Tissot has always been a brand that understands the pulse of the watch community, and their latest move with the Gentleman collection is a testament to that. The brand has taken a bold step by shrinking the iconic Gentleman watch from 40mm to 38mm, and the result is a stunning timepiece that is both elegant and accessible. This move is particularly interesting, as it showcases Tissot's ability to listen to the market and adapt to changing trends, while still staying true to the core values of the brand. Personally, I think this is a brilliant move, as it opens up a whole new range of possibilities for the Gentleman collection, and it's a move that many other watch brands could learn from.
The new 38mm Gentleman watch retains the classic design of its larger counterpart, but with a smaller case size. The stainless steel case is fully brushed, with a polished sloping bezel and a bevelled edge along the caseband. The lug-to-lug size has been slightly increased to 48.5mm, which makes the watch feel more balanced and proportionate on the wrist. The crown is stout and knurled, making it easy to operate, and the sapphire crystal and see-through caseback add to the overall quality of the watch.
One of the most interesting aspects of the new Gentleman 38mm is the dial design. The dial is toned down slightly compared to the larger model, with no subtle crosshair. Instead, the dial has a pyramidal sunray-brushed finish, which divides it into quarters, and applied markers and hands with Super-LumiNova. The sloped flange with dotted markers adds to the overall aesthetic, and the framed window for the date is a nice touch. In my opinion, the dial design is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, and it's a design that will appeal to a wide range of watch enthusiasts.
Under the hood, the new Gentleman 38mm is powered by the ubiquitous Powermatic 80 automatic movement. However, there is a subtle difference in the balance spring. The larger Gentleman comes with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, while the new Gentleman 38mm is equipped with a Nivachron hairspring. Nivachron is a titanium alloy that is highly resistant to magnetism, temperature changes, and shock-resistance, while silicon is fully anti-magnetic and self-lubricating, but pricier in production. Despite the difference in the balance spring, the movement still runs at a rate of 21,600vph, which provides a comfortable power reserve of 80 hours.
The new Gentleman 38mm comes on a stainless steel three-link bracelet with polished inner links and brushed outer links, and a folding clasp. The bracelet is well-made and comfortable, and I can see it becoming a popular choice for those who want to pair their watch with a more casual outfit. However, I do wonder if Tissot will eventually introduce leather and rubber straps for the 38mm Gentleman, just like they have done with the larger model. At CHF 695, the new Gentleman 38mm is competitively priced, and it's a watch that offers great value for money.
In a world where prices can sometimes seem out of control, Tissot's new Gentleman 38mm is a breath of fresh air. The watch is stylish, well-made, and competitively priced, and it's a perfect example of how a brand can create a timepiece that is both accessible and desirable. The smaller case size makes the watch more versatile, and it's a watch that I think will appeal to a wide range of watch enthusiasts. For those who are looking for a great entry-level watch, the new Gentleman 38mm is a must-have, and it's a watch that I think will become a classic in its own right.
One thing that immediately stands out is the attention to detail in the construction of the watch. The case is well-finished, and the bracelet is comfortable and secure. The dial is clear and easy to read, and the hands are well-proportioned. What many people don't realize is that the watch is not just a smaller version of the larger model, but it's a completely new timepiece that has been carefully crafted to suit the smaller case size. If you take a step back and think about it, the new Gentleman 38mm is a testament to Tissot's commitment to innovation and quality, and it's a watch that I think will become a favorite among watch enthusiasts around the world.
