Between the two watches, Tissot and Rolex, Rolex seems to be the most common and most popular, but does it really have more functions and features than the Tissot brand?
This article will explore the key similarities and differences between Tissot and Rolex. Neck-a-neck, we will explore their strengths and weaknesses and examine which stands out by way of design and movements.
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We will also take a closer look at the price range of each watch and determine the most affordable one. We will compare their durability, style, and water resistance to help you decide which would be most suitable for you when you go hunting for new accessories.
Tissot vs Rolex: Edge to Edge Comparison!
History
Tissot
Charles-Félicien Tissot launched the Swiss watch brand Tissot in 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland, with his son Charles-Émile Tissot. Charles had established the company and shown his son the ropes, and when the opportunity came to evolve it into a brand, he jumped up into the chance.
Initially, both father and son operated from their home space. Their house became a mini-factory, and the first Rolex watch came from there. Tissot was the first brand to mass-produce pocket watches. They also became one of the first brands to manufacture antimagnetic wristwatches. Tissot is also recognized for introducing the world’s first multi-functional tactile watch.
They have achieved some other magnificent feats in recent times. This includes being featured as the official timekeeper for major professional sports competitions and championships. They have built a legacy around creating precise, dependable, and affordable watches for the general public.
Rolex
Rolex had not always been Rolex. The iconic watch brand initially started in 1905 in London as a company called “Wilsdorf and Davis.” Founded by Hans Wilsdorf at 24 with Alfred Davis, Wilsdorf and Davis originally focused on importing Swiss watch movements into the United Kingdom. Over time, however, the brand evolved into a top watchmaking brand and debuted in 1926 with the first fully waterproof watch: the Oyster.
What began as a dream of creating watches worn around the wrist slowly and steadily evolved into becoming one of the most respected watch brands in the world. Today, Rolex is classed as a symbol of wealth and luxury across the globe. It’s worn by the rich and famous and remains one of the most expensive high-end wristwatches in the world.
Rolex vs Tissot: Design
Tissot
Tissot has a range of watches, from analog and digital quartz watches and automatic mechanical watches to smartwatches. This watch’s casing is made of stainless steel blended with sapphire dial windows.
The bands on Tissot watches are mostly made of leather or stainless steel. In contrast, most digital models have more bands with nylon and rubber. Most Tissot watches are designed with water resistance that ranges from 30 meters to 100 meters, depending on the model.
Rolex
An excellent build characterizes Rolex watches. The timepiece is meticulously structured and crafted with Swiss precision. Rolex pays particular attention to durability. Most Rolex watches are automatic mechanical watches with 904L steel cases. 904L steel cases are more robust and super resistant to corrosion than ordinary stainless steel used by the majority of the other watch brands.
Rolex also uses gold and platinum to make its watches. These watches are made of high-grade stainless steel, platinum, and gold. Some bands are also made of high-grade leather.
The second-hand on Rolex is more precise than most other brands. The dials are often set with diamonds, and some models have even undergone the process of gem-setting. The watch window on most Rolex watches is the synthetic sapphire, making it extraordinarily hard to scratch.
Every single watch is hand-assembled and made only with the best components in the world. Each specific edition features an exclusive design chosen for its artistic and durable existence. They feature an extra clay hand that’s solid and resistant to UV light.
Verdict
Tissot might have more options when it comes to design, but it doesn’t come close to Rolex. Rolex may not always make new designs, but it’s always one to beat in terms of luxury, durability, and comfort when they do.
Tissot and Rolex: Quality
Tissot
Tissot has been in the business for more than 150 years. They are expected to bring in an unparalleled level of experience, but do they?
Most certainly! Tissot strikes a delicate balance between style and usefulness. Tissot often features sleek minimalist styles, perfect for casual, business, and sports outings like hiking and diving. It is also ideal for classy dinners.
Overall, despite being something of an entry-level luxury brand, Tissot watches have a unique, authentic look to them.
