has since modified the Antimagnetique watch and paid several homages to the initial 1930s design. In 1938, Tissot released the Telemeter, kicking off its role as Official Timekeeper for many sporting organizations.
Speaking of sport, the brand created the PR 516 for automobile racing. This suitably robust and reliable racing-inspired watch soared in popularity during the 1960s and 70s. Most notably, it debuted on the heels of two of the world’s most iconic racing watches: the Daytona and the Carrera. It featured “suspended” architecture inside the movement and a steering wheel-inspired perforated strap.
Other groundbreaking moments for Tissot include launching the first plastic watch case – the Astrolon and the Alpine granite “Rock Watch” in 1983. Tissot’s anticipation of the smartwatch in 1999 also led to the release of a unique design. The T-Touch was a pre-smartwatch quartz-powered digital touchscreen device. Packing in a load of advanced features, its barometer, altimeter, compass, and thermometer impressed fans immensely.
Of course, one of Tissot’s latest innovations is the PRX, which launched in 2021. Despite being a relatively young series, its popularity has accelerated at warp speed. The PRX’s profound success rate is a testament to its reliable Swiss movement, robust construction, and integrated sports watch aesthetics.
Most Popular Seiko Watches
Now we know what makes Seiko such a hard contender to beat in the realm of affordable luxury. So, it’s time to look at some of the most popular Seiko watches.
Seiko 5 Sport SRPJ45
To an extent, you get a little more for your money with a Seiko watch. The Japanese brand is vertically integrated, producing its own watch components, assembling them, and testing them in-house. An example would be the Seiko 5 Sport watch SRPJ45 with a vivid aqua-blue dial. The Seiko 5 line is popular for its ability to tell the time, the day, and the date, thanks to a reliable mechanical movement housed in a rugged steel exterior.
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged SPB167
Seiko offers a slightly wider range of styles, from sporty to tool watches to the much dressier timepieces. Having said that, it doesn’t make Tissot any less of a respectable brand. In fact, many believe that Tissot’s specialist approach, focusing on one or two key styles, makes it a master at what it does. But back to Seiko. Like this one, models from the Presage Sharp Edged Series are beautiful and contemporary enough to pair with the best attire. You can enjoy a range of colors throughout this series. Yet, the embossed pattern on the deep blue dial of this ref SPB167 is both classic and interesting at the same time. Its 3D effect adds depth to an otherwise simple face, allowing for pockets of light to play across the surface.
Seiko Prospex SRPF 77
As the most successful of all Japanese brands, Seiko holds a huge cult-like following. Many Seiko enthusiasts will pay over the odds for a pre-owned model in high demand despite inflation prices on the secondary market. Some of the brand’s most covetable watches belong to the Prospex collection like this SRPF 77 King Turtle watch. It retains the vintage pebble-shaped case that connoisseurs have long adored. Its pronounced bezel grooves, gradient blue-grey dial, and steel and ceramic bodywork are all winning features for any avid collector.
Most Popular Tissot Watches
I’m not gonna lie. This whole “Is Seiko or Tissot better?” debate is about to get a heck of a lot tricker. Now that you’ve seen some of Seiko’s best designs feast your eyes on these killers from Tissot and tell me you’re not in a dilemma. Here are some of the most popular Tissot watches.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
If it’s Swiss prestige you are looking for in a watch, Tissot is your brand, and the PRX is probably the best example to use. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is one of the brand’s best-selling designs. It captures the steel-luxe appeal of the sports watch era with a waffle effect dial, tonneau-shaped case, and integrated steel bracelet. Suffice it to say if you want a more affordable alternative to the Royal Oak or Nautilus, consider Tissot’s PRX range.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
Because neither Seiko nor Tissot has the collectability appeal of hard-hitter brands like Rolex and Audemars Piguet, they won’t bring you a considerable profit. Therefore, if you want to invest in either brand, you must invest for the right reasons. My best advice is to buy a Tissot watch for its wearability.
The brand’s range of functional, robust, and reliable timepieces, which predominantly focus on functionality, is impressive, to say the least. The Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a great example. This model’s dial color is close to a Tiffany shade, appealing to collectors far and wide. It also features legible luminous hands, propelled by the impressive Powermatic 80 movement once again.
Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph
Tissot watches will hold their value but don’t tend to appreciate over time. This makes them particularly attractive investment propositions from a quality and longevity point of view. Tissot ranked 6 out of the top 10 Swiss watch brands a few years ago. It also enjoys strong ties to the sporting world, making it a popular brand for motorsport fans and athletes.
Take the Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph, for example. Its robust steel case construction and legible chronograph dial make it perfect for sports or underwater pursuits. This model features a blue-black gradient dial and a supple rubber strap to pair with its 300M water resistance. For its price point, this is a superb daily beater for dry land, water sports, and everything in between.
Seiko or Tissot: Head-To-Head Comparison
While Tissot and Seiko compete in the same space as other affordable luxury watch contenders, they also differ. Maybe you want to know the answer once and for all to “Are Seiko watches good?”. Or, you may already own a Seiko and wonder whether you should make room in your collection for a Tissot. Because both brands have their pros and cons, they can easily exist alongside one another in any collection. It matters not whether you’re a novice in the horological sphere or a seasoned collector.
Here’s a head-to-head comparison between Seiko and Tissot to help you decide on your next move. We’ll look at all the factors that matter when choosing between these two industry giants.
