We will certainly be in trouble if we choose to cover the new Tissot watch Sideral, as it is sure to become the main focus of an upcoming issue. This is a risky move, as we could end up repeating our mistakes. The Summer issue is devoted to composite materials, so the new Sideral, which is a reinterpretation from the Tissot Sideral of the 1970s, can’t be pushed to another issue.
The original Sideral was made of fibreglass and the 2023 Sideral is made from forged carbon. In their respective eras both materials were firsts (the brand claims it was the first to use fibreglass in watch cases; we have found nothing to contradict this view). Forged carbon, however, is unusual for Swatch Group companies. The 2023 Sideral has an inner steel case, which suggests that Tissot may have preferred to take a more conventional approach in terms of strength.
This news was also delayed because we were in search of a Tissot to cover and had closed our composites section before Sideral’s unveiling. You know that the editors of this magazine cannot resist an opportunity to profit from synchronicity. It is a Tissot, so it will appeal to a wider audience. The watch has a lot of colorful aesthetic touches which could well be the mark of the modern era in watchmaking. Three colourways are available: yellow, blue and red, with matching straps. The straps seem to change quickly. More on this later.
The Sideral is a clear answer to those who wondered if the brand was going to continue its 1970s narrative. However, the forged case is a hallmark 21st-century watchmaking. (See our Special Section for more information). This tonneau-shaped jewel (lug to the lug is 46.5mm wide) is the best example of a Swiss Made composite material cased watch that is accessible. (See below for more details on price). The blue model features blue highlights in the case, while the other models don’t. The new Sideral comes with the Powermatic 80 automatic, so it’s a great value.
What exactly is the Tissot SIDERAL watch? You can get some clues by looking at the dial or the boating-regatta feature on bezel. It should help you to resolve any confusion that may have arisen from the name. We do not have space to discuss the history of the strap or the unique fastening mechanism. As the movement is shared by a number of Swatch Group brands, one shouldn’t expect anything more than hour, minute, second and date indicators, along with the usual generous battery reserve. Tissot says that this model’s rotor has been redesigned, and collectors will want to take note.
Movement: Powermatic 80 Nivachron Automatic with Date; 80-hour Power Reserve
Case: 41mm in forged steel and carbon with unidirectional bezel. Water resistant to 300m
Strap: Rubber perforated with buckle
Price: Just over CHF1,000
This article was first seen on WOW’s Summer #69 Issue.
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