Tissot vs. Seiko vs. Hamilton vs. Movado: Which Wins The Entry-Level Luxury Watch Smackdown?

Tissot vs. Seiko vs. Hamilton vs. Movado: History

Tissot

Tissot was originally founded by the father and son team of Charles-Félicien Tissot and Charles-Émile Tissot. Tissot began operations in Le Locle, Switzerland, in 1853, and Tissot is still based out of Le Locle today. In fact, 1853 was a monumental year for Tissot. Tissot introduced the very first pocket watch featuring two time zones in 1853. Tissot also premiered the first mass-produced pocket watch in the same year. It was an impressive start, and Tissot has continued to innovate.

The 80s and 90s

Tissot became a member of The Swatch Group Ltd in 1983, but the 1980s were important for other reasons as well. The visionaries at Tissot has never been happy to simply stick to tradition. Watch materials have always been subject to change, but Tissot has often pushed the envelope before any other manufacturer thought to do so. The first watch made out of stone, or RockWatch, was produced in 1985. Wood was used for the first time in 1988.

You might be familiar with mother of pearl being used for watches. Mother of pearl has become somewhat common, especially high-end watches, but that wasn't always the case. Tissot started that trend in 1987, and a number of manufacturers have been trying to perfect the construction ever since. The 1990s were also a time for experimentation. "T-Touch" technology was first released in 1999. Since then, Tissot has continued developing and improving the technology. It has become a hallmark of the Tissot brand.

Today

Tissot does more than just produce watches. Tissot works with a number of different sporting bodies. Using a variety of sensors and computers, Tissot is an official timekeeper for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), as well as many others. Considering such an impressive background, the Tissot PR 100 collection is the latest addition in a long history of innovation.

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Seiko  

The story of Seiko began in 1881, when a 21 year old entrepreneur, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop selling and repairing watches and clocks in central Tokyo. Just eleven years later, in 1892, he established the 'Seikosha' factory. In 1892 Kintaro Hattori bought a disused factory in Tokyo and Seikosha was formed (In Japanese, "Seiko" means "exquisite", "minute" or "success" and "sha" means house). It was here that Kintaro Hattori produced his first clocks and these marked the beginnings of a company that was to become one of the world's most important manufacturers of timepieces.

Seiko also Produced the first Japanese Diver's watch.The first Japan-made diver's watch, waterproof to a depth of 150 meters. The winding crown was designed with a double packing structure to withstand high water pressure. Designated for use by the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.

Grand Seiko has always been distinct in its design, character, presentation and, more recently, its calibers. In order to further reinforce its unique appeal and to reach out to a wider audience, it was decided to take one step further and presenting Grand Seiko as an entirely separate brand.

Hamilton

The Hamilton Watch Company was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. The brand rose like a phoenix from the ashes of several prior watch companies that had struggled to gain traction in the prior two decades. The Adams & Perry Watch Company, the Lancaster Watch Company, and the Keystone Standard Watch Company had all strived for success, inhabiting the same manufacturing facility built in Lancaster in 1875. But a lack of capital and the effects of mismanagement saw their untimely demise, with Keystone Standard finally going bankrupt in 1891. A group of Lancaster-based investors, however, would not settle for less than a high-quality watch manufacturer bringing life to their town. So in October of 1892, the group purchased the Keystone Standard brand and facilities, as well as the struggling Aurora Watch Company of Aurora, Illinois.

The group decided to merge the two watchmaking companies, transporting Aurora’s machinery all the way to Lancaster. Along with it came Henry Cain, the superintendent of the Aurora Watch Company, and former head of Keystone Standard just a few years prior. Cain had also been one of the main investors in the project, and he had plans to develop serious railroad-ready timepieces. The group chose the name Hamilton as a tribute to the original owner of the site of Lancaster, as well as its first planner — Andrew Hamilton and his son James. The group built a new wing onto the Keystone Standard watch factory to accommodate the machinery brought in from Aurora. Hamilton wasted no time in establishing a legacy of tried-and-true timepieces with an American spirit.

A detailed timeline can be found on Hamilton Watch official website.

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Movado

Movado watches are some of the most identifiable watches in the watch world. Their clean and minimalist design can easily be spotted from across the room. While Movado watches are most well-known for their iconic dot at 12 o’clock design, they have always been working toward advances to improve timekeeping.

