Tissot Ballade Automatic review – A Ballad of the Chronometer

Tags: Review | Tissot | Men's | Women's | Classic | Elegance

27.11.2025

The Ballade line has been part of Tissot’s catalogue since 1994. Over that time we’ve seen countless editions and variants to suit a wide range of customers. Late last year Tissot treated us to a modernised version of the model with a quartz movement. The brand now follows it up with its latest creation, the Tissot Ballade Automatic. In today’s review, we’ll see whether the newcomer lives up to the standards previously set.

It feels like only yesterday that we were in the studio discussing the new Tissot Ballade in its quartz guise. One of the first comments from my colleagues back then was that a mechanical version was surely on the way. Not even a year has passed and the automatic Ballades are indeed here! And while not much has changed beyond the movement, it’s still worth taking a closer look. For a refresher, I also recommend the article on the quartz variant by my colleague Robert:

We also have a video review by our lovely colleagues:

Let’s start this review with the watch’s dimensions—and with immediate praise, because we’re dealing with a 39 mm case. Within the dress/elegant segment I see this as the gold standard, an ideal size for most people. The thickness is likewise satisfying, coming in at 10.98 mm. That’s a slight increase from the 8.25 mm of the quartz version, yet this remains a compact watch whose dimensions won’t raise any eyebrows.

This steel case also offers a pleasing water resistance of 10 ATM. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating is a given. As with the quartz variant, you’ll find a fluted bezel that distinctly recalls other famed Swiss brands. Within the Ballade family, however, it has long been a key design element that underscores the watch’s character.

With the case covered, we can move on to the star of the show—the dial. It is, I dare say, very well executed and visually pushes the watch closer to a higher segment. The first thing you’ll notice are the sunray lines radiating from the centre of the dial.

They create a beautiful spectacle whose character shifts with the light. A similar treatment was seen on the previously mentioned quartz version. Customers can choose a white, green or blue variant:

Colour variants of the Tissot Ballade Automatic. Source: www.monochrome-watches.com

I was particularly pleased to see applied Roman hour numerals. They suit this type of watch perfectly and further differentiate the model from the less expensive quartz variant, which only had baton indices. Alongside the indices you’ll find a date window at 3 o’clock and dial text referencing the movement’s features.

Those markings tell us the watch is powered by the Powermatic 80—and, crucially, that the movement is COSC-certified. The watch can therefore proudly bear the chronometer designation, with an accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds per day. I won’t dwell on the Powermatic 80 here; it’s a widely used calibre that we’ve covered in depth elsewhere. The key point remains that it’s a reliable automatic calibre with an above-average 80-hour power reserve.

A view through the display caseback at the Powermatic 80 COSC. Source: www.monochrome-watches.com

An integral and very important part of any watch is the strap or bracelet—it can ultimately decide whether a watch ends up on the wrist or stays in the display case. The Ballade Automatic arrives on a steel jubilee (five-row) bracelet. I can only describe it as very well executed. It features a classic butterfly clasp and has a standard width of 20 mm. Brushed outer links combined with polished centre links and the fluted bezel create a beautiful play of reflections.

Five-row jubilee bracelet of the Tissot Ballade Automatic. Source: www.timeandtidewatches.com

Wearability is excellent. The agreeable case diameter in combination with the jubilee bracelet brings notable comfort. Thanks to its smaller links, the bracelet adapts easily to the wrist, and the relatively slim case neither flares away nor otherwise compromises comfort.

And women are catered for as well! The Ballade collection includes three ladies’ variants. Compared to their larger counterparts, they offer a smaller 30 mm case and an 8.25 mm thickness. They’re powered by a slightly different movement: the calibre Powermatic 48, which offers an unsurprising 48-hour power reserve. All other specifications (including price) remain unchanged.

Ladies’ variants of the Tissot Ballade Automatic. Source: www.monochrome-watches.com

Final verdict

I have a personal connection to the Tissot Ballade collection. It may well have been the very first watch I ever truly noticed—my father wore, and still wears, an older reference. I’ve been following the Ballade in the brand’s catalogue for a very long time, and I was already excited about the release of the quartz version. I have to say that the arrival of the automatic newcomer only reinforces that enthusiasm. It remains a high-quality, handsome and representative watch at a fair price.

The newcomer is priced at 26,540 Kč, which is a fairly accessible proposition in the realm of Swiss chronometers. In our portfolio, it’s actually the second most affordable chronometer overall. In a similar price category, that leaves only chronometers from Mido.

As for drawbacks, only one really comes to mind. There will certainly be people who aren’t keen on the noticeable resemblance to other Swiss brands. That’s entirely understandable and acceptable, but I believe Tissot has played it fair here. The watch is by no means a copy of those Swiss watches, and I’d be cautious even with the word homage. The Ballade line has a rich history and a very consistent design direction dating back to 1994. Ballade is simply Ballade—and by now it has become a classic.

In short: the Tissot Ballade is a quality, representative Swiss watch fitted with an upgraded, highly accurate movement. It wears comfortably and won’t be out of place even in the most formal setting. I can therefore recommend it with confidence to anyone looking for a representative watch from a well-known Swiss brand. It’s also a great candidate for a first Swiss automatic, or an alternative to already cult models like the PRX or Gentleman.

Photo credits:

• Hodinky 365
• Manufacturer’s photos
• www.monochrome-watches.com
• www.timeandtidewatches.com

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