In 2021, the Swiss company Tissot will introduce a new generation of its classic Seastar dive watch collection. This year, more than two dozen new Tissot Seastar models will be released, available in various case sizes, movements, and, of course, colors. Today, I have the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 watch in my hands, specifically the T1206071744100 model on a black strap.
The Seastar collection has always offered traditional dive watch features in an attractive Swiss-designed case at Tissot's affordable prices. The 2021 collection is no exception: Tissot takes a youthful approach to reimagining classic dive watches. The new Seastar watch collection shares several common traits, including a similar dial and hands design, as well as a similar case. I appreciate the aesthetic mix of modern lines and bold markers with a youthful sense of larger proportions and (especially in other models) vibrant colors.
The Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 is the larger and more powerful of the two automatic versions of the new Seastar, which also includes the 3 mm smaller Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 model. At first glance, these models look very similar, despite a price difference of about $300. Both watches have identical automatic movements but differ in features and materials. The Seastar 1000 case is 43 mm wide and is more versatile, but the Seastar 2000 Professional offers more of what watch enthusiasts are likely looking for.
So, let me tell you more about a few differences between these two otherwise very enjoyable new Tissot Seastar models. The 1000 model case is 43 mm wide, water-resistant to 300 meters, and lacks an automatic helium escape valve. The 2000 model case is 46 mm wide, water-resistant to 600 meters (about 2000 feet, meeting ISO 6425 certification standards), and equipped with an automatic helium escape valve. The 1000 model has an aluminum insert in the unidirectional rotating bezel, while the 2000 model features a ceramic insert (a bit shinier but more preferable given its scratch resistance). Then there's the issue of dial design. The 1000 model has a simpler dial, whereas the 2000 model has a textured wave-style dial, which is somewhat more interesting. Otherwise, the two new Tissot Seastar models are quite similar.
My favorite design elements of the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional are the Submariner-style hour markers combined with very bold sword-like hands. This gives the dial a familiar look with the youthful assertiveness that I think Tissot is targeting. The combination of polished stainless steel case surfaces, ceramic bezel, and dial elements gives the watch a shine that makes it more upscale, unlike the purely matte appearance common to many tool watches. Tissot understands well that people love when their watches stand out a bit - even if they are positioned as tool or sport watches.
The depth and symmetry of the dial are also excellent, with legibility and style being top priorities. The watch case has a slightly domed sapphire crystal with AR coating. Another glass is attached to the case back, revealing the movement. This is the Powermatic 80, specifically the ETA 80.111 caliber. Since ETA is part of the Swatch Group (as is Tissot), I am comfortable calling this movement in-house or at least semi-exclusive. Powermatic 80 series movements are very popular, and for good reason. They provide excellent performance at a comparable budget price, especially compared to many other mechanical movements on the market.
The automatic caliber 80.111 movement operates at 3 Hz with an 80-hour power reserve. The Nivachron balance spring is quite modern and helps ensure good movement performance despite the slower 3 Hz operation compared to 4 Hz. The movement functions include time and date indication. These movements are not traditionally decorated, but Swatch has significantly upped its game, and the Powermatic 80 movement features fun decorations on some bridges and the automatic rotor.
Tissot offers the Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 with several strap and bracelet options. Here we see the basic rubber strap, but a version with a metal bracelet is also available. Note that among the various new Seastar models, Tissot offers at least three metal bracelet options. On the wrist, the rubber strap provides stability and comfort for the large Seastar 2000 case. The Seastar 2000 is perfect for sports or diving activities if you don't feel they are too large for you, as 46 mm is a large watch size. Despite the wide diameter, the Seastar 2000 case is only 52 mm from lug to lug, which means the short lugs and snug-fitting rubber strap make them as comfortable to wear as many 43-45 mm wide cases.
At the time of writing, of the nearly 30 new Tissot Seastar watches, only three belong to the Seastar 2000 Professional collection. They will undoubtedly be the most special and exclusive of the latest Swiss brand's dive watch collection, mainly intended for serious enthusiasts, while the standard automatic Seastar 1000 watches and the quartz chronograph Seastar 1000 will be the most common models. Credit must be given to Tissot for offering a new sports watch product that is both familiar and stands out, and clearly has some distinctive Tissot lines and DNA (for example, don't miss the "T"-shaped counterweight on the seconds hand).
The price of the watch on a bracelet is only $30 more than the price on a rubber strap, which is quite pleasant. The price of the T1206071744100 Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 is $995 USD.