Movement & Build Quality
Seiko earns some brownie points of the two brands for its vertical integration, manufacturing all its own movements from the ground up. Doing so appeals to fans of mechanical Seiko watches, especially those who like the idea of owning a completely independent design. Some of Seiko’s movements are the most accurate, garnering respect across the industry for their incredibly tight tolerances. Considered a masterclass in precision engineering, the 9F quartz movement is Seiko’s most accurate. As a quartz movement, it features a sealed cabin to protect the quartz crystal and is accurate to +10 seconds per year. Second to that is Seiko’s Spring Drive movement. The Spring Drive movement is a revelation in and of itself. It combines the accuracy of a quartz movement with a mechanical performance and is common in Grand Seiko watches.
On the contrary, Tissot uses Swiss ETA movements and belongs to the Swatch Group. Even so, its designs promise nothing short of excellent build quality, thanks to a selection of superior, resistant, and durable materials. Above all, collectors respect Tissot movements because of their Swiss origins. The PR516, for example, has a regulating system that uses a Nivachron hairspring component. This hairspring allows for an impressive accuracy of +5 seconds per day.
Additionally, Tissot’s Powermatic watches feature a movement that offers a superior power reserve. Whilst Seiko’s longest power reserve in a watch is around 72 hours, Tissot can top it. Although not an in-house movement, its Powermatic 80 movement, based on an ETA calibre, provides (you guessed it) 80 hours. Either way, whether you opt for Seiko or Tissot, you won’t find an inferior product anywhere in these brand’s catalogs.
Design & Aesthetics
There is no denying that in-house design resonates with collectors who like the idea of a brand taking its time to create a design. Independent manufacturing does not come overnight. And while Tissot churns out millions of watches per year, the idea of fast production is not quite as appealing. Both brands produce wristwatches on a huge global scale, so neither really holds the exclusivity factor.
Seiko has dedicated decades to manufacturing rugged, robust tools for land and sea – each able to withstand impact. In addition, it offers a range of more elegant, cleaner-looking dress watches for those with more refined tastes. On the other hand, Tissot dedicates much of its design focus to creating elegant sports watches based on popular models from the past. The PRX, for example, takes inspiration from the zeitgeist of the 70s sports watch era and iconic Gerald Genta-penned designs. The Swiss brand also offers a good range of classic dress watches, too. However, while Seiko’s key pieces are its bold, masculine dive watches, Tissot has a keen eye for sporty steel designs.
Water Resistance & Durability
As I mentioned earlier, Seiko is a dab hand at creating cool dive watch designs. This gives it the upper hand when making some of the world’s most durable entry-level watches. Most Seiko dive watches have a water resistance rating between 200 and 300 meters. However, the brand’s dress watches offer a lower water-resistant rating of 100 meters.
Likewise, Tissot offers a dive watch range. The Seastar collection is home to several brightly colored, robust models with 300 M water resistance ratings. Tissot also tests its watches for impact resistance capability, pressure, and penetration of liquids and gases.
Pricing and Value Over Time
Both Tissot and Seiko compete in the affordable luxury sector of the watch market. This means that, at some point, both brands cover the same price range. That said, Seiko offers a broader range of pricing levels. Tissot’s high-end offerings represent the bottom end of Seiko’s more refined tier. Therefore, Seiko watches tend to cost more than the average Tissot watch.
There’s also the pop culture element to consider with Seiko watches. Expect to pay more to get your hands on a collectible like the SKX007 or SKX013. Seiko dive watches like these appreciate in value and have more than doubled in price from their initial RRP price. Tissot watches don’t tend to have the same collectible appeal. They will hold their value relatively well and stand the test of time on the wrist.
Overall, the average cost of a quartz Tissot watch begins in the sub-$1k bracket and tops out at several thousand for an automatic. On the secondary market, you can pick a Tissot up for as little as $80, with an average cost of around $400. Seiko watches sell on the secondary market for anywhere between $100 to $5k, depending on the model. If you shop wisely, you can pick up some great Seiko watches for under $500, too. For example, the brand’s most popular collection is the Prospex, which you can pick up for around $600. If buying new, an affordable mid-range model should cost you no more than $750.
FAQs
Before deciding between these two reputable brands, consider these frequently asked questions.
Is Tissot Better Than Seiko?
No, Tissot is neither superior nor inferior to Seiko. Moreover, both brands produce some excellent quality timepieces. Whether you like Seiko’s robust diver models or Tissot’s classic sports watches, both brands have a good range to choose from.
Which Brand Is More Accurate?
You can’t buy an inaccurate or unreliable watch from Tissot or Seiko if you try. Both are respectable contenders in producing affordable, good-quality wristwatches that keep time to tight tolerances. As such, they’re some of the best entry-level watches on the market.
Seiko vs Tissot, Which Is Better for Collectors?
Investment-wise, Seiko watches tend to hold their value better than Tissot watches. This is especially true for those we consider collectibles.
Tissot vs Seiko – The Verdict
When comparing Tissot vs Seiko watches, one thing’s for sure. They both produce quality wristwatches at great prices. But they both have their own strengths and focal points, too.
Each brand will appeal to a different kind of collector depending on their needs and wants in a watch. Suppose you require a tool watch that people will recognize from across a crowded room. Opt for Seiko. But be willing to pay a little more for second-hand collectibles. If you want something classic and understated, go for a timeless Tissot.
What are your thoughts on the whole “Tissot watches vs Seiko” debate? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Want to read more comparison guides like this? Sign up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today, and stay tuned.
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