The new Tissot T-Touch model for 2012 is the T-Touch Classic. Tissot takes the high-tech appeal of the T-Touch and dresses it in a more… well, dressy skin. Last year Tissot released the Racing-Touch (discussed here), which was a more entry level version of the popular T-Touch watch. At a similar price, the T-Touch Classic uses the same movement but offers a much more timeless look.
Without T-Touch, Tissot really wouldn’t be what it is today. Each year we get at least one new model of the popular touch-screen watch – maybe the original touch-screen watch. The way it works is simple. You press the pusher on the right side of the case to “activate” the sapphire crystal, and then you press various areas to activate or adjust certain functions. For that reason, you have functions listed around the periphery of the dial.
T-Touch watches all have an analog dial and LCD screen. The hands on the dial readjust themselves in many instances to assist with the function being performed. For example, the hands turn into a needle when the watch is in compass mode. Inside of the T-Touch Classic is the Swiss ETA E49.301 quartz multi-function movement. It offers the time, full calendar, compass, tide chart, chronograph with split time and logbook, two countdown timers, two alarms, a second time zone, and it has a back light. Depending on the dial, the LCD screen is either standard or negative (for that lighter text on black background look). The dial doesn’t look to have lume, but the screen back light can be activated for darkness viewing of the dial.
With a smooth bezel, the T-Touch Classic does have some hallmark features of its sister models. You can see T-Touch DNA in the design of the lugs, bracelet, and the dials. Though a lot has been done to give the watch a cleaner, almost “classic” look. The pushers are meant to look a bit vintage (plunger style), and the bracelet is a simple three-link design. You also have cleaner dials with some having only baton hour markers. To start, there will be three dial styles available, with one model coming on a metal bracelet and the other two on leather straps.
The T-Touch Classic case is in steel and is 42mm wide with a 20mm wide strap or bracelet. The crystal is sapphire and the case is rated to be water resistant to 100 meters. The look of the watches is quite nice and Tissot has once again offered an excellent high-function watch suitable for daily wear. Most T-Touch watches are very sporty in their style, so this Classic model offers a fresh departure for a new audience of watch lovers wishing for the same functionality. Price for the Tissot T-Touch Classic is $675 on the leather strap and $695 on the steel bracelet. Look for them in Fall 2012.