Movado started in 1881 when a young man named Achille Ditesheim opened a pocket watch workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland when he was 19 years old. By 1897 he was successfully running one of the largest watch shops in the area and employed 80 employees. Three years later Achille enlisted the help of his brothers to open his business under the name L. A. I. Ditisheim & Frère, but a few years later the name was changed to Movado. Movado means “always in motion” in Esperanto, the most popular international auxiliary language. Esperanto was used as a symbol for the company’s modern and forward-thinking design ideologies. Several of Movado’s watch models have Esperanto names today.

A detailed timeline can be found on Movado Watch official website.

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Tissot vs. Seiko vs. Hamilton vs. Movado: Movement

In the watch world, a movement is the mechanism within a watchcase that powers a timepiece. The term originated with early clockwork machines made up of many moving parts. Movements, also known as calibers, vary widely by watch and can be mechanical, automatic or quartz. Just remember, regardless of the watch movement type, its core purpose is to tell accurate time.

Tissot

Today, Tissot’s watch collection is large enough to offer every timepiece aficionado something for their wrist. Tissot watches are offered in several technical variations, from classic automatic mechanical movements to quartz and even solar-powered offerings. Additionally, Tissot offers its watches in a variety of designs and specifications – even within each collection, from metals (like stainless steel, gold, titanium, and dual-tone) to different dial colors, materials, and bracelet options.

Seiko  

When Seiko introduced the world's first quartz movement in 1969, it changed timekeeping. Not only was it accurate to within 5 seconds a year, but it would run nonstop for an entire year with no winding. Manufacturers from all over the world soon adopted the quartz movement. These days, Seiko offers various watch movements including kinetic, mechanical and quartz. 

Hamilton

Hamilton watches are innovative, iconic and known for American Spirit and Swiss Precision. They are known for the highest performance standards and Swiss made movements. They create automatic, mechanical and quartz watches, men’s and women’s watches. With a reputation for craftsmanship and strong movie, military and aviation heritage, their watches include the Khaki Field, Khaki Aviation, Khaki Navy, Ventura and Jazzmaster.

Movado

Movado, the flagship brand within the Movado Group Inc. portfolio, was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1881, and acquired by the corporation in 1983.  Recognized today for its iconic Museum® dial and modern aesthetic, Movado has earned more than 100 patents and 200 international awards for watch design and time technology, and Movado timepieces are in the permanent collections of museums worldwide.  This long, rich heritage of artistry and innovation in design, and a close, enduring association with the arts continue to define the Movado brand identity.  Always in motion, Movado creates modern watches of exceptional craftsmanship and design distinction.  These days, Movado offers mechanical and quartz watch movements.

Tissot vs. Seiko vs. Hamilton vs. Movado: Style & Design

When comparing any wristwatch, style is always going to be a personal choice. And I know my tastes are not everybody’s. This is even more true for an entire manufacturer's range of watches. These four brands offer an enormous selection of styles, from traditional to high tech and everything in between. 

For Tissot, they have a variety of super sporty watches that would look great on a race car driver’s wrist. That makes sense, considering that this company sponsors many drivers, the most notable being Danica Patrick. Aside from those, they mostly create luxurious-looking pieces that likely fit into the dress watch category.

Hamilton is a bit different in a few ways. First, their most popular models are field watches, rather than dress pieces. Second, they experiment with odd, eye-catching shapes that are sure to garner some attention. The most famous of them is likely the Ventura, which has an especially distinctive look to it. 

By contrast, Seiko watch is more traditional. The looks of Movado are similar to Tissot. 

Tissot vs. Seiko vs. Hamilton vs. Movado: Pricing

• Tissot watches from $210 to $3375.

• Seiko watches ---------------------

• Hamilton watches from $380 to $3895.

• Movado watches from $395 to $3295.

Prices are all from the official website. This one is pretty close, as four brands inhabit that mid level price tier. Each one has both lower priced, and higher priced watches, but they never get super expensive to the point of being priced like high end luxury watches. 

As far as price, Tissot is the cheapest, while Seiko, Hamilton, and Movado pieces go a bit higher.

Tissot vs. Seiko vs. Hamilton vs. Movado: Guarantee

Tissot

Tissot watches bought from an authorised retailer are covered by a 24 month sales warranty as per below conditions, downloadable in PDF format. A warranty card, properly filled in by the point of sale, is provided and specify the activation date of the warranty.

Seiko

Normally, the warranty period for this watch’s replacement parts is a standard 7 years. Replacement parts are parts for which repair is necessary to maintain the time function.

Please keep in mind that if original parts are not available, they may be replaced with substitutes whose outward appearance may differ from the originals.

