Now we take it for granted due to the prevalence of touchscreen technology in our daily lives, but when Tissot introduced the T-Touch in 1999, it was truly groundbreaking. That was the same year I graduated from high school, and at the time, multi-function touch watches were the future. Tissot’s bet paid off big time, and the T-Touch was a hit. As technology and consumer expectations have evolved, so have the features of the T-Touch. For example, the company launched the Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar in 2020 (for more details on the development of this watch, see: Ariel Adam’s practical review). Now, the latest version of that model is available: the Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport watch, packed with sports and health-focused features and in a more compact case.
While 43mm is by no means small, it is definitely less bulky than the previous version’s 47mm diameter. The 43mm Tissot T-Touch Connect sports case is made of lightweight titanium and is 12.8mm thick. It is also water resistant to 50 meters. The top of the case is topped with a ceramic bezel and is available in several colors, including black, blue, silver, and brown. The watch is paired with a color-matched silicone strap or a matching titanium bracelet. It has an interchangeable quick release system for changing straps and Superluminova on the hands for better visibility at night.
Befitting its name “Touch,” the new T-Touch features tactile sapphire glass and is equipped with an AMOLED screen. When the T-Touch Connect Sport is unlocked (unlock the watch with the pusher at 2 o’clock), the wearer can activate various functions by touching the screen or using the side pusher. When the watch is connected to a smartphone, users can access the Tissot app for features such as “Workout,” which provides data such as distance traveled, speed, heart rate, and calories burned, and “Statistics,” which shows more detailed progress graphs and trends. In addition, the watch can also provide notifications such as incoming messages, calls, and reminders. As Tissot says, the watch “is not a replacement for your phone,” but it does allow users to decide whether or not they need to pick up their phone. The T-Touch Connect Sport uses a proprietary low-power operating system called “SwALPS,” which is compatible with most iOS, Android, and Harmony devices. Tissot promises to continue providing updates to the watch and app in the future, adding even more features.
Aside from its functionality, a big plus of the Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport is that its quartz movement charges using solar energy. The top of the black dial is made of a photocell that, according to Tissot, provides the same amount of energy as five button batteries for a year, and performs better in low light. The advertised battery life is six months in standard connected mode, three months in sports connected mode, and “infinite autonomy” in watch mode.
With an attractive design and packed with health and fitness-conscious features, the new T-Touch Connect Sport will undoubtedly appeal to many, especially those who found the Connect Solar too bulky. In fact, Tissot has clearly positioned this as a unisex watch, and we’re sure that the 43mm will look good on both men and women. The blue, orange, and white T-Touch Connect Sport will be priced at $995 USD, while the black and brown versions will retail for $1,075 USD. These will be available exclusively in Switzerland from November 15th, but we expect Tissot will start rolling them out to other markets soon after. For more information on the new Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport watches, check out the brand’s website.