Tissot’s new COSC-certified automatic Powermatic 80.111 caliber replica watch is a major step toward improving the traditional approach to ladies’ mechanical watchmaking. The new movement is used in the Tissot Ballade, a 32mm ladies’ classic watch that is priced at under $1,000, proof once and for all that buying a high-luxury or over-decorated timepiece is not the only option for women who want a top-quality mechanical ladies’ wristwatch.
There are a couple of problems inherent in making mechanical movements for ladies’ watches. Because of size restrictions, very few have a seconds hand and are therefore not COSC certified. It is also hard to get a long power reserve because of restrictions on barrel size and the lack of space for a second barrel. Size does matter for the ladies’ market because, despite the U.S. preference for larger sizes, the Asian market has always been a big consideration in designing ladies’ collections, and in that market, smaller sizes are the norm. Tissot’s new family of Powermatic 80 movements changes all that somewhat.
The Powermatic 80.111 is something of a milestone because it is a mechanical movement created for a ladies’ watch and because it is an exceptional movement, with high precision – COSC certified – and an 80-hour power reserve, compared to the standard 42. This is achieved with a proprietary mechanical system that reduces the consumption of energy. Accuracy and power reserve are enhanced by an adjustable balance wheel – which is regulated for greater precision – and a longer mainspring. The longer mainspring was made possible by making Tissot cheap fake watches UK thinner and by reducing the diameter of the barrel-arbor’s core. Thus, the longer mainspring – and its accompanying longer power reserve – coils into a barrel that did not have to be increased to take up more space.