Tissot added to the Chemin Des Tourelles Squelette collection of accessibly-priced skeleton watches. Sharing the same exact case design as last year’s updated model, the trio of new additions have open-worked dials that display the inner workings of the Powermatic 80 calibre. Both the styling and movement are no-frills, and matched with a price below US$1,000, making them a good option for the beginner enthusiast.

Initial thoughts

Tissot is known for affordable Swiss-made watches and the Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton is exactly that. The novelty of the watch lies in the open dial that reveals the skeleton movement.

Although the calibre isn’t fancily executed, it is cleanly finished and provides visual detail that sets this apart from most similarly priced watches. The design is also enhanced by the fact that it doesn’t have a date, which gives the dial a clean, symmetrical appearance.

Priced between US$895 and US$975, the Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton is a good value proposition, especially since skeleton watches are not common in this price segment.

Entry-level skeleton

While the sporty PRX collection is now its most high profile product, the brand overhauled the Chemin des Tourelles line last year. Named after the street where the Tissot headquarters are located, Chemin des Tourelles is made up of dress watches, with the skeleton model being the top-of-the-line.

The Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton has a case that’s 39 mm in diameter and 11.2 mm thick, with a domed bezel and curved lugs, as well as a 50 m water resistance rating.

The wide aperture on the dial reveals the movement, which has vertically brushed bridges. Though the movement is identical across the versions, the colours are different.

One dial sports a Clous de Paris pattern and applied Roman numerals matched with a rhodium-plated movement, while the black-coated case is matched with a black PVD coated dial and movement. The third version combines a steel case with an ivory dial, giving it a slightly retro look.

The movement is a skeleton version of the Powermatic 80, the workhorse automatic calibre found in most of Tissot’s entry-level automatic watches. The self-winding calibre offers 80 hours of power reserve, and is equipped with an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring.

Key facts and price

Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Squelette
Ref. T139.836.11.048.00
Ref. T139.836.36.441.00
Ref. T139.836.16.261.00

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 11.2 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. Powermatic 80
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Five-link stainless steel bracelet or green nubuck leather strap or black nubuck leather strap 

Limited edition: No
Availability: Available at Tissot boutiques and retailers starting May 2024.
Price: US$895~US$975

For more, visit tissotwatches.com