A game-changing watch movement: the Powermatic 80
Tissot revolutionised the watch industry in 2013 with the Powermatic 80 movement, which offers a breathtaking power reserve of up to 80 hours and unparalleled precision. Tissot has transcended the conventional 42-hour power reserve, setting impressive standards in watchmaking.
The secret of this achievement? A technical evolution of the famous 2824 caliber, created through Tissot’s collaboration with the manufacturer ETA. The aim was to minimise the energy consumption of the watch by reducing frequencies of oscillations from 4 to 3Hz.
Additionally, the introduction of the Nivachron balance spring, made from an innovative titanium alloy, significantly improves the watch's resistance to magnetic fields, elevating its functionality and reliability.
A reduction of the diameter of the barrel-arbor’s core makes it possible to lengthen the mainspring even further, thereby increasing the power reserve. The result? With up to 80 hours, a Tissot Powermatic 80 could be taken off on the Friday night for the weekend, and without being worn or wound-up, still indicate the right time come Monday morning when reuniting with the owner’s wrist.
By integrating a new type of balance wheel and a sophisticated regulation system, precision and robustness were raised to higher standards. One of the factors that contributed to this robustness was a new way of regulating the watch by removing the index system and replacing it with innovative technology.
Antiquated index-assembly systems were bid farewell as Tissot unveiled innovative technology ensuring punctuality with every passing moment.
Three Levels of Precision
To meet the needs of different clients while maintaining uncompromised technical performance, the Powermatic 80 movement is offered in three distinct levels of refinement.
- The Standard version delivers a precision of ±7 seconds per day, regulated at +3 seconds, corresponding to a daily variation of –4 to +10 seconds. It features finely sanded bridges and a solid, sanded oscillating weight pad printed with the logo, providing an accessible introduction to automatic watchmaking — as seen in the Classic Dream.
- The Elaborated version, used in models such as the Le Locle and PRX, achieves an accuracy of ±5 seconds per day, regulated at +3 second, corresponding to a daily variation of –2 to +8 seconds. It offers enhanced finishing on the oscillating weight that can be skeletonised or engraved with the Vague du temps pattern, reflecting a higher level of craftsmanship.
- Finally, the COSC-certified version, integrated into the Ballade, combines the same ±5 seconds per day precision, but regulated at +1 second (–4 to +6 seconds per day), with chronometer certification obtained through a rigorous testing process. This level exemplifies the pinnacle of Tissot’s technical and aesthetic expertise.
Across all three levels, the movement’s reliability, power reserve, and anti-magnetic performance remain uncompromised, with differences focusing solely on finishing and precision.
