There's always something to learn. For instance, did you know that starfish inhabit a wide range of depths - from shallow, sunlit tidal zones to the pitch-black ocean floor?
Many species prefer tidal pools, but some deep-sea varieties live at astonishing depths of up to 9,000 meters (29,500 feet)! Even the new Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional cannot dive that deep - its water resistance is rated at 'only' 2,000 feet, or 609.6 meters. However, this is precisely the depth where you might encounter a common starfish (Asterias rubens). This adaptive predator inhabits both shallow and deep coastal waters, reaching depths of up to 600 meters. Wearing Tissot's latest 'sea machine' - an impressive diving tool, albeit reduced from 46 × 16.25 to 44 × 15.29 millimeters - will ensure your safe return to the surface.
Size Matters: Why 44 mm is Relevant
In an era where many claim that watches with a 39 mm diameter are already too large, it's worth discussing the case diameter of the new Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional - 44 mm. Can a 44 mm watch be considered relevant? I argue that a 44 mm case for a watch designed for 2,000-foot depths is absolutely justified and logical. To ensure impeccable readability and water resistance, a sturdy case with ample space for a large, utilitarian dial is necessary.
Hands-On Review of the Reduced Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional
Will the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional look bulky on your wrist in shorts by the pool? Certainly. Were they designed for lounging by the pool? No, primarily for real underwater adventures. Although most Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional watches sold will likely never see a starfish at 2,000 feet, we will review three versions of this model.
Tissot provided us with three of the five new Seastar 2000 Professional variants. All three have steel cases; the two missing variants also have steel but with black coating. The model with a dark gray dial is priced at €995, versions with blue or orange gradient dials and rubber straps - €975. The two missing variants with black coating, one with a blue, the other with a black dial, are slightly more expensive - €1,025.
Technical Specifications - Full Set
It can be said that for around €1,000, you get a lot of diving capabilities. Judging by the specs alone, the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional is hard to beat. Like its larger predecessor, these watches conform to the ISO 6425 standard and are equipped with a helium release valve at the '9 o'clock' position. The steel case with a protected crown combines matte and polished surfaces, giving the watch a touch of luxury.
The dials are readable and neatly designed, and the unidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert and engraved 60-minute scale meets the requirements of a professional diver. A transparent case back is logical for this price category, which is only slightly higher than most quartz watches. It allows the owner to observe the mechanism's operation and tell the story of their deep-sea micro-machine powered by wrist movement.
The watch runs on Tissot's Powermatic 80 caliber - an evolution of the proven ETA 2824-2. Owners of the Seastar 2000 Professional can be proud of the Nivachron balance spring, which protects the mechanism from magnetic fields and everyday shocks. Additionally, the movement with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour provides an impressive power reserve of up to 80 hours. But these watches are more than just specifications.
Massive, But Not Bulky
At 44 × 15.29 mm, the Seastar 2000 Professional is an XL watch, but it doesn't appear excessively large. Its proportions can be characterized as massive but not bulky. It's a serious tool for deep diving that is surprisingly comfortable to wear.
For comparison, my 44 mm Chronoswiss Timemaster feels larger due to the length and positioning of the lugs. The short lugs with a 22 mm spacing on the new Seastar allow large dive watches to sit comfortably on a medium-sized 18 cm wrist, like mine. Apologies for not measuring the 'lug-to-lug' distance, but I can confidently say - it's comfortably short.
Like all Seastar models, the latest version is equipped with large luminescent hands and indices. These are not just decorative elements but necessary functions for serious diving watches. The only decorative element is the pattern on the dial. Fortunately, the orange color is not only functional but also adds a bit of playfulness. The blue variant looks most refined thanks to a matching Tropic-style strap, while the gray model on the bracelet is strictly business. And the word 'Professional' in the name is no coincidence.
Bracelet Innovations and Wearing Comfort
The bracelet has received a new diver's clasp with additional protection and a button extender. Although it's a small improvement, it's practical and will come in handy when adjusting the bracelet over a wetsuit or for minor adjustments throughout the day. As before, Tissot's quick strap-change system allows for easy swapping between the bracelet and rubber strap.
Wearing the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional in Daily Life
As I mentioned, the Seastar 2000 Professional feels large on the wrist in shorts, a T-shirt, and flip-flops. But when worn over a wetsuit sleeve, they don't seem bulky. Large sports watches combined with casual style don't look odd or out of place. Similarly to chunky sneakers, wide trousers, and loose shirts, large dive watches fit into a modern casual wardrobe.
Personally, I prefer to wear the Seastar on a rubber strap - it lightens the watch and gives it a slightly more elegant look. Thanks to the balanced proportions, the watch won't bother you throughout the day - whether swimming, reading, or evening walks. The only drawback is that the large Seastar will look a bit odd with a business suit, like most dive watches over 40 mm in diameter, even if they are much more expensive.
Final Thoughts and Alternatives
It's worth mentioning another deep-sea watch that won't break the bank - the Certina DS Super PH2000M with a 43 mm Grade 2 titanium case and water resistance up to 2,000 meters. Certina costs €1,395, slightly more than Tissot, but includes a three-row titanium bracelet and an additional strap. Certina has a more retro style, while Tissot offers a more modern design. Which of these Swatch Group models with the same movement suits you better?
If you think the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional is too large, consider the Seastar 1000 model with a 40 mm diameter. These watches are water-resistant to 1,000 feet (about 300 meters), as indicated on the dial. With the smaller Seastar model, you can still dive and encounter the starfish species Patiria miniata, known for its webbed shape. This species is found from shallow waters to a depth of exactly 300 meters. Happy diving!