The long-standing Tissot T-Race Chronograph family has released a new generation of models, and this reference T141.417.11.051.01 represents a quartz version of the T-Race Chronograph with a black dial in a steel case on a matching bracelet.
The T-Race is a sports watch with a motorsport theme, featuring a bezel inspired by the rotor of a disc brake - a signature design element of the watch collection. It complements the bold character and large case size. In reality, the Tissot T-Race is a watch for those who love cars and racing, and it has been one of Tissot's best-selling watches for a long time.
The latest generation Tissot T-Race Chronograph is designed in the style of an "integrated bracelet", meaning there is no clear distinction between the beginning of the bracelet and the end of the case. This is intended to create a jewelry style (rather than an instrument style), which is entirely appropriate for such watches. Tissot opts for a more traditional quality, and the watch is large and heavy. The T-Race watches are well-made and feel robust and solid, with a declared weight of 199 grams. This is despite the architectural sides of the watch made of black resin, which undoubtedly help reduce the weight a bit.
The steel Tissot T-Race Chronograph watches are 45 mm wide and have the same 45 mm lug-to-lug distance. It is unusual for round watches to have such square dimensions. Thanks to this, the 45 mm size is suitable for much smaller wrists, considering the relatively small 45 mm lug-to-lug distance. The case thickness is 11.8 mm, and the water resistance is up to 100 meters. Over the dial is a sapphire crystal with AR coating, which is very pleasing for Swiss-made watches at such a relatively low price.
To give the watch a more sporty look, Tissot chose chronograph pushers that differ slightly in shape. Some may not like the asymmetry, but this design choice helps give the watch more individuality. Moreover, despite the large size and weight, the watch case is indeed comfortable. The thick bracelet holds well on the wrist, and the folding clasp can be micro-adjusted so that the case does not tire you. Additionally, the case is low and flat on the wrist, so it does not feel too heavy.
The legibility of the dial is excellent, and this applies to other dial colors of these watches, including blue and silver, in addition to the black shown in the photo. Tissot has done a good job creating very large yet elegant hands and a dial that looks restrained and instrumental. Tissot understands that the rotor-style bezel is visually quite wild, so the dial can be relatively simple. Nevertheless, it has many markers, considering the placement of the chronograph complication, date, and tachymetric scale on the sloped flange ring. The luminescent coating is also good. If only more "thematic" watches were as good as just watches.
Despite Tissot offering automatic versions of the T-Race Chronograph, the quartz versions of Tissot Swiss Made are more popular in terms of sales volume. This makes perfect sense considering who Tissot sells its watches to and which price point is best suited for a product family like T-Race. Inside the watch is a quartz chronograph ETA caliber G10.212 with a frequency of 1/10 second. This movement shows time with a date and is equipped with a 30-minute chronograph with a split-second function.
The chronograph accuracy is 1/10 seconds. Interestingly, a similar version of this movement is also used in other watches with football (soccer) time. Although some small hands on the dial are made of polished silver and slightly blend with the black dial (which reduces contrast and, consequently, legibility), I believe Tissot has done a pretty good job with the chronograph in these T-Race watches. However, the back of the watch is somewhat dull, missing an opportunity for artistic design or more individuality. Perhaps it was left empty as a space for engraving?
As everyday watches of a sporty lifestyle for people interested in motorcycles and racing, Tissot T-Race is as good now as ever.
Additionally, Tissot maintains a competitive price and creates solid watches for this money. The price for the Tissot T-Race Chronograph T141.417.11.051.01 is $575 USD. More details on the Tissot watches website.
Essential Information
- Brand: Tissot
- Model: T-Race Chronograph reference T141.417.11.051.01
- Price: $575 USD
- Dimensions: 45 mm in width (with bezel), 11.8 mm in thickness, 45 mm in length lug-to-lug
- When the reviewer would wear them personally: When you want to blend in with a biker crowd but still want to have a decent watch.
- Friends we would recommend them to first: A motorsport or motorcycle enthusiast who likes bold yet comfortable and stylish sports watches for regular wear.
- Best feature of the watch: Well-made and comfortable, with a beautiful dial and a lot of useful features despite the innovative bezel. Good price for what you get. Polarizing design - which is good or bad depending on your tastes.
- Worst feature of the watch: Heavy, with a thick bracelet that some may find "too large". The polarizing bezel design is not for everyone. It would be nice to have a removable bracelet and an additional rubber strap included for greater versatility in wearing.