Le Locle - a special city in Swiss watchmaking.
Treviso in Italy is also unique - it is home to Pinarello, a manufacturer of high-performance racing bicycles. This brand has achieved impressive results: for example, no fewer than 15 Tour de France titles have been won on Pinarello bicycles. The Tissot Pinarello Special Edition watch combines two crafts, embodying a design made from forged carbon fiber. The asymmetric case mirrors the shape of the Pinarello Dogma F, particularly the aerodynamic ForkFlap element characteristic of the Onda curved front fork. A Pinarello bicycle, powered by the muscular strength of the rider, depends on their athletic capabilities, while the Tissot Pinarello Special Edition is equipped with a Powermatic 80 movement - an automatic caliber with endurance comparable to that of a professional cyclist.
World-Class Cyclists and the Connection to the Pinarello Brand
What do Miguel Indurain, Bjarne Riis, Jan Ullrich, Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, and Geraint Thomas have in common? It's not just about winning the Tour de France. The right answer is they all rode a Pinarello bicycle at some point in their careers. Personally, my favorite for looks was the yellow-red "Prince of Spain," while for speed and quality - the Dogma F8. I also valued the aluminum "Prince" in Eric Zabel's festive green colors and the vintage steel Asolo. It can be confidently said that Pinarello, founded in 1952, is one of the most iconic companies in the world of high-end racing bicycles. Its design is easily recognizable, and the flagship model Dogma is an exclusive, expensive, and desirable bike with a well-earned reputation. But what do Pinarello and Tissot, a producer of affordable luxury watches, have in common?
Tissot Pinarello Special Edition Watch - A Sports Accessory in Forged Carbon with Cycling Design
Tissot is a long-time partner of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the Tour de France, yet it is positioned in a different price segment than Pinarello. Nevertheless, the spirit of cycling has united these two brands, and the result looks promising. The case of the Tissot Pinarello Special Edition is made of forged carbon measuring 43.14 × 12.15 mm with an original design feature - the crown is located at the 10 o'clock position. This creates an asymmetrical case shape, and the crown itself is protected by a ForkFlap element inspired by the Pinarello fork.
Overall, the watch design reminds me of my former carbon bicycles Prince and Dogma F8 with their characteristic asymmetric frames and forks. Why? Because the bicycle's drivetrain is located on the right. To balance the uneven pedaling efforts from the drivetrain side, the right rear and upper stays of the frame and the fork are designed to accommodate torsional loads. This improves power transmission, handling, and overall stiffness of the structure. The watch case does not experience such loads, but applying a similar design philosophy creates an original and technically thoughtful image.
Additional Pinarello Design Elements in the Watch
In addition to the asymmetric forged carbon case with water resistance up to 10 bar, the watch is adorned with an engraving featuring Pinarello's signature. Under the domed sapphire crystal with a "box" effect lies a gray dial with a texture reminiscent of asphalt, and the central second hand is decorated with the "P" logo of Pinarello in the signature Borealis blue color. Black nickel-plated baton-shaped markers with Super-LumiNova coating ensure excellent readability in the dark. The shape of the markers and the faceted hands create a refined and technical style.
The lightweight watch, weighing only 74 grams, comes with a textured black rubber strap with curved ends that fit snugly against the case, quick-release pins, and a clasp with black coating. Such a strap is optimal for use on a bicycle. At the heart of the watch is a certified COSC automatic Powermatic 80 movement, caliber C07.611 with a Nivachron anti-magnetic balance spring.
Packaging and the Choice Dilemma
The price of the Tissot Pinarello Special Edition is 1495 euros. A bicycle is not included, but an exclusive collector's box reflects the aesthetics of both brands. The outer case is adorned with original Pinarello design sketches. Inside is a second strap with quick-release pins. The rubber strap is resistant to sweat and rain, while the additional Italian leather strap is for leisurely strolls and enjoying cappuccino on a sunny terrace, where you can proudly display the watch and a tan on toned, smoothly shaved legs.
However, a dilemma arises. Is it worth wearing a watch with the Pinarello logo if you ride, for example, a Colnago, Cervélo, or Bianchi? Cyclists can be as particular as watch enthusiasts. Shimano pedals on a Campagnolo-equipped bike? Never! When passions intersect, mixing brands can cause internal conflict. For true enthusiasts who have fallen in love with the watch, the only solution is to acquire a matching Pinarello bicycle. It's an investment, but it guarantees a harmonious and enjoyable riding experience.
For those who want a sporty Tissot watch made of carbon fiber but are satisfied with their current bicycle and not ready to "mix" the "P" on the dial with the bike brand, there is an excellent alternative - the Sideral sports model. These watches with a carbon case are available in three bright colors, including a version with accents inspired by the Tour de France yellow jersey.
Conclusions and Discussion
Share your opinion on the Tissot Pinarello Special Edition and the potential nuances of wearing a watch with the Pinarello logo on a bicycle of another brand. There's no room for bias here - tell us what you really think.
