« Tradition Meets Innovation »
Tissot's T-Touch Solar editions pack the functional versatility of a modern smartwatch into a classic watch case and turn heads with a groundbreaking operating concept. From compass to barometer, from alarm to calendar – the capabilities of these sporty pioneers from Le Locle seem almost limitless. We took a closer look at the range of models, the strengths and the possible weaknesses of these solar-powered timepieces.
The Heart of the Collection: The Expert Solar II
The newest model and flagship of the series is the masculine Expert Solar II, whose five versions all feature a 45 mm titanium case with a ceramic bezel. The bezel comes in black, green, blue or – in the case of the Swiss Edition – a rustic shade of brown. Some versions also boast a scratch-resistant PVD coating.
Regardless of the version, the T-Touch's imposing size and angular design give it a powerful presence, behind which lie an impressive 100 meters of water resistance and a quartz movement from ETA. The standout feature of caliber E84.301 is its solar technology, which charges the battery through the sunburst pattern of the dial. It's an elegant solution that makes the solar technology almost impossible to spot.
There are three strap options to choose from, of which the rubber strap seems the most fitting: color-matched to the bezel of the T-Touch Solar, it emphasizes the sporty, dominant character of these Swiss powerhouses more than a stainless steel bracelet or the classic leather strap of the brown Swiss Edition. None of the straps, however, can disguise the considerable size of the Tissot T-Touch Solar: for good wearing comfort, we recommend a wrist circumference of at least 17 cm.
The Touchscreen Has to Be Activated First
The Solar's real highlights, however, are revealed not in the case but in the dial. Here Tissot relies on an exciting concept that skillfully combines tradition and modernity: the entire sapphire crystal surface functions as a touchscreen, beneath which sit two classic mechanical hands and a digital display in the lower half. Around the outer edge runs a scale listing the six main function categories of the T-Touch Solar: "Meteo", "Altimeter", "Chrono", "Compass", "Alarm" and "Timer".
Merely a showcase of versatility? Not at all. Instead, the markings serve as a guide for selecting the function you need at that moment. Here's how it works: to activate the touchscreen, you press the middle button on the right side of the case (calling it a crown would be inaccurate here). Only then does a small "T-Touch" logo light up on the dial to indicate that touch sensitivity is enabled. You can then select the desired function by touching the crystal next to the corresponding label.
An example: to activate the compass, you touch the screen at six o'clock. At that moment, the mechanical minute hand turns into a compass needle and – together with the exact bearing in degrees on the display – shows the direction you are currently facing. It's an intuitive principle that extends across the entire remaining range of functions of the T-Touch Solar.
Extensive Functionality: The Great Strength of the T-Touch Solar
That range covers a whole variety of useful everyday aids. Starting with the barometer in "Meteo" mode, it extends to an altitude difference meter and a perpetual calendar with date and week display. Add to that two separate alarms for weekdays and weekends, a timer, a special regatta function and a chronograph for lap and split times. The T-Touch Solar even offers a GMT function for travelers and a battery level indicator.
With so many functions, surely it's easy to lose track, right? No, because the simple operating concept always stays the same: activate the touchscreen, select the function, and make specific settings – such as the stopwatch time – using the two other pushers on the case. It's a lightning-fast, easy-to-grasp principle that new users will likely find even easier than using an Apple Watch for the first time. Unlike the latter, the T-Touch Solar can't access social networks, apps or games – but it doesn't want to: at its core, the powerhouse from Le Locle sees itself as a traditional wristwatch whose multifunctionality goes far beyond that of classic timepieces. If the capabilities of this solar-powered model were realized mechanically, the result would be a grande complication of the very highest caliber.
Lady Solar: The Feminine Alternative
In terms of price, however, the Expert Solar is a far cry from a grande complication; according to the manufacturer, it costs around €1,000 depending on the model. That is considerably more than the smartwatches of the big tech companies, but in return you get Swiss Made standards with a high-quality titanium case and excellent craftsmanship – no news to anyone who has ever worn one of Tissot's mechanical models.
Incidentally, the advantages of the men's models can also be enjoyed on a woman's wrist with the T-Touch Lady Solar: measuring 40 mm, it works on the same principle as the men's watches and replaces their sporty orientation with a timeless, more understated design. Delicate hands, stainless steel instead of titanium and the absence of a ceramic bezel make the Lady Solar look far more like a classic timepiece than its masculine counterparts.
Conclusion: A Tissot Like No Other
If you can warm to the generous dimensions and brawny presence of the men's T-Touch Solar, you get an exciting alternative to conventional watchmaking from Le Locle. It succeeds in combining classic hands and contemporary technology into a versatile, though admittedly unconventional, overall package. As long as a quartz movement isn't a deal-breaker for you, the T-Touch Solar is an excellent all-rounder with the potential to be a lively addition to any collection.
