Hamilton and Tissot occupy similar price points with different personalities. Hamilton trades on American heritage and Hollywood connections; Tissot emphasizes Swiss tradition and sports timing. Both are Swatch Group brands using ETA movements—the choice comes down to style and story.
Quick Overview
Hamilton
- Founded: 1892 (Pennsylvania)
- Now Made: Switzerland
- Identity: American spirit, Hollywood
- Range: $395 - $2,500
- Icons: Khaki Field, Ventura
Tissot
- Founded: 1853 (Le Locle)
- Now Made: Switzerland
- Identity: Swiss tradition, sports
- Range: $250 - $2,000
- Icons: PRX, Gentleman, Le Locle
Heritage & Identity
Hamilton
Hamilton started in Pennsylvania, supplying railroad watches and military timepieces. The brand has appeared in over 500 films—from "2001: A Space Odyssey" to "Interstellar." When you buy Hamilton, you buy American narrative told through Swiss watchmaking. The Khaki Field carries military heritage; the Ventura (Elvis's watch) is pure 1950s futurism.
Tissot
Tissot is pure Swiss heritage—170+ years in Le Locle. They're official timekeepers for basketball, cycling, and motorsport. The brand emphasizes innovation: first mass-produced pocket watch, first plastic watch, first tactile watch. Tissot's identity is accessible Swiss watchmaking with sports credibility.
Winner: Tie — Different stories, both compelling
Movement Comparison
| Aspect | Hamilton | Tissot |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Movement | H-10 (80hr reserve) | Powermatic 80 |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours | 80 hours |
| Base Caliber | ETA 2824 modified | ETA C07.111 |
| Silicon Hairspring | Yes (H-10) | Yes (Powermatic 80) |
| Entry Automatic | ~$595 | ~$375 |
Both brands use Swatch Group movements with 80-hour power reserves and silicon hairsprings. The technology is essentially equivalent—the difference is in the case and dial design, not the movement.
Winner: Tie — Same movement family, same capability
💡 The Swatch Group Reality
Hamilton and Tissot share the same parent company and movement supplier. The H-10 and Powermatic 80 are siblings. Your choice should be based on design preference and brand story, not movement differences.
Popular Models Compared
| Category | Hamilton | Tissot |
|---|---|---|
| Field Watch | Khaki Field ($595-$795) | Gent XL ($350) |
| Dress-Sport | Jazzmaster ($895+) | PRX ($350-$695) |
| Dress | Intra-Matic ($895) | Le Locle ($425-$695) |
| Unique Design | Ventura ($995) | PRX (integrated bracelet) |
Value Analysis
Hamilton
Hamilton commands slight premium for American heritage and Hollywood connections. The Khaki Field is the definitive field watch at this price; the Ventura is truly unique. Grey market discounts of 20-30% are available. Resale is soft but stable.
Tissot
Tissot offers more watch for less money—the PRX Powermatic 80 at $695 is exceptional value. Entry-level automatics start around $375. Grey market discounts are smaller (15-25%) because retail pricing is already aggressive. The PRX has become a genuine phenomenon.
Winner: Tissot — Lower entry points, similar quality
Who Should Buy Hamilton?
- American heritage narrative appeals
- Hollywood connections resonate
- Field watch aesthetic is priority (Khaki)
- You want something distinctive (Ventura)
- Budget is $595 - $1,500
Who Should Buy Tissot?
- Pure Swiss heritage matters
- Lower entry point is important
- The PRX design appeals
- Sports timing credibility resonates
- Budget is $350 - $1,000
Final Verdict
Buy Hamilton if American heritage, Hollywood connections, and field watch aesthetics appeal. The Khaki Field is best-in-class; the Ventura is uniquely distinctive.
Buy Tissot if pure Swiss identity and aggressive value matter. The PRX Powermatic 80 at $695 is arguably the best value Swiss automatic available.
Same movements, different stories. Choose the narrative that resonates with you.
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