To have been able to attract personalities like Angelina Jolie, Grace Kelly, Nelson Mandela, and Catherine (The Duchess of Cambridge), it is easy to see that they have done a pretty good job of appealing to such an audience.
Rolex
Before any Rolex watch is shipped off, high-caliber individuals are always vetted and checked to guarantee its quality. Deep-sea watches require the ability to function flawlessly at depths. Rolex watches are water-resistant, which affirms these claims by dipping the watches into compressed tanks.
Also, in a bid to maintain quality, Rolex puts together a large group of gemologists to help test and assess the quality of each model.
Water Resistance
Tissot
With your regular Tissot watch, you can go as deep as 30 meters in water. Note, though, that the water resistance varies with your Tissot model. Some Tissot diver models can go a lot deeper without being damaged.
Rolex
Where Tissot stops, Rolex starts. Rolex watches have a water resistance of at least 100 meters. Some Rolex watches, like the Rolex Submariner, have a water resistance of up to 300 meters. Unlike some other brands that just state the water resistance, Rolex confirms the water resistance levels by submerging the watches into compressed tanks. Rolex Deepsea watches are tested with high-pressure water tanks. The Rolex Sea-Dweller can go as deep as 1220 meters without being damaged.
Verdict
When it comes to water resistance, Rolex beats Tissot hands down.
Tissot and Rolex: Pricing
If we focused only on price, we would not have placed these two watches side by side, to begin with, because the differences in the prices are massive.
Tissot
Tissot watches are Swiss luxury watches, but they have a mid-range price nonetheless. The prices are reasonable and generally affordable to the larger majority of the population. They are not exactly cheap, but there must be quite a number of Tissot watches you can afford.
Rolex
Rolex watches are dangerously expensive. Class doesn’t come cheap, and there’s no better proof of this than Rolex watches. Only a few models are the best Rolex for price. The watches are exclusively designed for those with larger budgets and high-end target customers.
Verdict
Both watches are aimed at a completely different audience. Tissot is mostly made to appeal to the majority, while Rolex points the touch at a classy, wealthy audience.
Warranty
Warranty is not exactly the dealbreaker when it comes to these watches. Both Tissot and Rolex watches come with an equivalent warranty of two years. If you’re looking for a deciding factor, you might want to consider which of the two watch brands produces the most durable watches.
Rolex or Tissot, which lasts longer?
Rolex watches are rarely ever affected by temperature, altitude, moisture, and movement changes. Generally, situations that would normally affect a Tissot watch do nothing to Rolex watches. Rolex does have batteries! Instead, they are using the Perpetual rotor system.
Tissot watches come with good batteries, but not all of them do. Some automatic Tissot watches employ the hand movements of the wearer’s hands and ensure that it tells the exact time.
Verdict
Tissot can only try, but this is another feature where they lag solidly behind Rolex.
Final Verdict
Tissot poses quite a competition. It’s a decent watch for all occasions, but side by side with Rolex, it doesn’t quite compare. It’s more of an entry-level luxury watch than a high-end watch. Although it has been around for much longer, it offers more variety in design and costs way less than its Rolex counterpart; in terms of overall quality paying particular attention to durability and movement, Rolex outperforms Tissot.
Little wonder world-famous watch collectors like Roger Federer, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, David Beckham, Rihanna, and Justin Theroux all have at least one Rolex watch in their collection.
So yes, if you’re looking for that pocket-friendly watch to complete your accessories, then Tissot might be the perfect watch for you. On the other hand, if you are gunning for that James Bond Swiss precision, Rolex might be your best bet.
Saneesh VS is a tech and fitness enthusiast. He has been reviewing smartwatches and fitness trackers for the past few years and is passionate about it. He writes about the latest news in the industry, helpful tips, and buying guides. You can find him working out or spending time with his family when he’s not writing or reviewing gadgets.