During the guarantee period, they guarantee free repair / adjustment service against any defects on the watch head (movement and case) and metallic band, provided that the watch was used as directed in the instruction manual.

However, in the following cases, repair/adjustment service will be provided at cost even within the guarantee period or under guarantee coverage.

• Exchange of leather, urethane or fabric band

• Trouble with or damage to the case, glass or band caused by accidents or improper usage

• Trouble or damage caused by the repairs carried out by anyone other than a member of our service network

• Scratches or grime caused by use

• Trouble or damage caused by natural disasters including fire, floods or earthquake

• When the text on the guarantee booklet has been altered or when the certificate of guarantee has no store name and date of purchase

• When the certificate of guarantee is not presented

• Battery replacement

Hamilton

Your HAMILTON watch is warranted by Hamilton International Ltd. for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase under the terms and conditions of this warranty. The international HAMILTON warranty covers material and manufacturing defects existing at the time of delivery of the purchased HAMILTON watch. The warranty only comes into force if the warranty certificate is dated, fully and correctly completed and stamped by an official HAMILTON dealer. During the warranty period and by presenting the valid warranty certificate, you will have the right to have any defect repaired free of charge. In the event that repairs are improper to restore the normal conditions of use of your HAMILTON watch, Hamilton International Ltd. guarantees its replacement by a HAMILTON watch of identical or similar characteristics. The warranty for the replacement watch ends twenty-four (24) months after the date of purchase of the replaced watch.

This manufacturer’s warranty does not cover:

• The life of the battery

• Normal wear and tear and aging (e.g. scratched crystal; alteration of the color and/or material of non-metallic straps and chains, such as leather, textile, rubber; peeling of the plating);

• Any damage on any part of the watch resulting from abnormal/abusive use, lack of care, negligence, accidents (knocks, dents, crushing, broken crystal, etc.), incorrect use of the watch and non-observance of the use directions provided by Hamilton International Ltd.;

• The HAMILTON watch handled by non-authorized persons (e.g. for battery replacement, services or repairs) or which has been altered in its original condition beyond Hamilton International Ltd.’s control

ALL APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE GIVEN TO YOU BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL Hamilton International Ltd. BE LIABLE FOR ANY indirect or consequential damages of any kind. Some states do not allow limitations on how long implied warranties last, or exclusions or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so exclusions or limitations mentioned may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Hamilton International Ltd.’S OBLIGATION IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. YOUR OFFICIAL HAMILTON DEALER CARRIES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OTHER GUARANTEES. The Hamilton International Ltd.’s customer service ensures the perfect working order of your HAMILTON watch. If your watch needs maintenance, rely on a official HAMILTON dealer or an authorized HAMILTON Service Center as set forth in the enclosed list: they can guarantee service according to Hamilton International Ltd.’s standards.

Movado

Movado warrants to the original consumer that, for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase, his/her timepiece or jewelry will be free from defects in materials and workmanship that prevent it from functioning properly under normal use.

• Warranty Exclusions:

This limited warranty does not cover analog batteries, straps, watch bracelets, crystals, gold- or ionic-plating or PVD finishing, cosmetic issues such as scratches or normal wear and tear, or any damage arising from accidents or misuse, or from any alteration, service or repair performed by any party other than a Movado Authorized Service Center.

• Conditions For Warranty Being Void:

This warranty is void if the timepiece or jewelry was not purchased from an Authorized Movado Dealer, as evidenced by valid proof of purchase – a dated sales or gift receipt showing the name of the retailer and an identifying style number for the Movado product.

• Warranty & Legal Rights:

Any other warranty provided by the retailer is entirely their responsibility. No person or company is authorized to change the terms of this warranty. This warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights. A consumer also may have other statutory rights which may vary from state to state and country to country. HOWEVER, TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, ORAL, WRITTEN, STATUTORY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE), ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.

Which Wins The Entry-Level Luxury Watch Smackdown?

In terms of price, Tissot is slightly better, the lowest price among the four brands, but there are also some styles whose prices are on par with the other three brands.

But if you choose from a precise point of view,  then Seiko is considered as better than Tissot, Hamilton, and Movado. If you want a mechanical/self-winding watch, Seiko is your best bet. Just keep in mind that the accuracy will suffer a lot, because you just can’t beat a Quartz watch, even if you satisfy the Swiss Chronometer standards (-4 to +6 seconds per day).

Hamilton watches have more personality and are suitable for cool people. The movado has a sleek and simple design, making it ideal for office workers.

Each of the four brands of watches has its own characteristics. Which brand to choose in the end depends on personal preferences.

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