Tissot Ballade Powermatic 80 Silicium (Ref. T108.408.11.047.00)
Dress/Everyday Luxury Watch · Tissot, part of the Swatch Group. Tier: Mid-range/Entry-level Luxury. Known for high volume and exceptional 'value-for-money' movement technology.
Period: Modern Luxury (2010s-present) with Neo-Classical elements. It utilizes traditional motifs like the 'Clous de Paris' bezel and hobnail textures paired with modern movement technology.
Type
Dress/Everyday Luxury Watch
Brand
Tissot, part of the Swatch Group. Tier: Mid-range/Entry-level Luxury. Known for high volume and exceptional 'value-for-money' movement technology.
Movement
Tissot Powermatic 80.811 (ETA C07.811 base). Automatic/self-winding, 80-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph (3Hz), 25 jewels. Features a patented Silicon (Silicium) hairspring for magnetic resistance.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 41mm; Thickness: 9.8mm; Lug-to-lug: 47mm; Lug width: 20mm. It wears true to size but feels slim for an automatic due to the sub-10mm profile.
Description
The Tissot Ballade is a sophisticated daily wearer that punches far above its weight class in terms of technical specifications. It bridges the gap between a dress watch and a casual steel piece, characterized by its intricate hobnail bezel and the high-performance Silicon balance spring. It is one of the most affordable ways to own a COSC-certified-equivalent chronometer movement with modern anti-magnetic properties.
Key Features
Silicon hairspring (uncommon at this price point), hobnail 'Clous de Paris' bezel texture, 80-hour power reserve, and the 'Chronometer' certification (COSC) which is a hallmark of this specific line.
Dial Description
Sunray blue dial with a textured central ring. Applied silver-toned baton indices, alpha-style hands, and a date window at 3 o'clock. 'Powermatic 80' and 'Chronometer' text is standard on this model.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a combination of high-polished finishes on the bezel and lugs, and brushed/satin finishing on the case flanks.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Flat profile.
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel bezel featuring a distinct 'Clous de Paris' (hobnail) knurled pattern, reminiscent of high-end dress watches like the Patek Philippe Calatrava.
Crown & Pushers
Non-screw-down (push-pull) crown with a fluted texture for grip. Signed with the Tissot 'T' logo. No guards, maintaining a clean dress silhouette.
Bracelet or Strap
Five-link stainless steel 'Jubilee-style' bracelet. Polished center links with brushed outer links. Features a butterfly deployant clasp with push-button release.
Caseback Details
Exhibition/display caseback with sapphire window, allowing a view of the Powermatic 80 movement. Engravings include 'Silicon Balance Spring' and water resistance depth.
Movement Type
Tissot Powermatic 80.811 (ETA C07.811 base). Automatic/self-winding, 80-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph (3Hz), 25 jewels. Features a patented Silicon (Silicium) hairspring for magnetic resistance.
Water Resistance
5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet). Suitable for splashes and brief immersion; not recommended for swimming or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Le Locle, Switzerland. Utilizes an in-house Swatch Group movement (ETA) exclusive to the group's brands.
Age Estimate
Produced circa 2017 to the present day. This specific blue dial iteration was released in the late 2010s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of high-tech horology. It stands as a testament to the Swatch Group's industrial prowess, proving that advanced materials and long power reserves don't have to cost thousands of dollars.
Condition Notes
Based on the image, the watch appears to be in Excellent condition. No major scratches are visible on the sapphire; light 'desk diving' marks may exist on the polished center links of the bracelet. The dial is clean with no signs of moisture.
Value Estimate
MSRP: ~$925. Secondary Market: $450 - $600 depending on box, papers, and COSC certificate presence.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 5–7 years to refresh lubricants. Avoid manual winding too rapidly. Use a soft cloth for the polished links to maintain luster. Water resistance should be tested every 2 years.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust (for the bezel texture and Jubilee look), Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (for the 'everyday luxury' vibe), and the Seiko SARX045.
Interesting Facts
The Ballade was one of the first watches under $1,000 to offer a silicon balance spring, a technology previously reserved for ultra-high-end brands like Patek Philippe and Ulysse Nardin because silicon is impervious to magnetism and temperature fluctuations.