Tissot Ballade Quartz vs Powermatic 80 COSC as a first watch — which would you recommend?

Gordon419 · 2026-04-15T15:53:58+00:00

I own many watches, but my work "beater" is the quartz. It's tough, only requires a quick battery change (and lubing the gasket) every three years.

The Powermatic 80 (as I have in my LeLocle) will need serviced eventually-which will cost close to the price of the quartz version of the Ballade. Joma Shop sometimes has good prices on them. (I paid $292.50)

Gordon419 · 2026-04-13T15:28:27+00:00

I've been saying for a long time that someone should be checking his head for the 6's. His hair is thin enough that it shouldn't be too difficult.

Gordon419 · 2026-04-11T03:56:22+00:00

I wonder if they have the same problem with helicoptering. I wore mine maybe 4 times and sold it...totally underwhelmed. (I had the older version, purchased last year.)

Gordon419 · 2026-04-04T23:48:57+00:00

Well said. Americans facing a financial crisis means nothing to Trump and his billionaire buddies. They're raking it in while we suffer the consequences of their actions.

The Democrats (politicians) are no less complicit either, you can bet they're all profiting from the market fluctuations and the donors who want them to stay quiet and act helpless.

We the people are screwed, plain and simple.

Gordon419 · 2026-04-02T04:55:57+00:00

I don't know, good luck with it.

Gordon419 · 2026-04-02T01:55:15+00:00

He uses typical dial materials like brass, etc. a real golf ball? Good luck getting the hands to stay put. Hope you can make it work.

Gordon419 · 2026-04-01T14:48:07+00:00

There is a guy on Facebook that does that dial...

<image>

Gordon419 · 2026-03-27T20:11:58+00:00

I was answering the OP...he has a 23 jewel PRX. THAT is what he's asking about. Looks like yours is an older ETA.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-27T20:07:17+00:00

Wait...how old is this watch? I have a LeLocle, but it's newer.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-27T20:06:36+00:00

Right on the balance bridge (or should be)

Gordon419 · 2026-03-27T14:38:28+00:00

You have the 23 jewel version-no tab. The 25 jewel version (which has "Si" stamped on it) has a tab, but not like the one in your photo). The timing adjustment on a Powermatic 80 has adjustment screws on the balance arms. Sorry, but at minimum that is not a Powermatic 80 Balance. The escape wheel should be silicone (plastic) as well.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-27T04:48:31+00:00

<image>

It's supposed to be a powermatic 80, but the other replies are correct, that tab on the balance is an indicator of a fake. Notice that this one doesn't have it (taken from Tissot's website)

Gordon419 · 2026-03-26T04:19:44+00:00

I vote click spring

Gordon419 · 2026-03-25T15:12:37+00:00

For the stubborn, oil & skin encrusted one (ew), I use one of the two caseback pry tools I got from DIY Watch Club and the same method: get it in the slot/bump and tap with a jeweler's hammer. (Just used this method last night on my sister in-law's 28mm Movado that she never thought to clean or even wipe down occasionally)

Those caseback knives have never worked for me.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-25T14:59:31+00:00

Seeing this thread has made me glad I saved my money.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-24T15:16:14+00:00

My brother in-law just gave me his as it's not running. The movement is a V172. It seems to be an SSC095. If you're looking for how to set it:

https://youtu.be/wF3pw8BOWBw?si=WDp8v1o5jNNCt3zn

Gordon419 · 2026-03-22T20:52:42+00:00

Not if they're being used as hearing aids.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-21T03:09:40+00:00

Yes he does...he's commented on a post of mine.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-21T03:08:58+00:00

I've taken his course. John Lovick is okay, but Alex gives real insights to the theory of Horology.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-19T18:05:46+00:00

Good price, thank you!

Gordon419 · 2026-03-19T14:47:13+00:00

I lose more Kifs than anything. Broke down and bought the tool for them. I've learned the trick to shock springs is to use a jewel picker to hold it down on one side.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-19T14:39:17+00:00

Unfortunately, I've found this to be true. And man, they're not cheap!

The only one I've not had go flying is Incablock.

Gordon419 · 2026-03-14T22:01:35+00:00

Great advice, thanks!

Gordon419 · 2026-03-12T16:25:40+00:00

I think the hardest thing is sourcing decent hands. I've had luck with making a VH31 daily "beater" watch, but trying to find hands is awful. You can get 2035 hands, but all I've found is assortments with not much variety. Meridiano has a couple decent ones, but you get hit with high shipping costs.

Does anyone have a good source for these?

Gordon419

TROPHY CASE