Beautiful watch and great write up. I do agree a simpler dial and hands would have really made this piece a more everyday watch.

 

1. Intro
Hi everyone! I have used this forum a lot in the recent months when I have dived into horology and looked for my first mechanical watch. I thought it would be nice to post something for other entry-level hobbyists interested in this model. This is my first post on any kind of forum for years… Hope it helps someone… ?

2. The watch
T006.408.11.037.00 Tissot Le Locle Automatic COSC - MSRP $1,250 (purchased for $580)
Tissot Le Locle Automatic COSC

3. Visual macro

• The watch design is based on some post-war classics. Two premium retros shown to compare.
• It comes with a bracelet, but I have replaced it with a Fluco 19mm ostrich leg leather strap.
• I have a 16.5cm (6.5") wrist.

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4. Visual micro

• I have used a microscope to inspect the watch authenticity (apparently there's a lot of fake Tissots on the market and they are getting better and better - not easy to spot the difference if you aren't buying from a reliable source).
• I'm posting this as mine seems right and actually I found the detail quality amazing being a mechanical engineer myself.

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5. Performance

• The watch rate is +2…+3s/d. There are small variations, but it's extremely repetitive for a $200 movement. I keep it on the side during the night (slows down the watch) and wear it during the day. If kept flat during the night it speeds up a second/day. I would like to get it adjusted one day, because a -2…-3s correction would make it a Rolex (almost ?)
• The power reserve matches the spec and is about 42h. Towards the end the timekeeping precision goes down (drastically at the very end).
• The watch has a very efficient automatic winding mechanism. I have an office job and don't move so much during work time. I use it during the day Mon-Fri and on Friday it is fully wound (probably it's much earlier, but I have never checked that). I hand-wind it few revolutions just to start. That's enough to have the +3s rate after one day from the rotor.
• It's a 28,800bph (4Hz) movement, so the second hand moves in 1/8s increments. It's fascinating to watch after owning quartz watches all my life.

6. Pros

• The case looks very elegant in reality. Makes the watch seem more expensive than it really is.
• The sapphire crystal due to its hardness is practically completely scratch proof (9 at Mohs scale).
• The dial looks classy due to the guilloché pattern. Again, all details are amazing at this price point.
• The watch features an ETA 2824-2 movement that is able to pass the COSC certification criteria (after assembly)(there is a lot of discussions on what movement grade that is). This is one of the best lower-end movements ever produced for performance per dollar, longevity and serviceability.
• Tissot is a well-known brand with experience in watch manufacturing, active in XIX, XX and XXI centuries. It belongs to the Swatch group and that gives it unlimited access to ETA movements (also part of the group) and advances technologies.
• The watch is on the dressy side which can be changed with a strap/bracelet type. Most Le Locle models have Roman numbers, which is too formal for me.

7. Cons

• The bracelet looks ok. It is functional, but feels cheap compared to those of premium brands.
• 19mm lug width makes the strap selection more difficult. There is more choice within 18- and 20mm strap sizes.
• My biggest complaint is the 42h power reserve (my first mechanical watch ?). From Friday afternoon to Monday morning I don't wear it. That's over 60h. For that reason I have ordered a winder. Powermatic 80 may not be a bad idea. There are Chronometer Certified P80 movement versions in other Tissot models.
• The split case back is something I don't enjoy. But you shouldn't discuss styling I guess… Maybe others like it…
• The high polish bezel is easy to scratch. The crystal is slightly above it and won't get affected.
• The crown is not a screw-in type and that's the weakest point for the moisture to come in. The water resistance is only 3bar, which means splashing with water only. Even submerging should be avoided.
• So I wrote how Tissot is a reputable brand. On the other hand, it is pretty low in the Swatch Group prestige hierarchy. If impressing others is your goals, this watch may not serve the purpose.
• Sometimes I find the watch too dressy for me. It's okay with sweaters/jeans, but anything below (short sleeves, sneakers and hoodies) makes me feel bad due to the retro case and dial. I'm also not sure if an elegant watch like this shouldn't be a bit smaller (36mm?) for my wrist size.

8.Feedback
What do you think about my choice? Comments? Suggestions? Thanks!!!

amazing shots and great read. i think for the price point it's a great deal

 

Great write up with quality photos to match!


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Many thanks for the great review and photos!

The watch was first released already ten years ago, but I think Le Locle Chronometre is still one of the best value for money watches there is, period. Exactly why they only made the white/silver dial variant available on a bracelet is beyond me, it looks absolutely transcendental on a strap.

Many people really seem to like the dial (which is certainly nice for the price), but I personally find the case finishing and detailing even more impressive. The brushing on the sides, the lugs, all very nice and elegant. Of course none of these are hand made, but I wonder if the design choices are conscious nods to Lange(!).

There was an interesting article on the Forbes magazine by Jack Forrester back when the model came out, that kind of summoned it best:

In the meantime, though, it's a rather fascinating point of information, in the clutter of rhetoric that surrounds mechanical watches these days, that for a pretty manageable $1295 you can have a watch from a name-brand Swiss watchmaking firm that took first prize in the only juried competition that actually pits watch vs. watch on peformance, in the world. Bragging rights like that, and if I may say so classic dress watch good looks, make this watch something we can think of not only as an interesting intuition pump for what exactly it is that gets us excited about mechanical watches --we can also think of it as a bargain.

 

Great review! Agree with you on the caseback, would have preferred just a typical open back instead.

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