Going Pro: Hands-On with the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional


In 2021, Tissot expanded its popular Seastar dive watch collection with a beefed-up version that also comes with a new wave-pattern dial. In this lastest from our archives, WatchTime travelled to Le Locle for a first hands-on with the 46-mm Seastar 2000 Professional.

The new Seastar 2000 Professional introduces three gradient dial colors and a water resistance of 2,000 feet.

For Baselworld 2018, in retrospect the last time the brand participated in the traditional watch fair, the Tissot Seastar was reintroduced with a new design, much closer to the original version from 2003 with a conic bezel. The case, on the other hand, was kept closer to the previous generation of 2011, featuring recessed polished sections on both sides, but without the integrated helium-release valve at 9 o’clock. Perhaps most importantly, the Seastar 1000 from 2018 no longer came with the rather distinctive “snake head” hour and minutes hands of its predecessors, but with a much less polarizing set of polished sword hands instead. Only the T-shaped counterweight of the second hand has been kept almost unchanged since 2003. In short, when almost every watch brand started to focus on dive watches with retro designs, Tissot had introduced once more a refreshingly modern take on a mechanical dive watch, now successfully using some of the key elements from the last 16 years. And speaking of modern take, one year later, in 2019, the Seastar range was even used as a platform to introduce the Powermatic 80 (ETA C07.811) with “Silicon Balance Spring” in one of its references (T120.407.11.041.01), hinting at the strategic relevance of the range. Sylvain Dolla, Tissot’s CEO, commented, “The Seastar is becoming a very important line in terms of sales. It’s the fourth line at Tissot. Despite the fact that it’s a quite new line, we started the [current version of the] Seastar four years ago.” And he adds, “It’s also important because it can demonstrate what Tissot is capable of.”

Despite its increased water resistance of 600 meters, the Seastar 2000 is still equipped with a sapphire crystal on the caseback.
The movement decoration of the Powermatic 80 almost appears to be inspired by the irregular stripes found on the outside of a nautilus shell.

Another undoubtedly conspicuous demonstration of this approach could be witnessed in the beginning of the year 2020, with the introduction of the 48-mm Tissot Seastar 1000 Professional Limited Edition Chronograph (Ref. T120.614.11.041.00): for the first time ever, Tissot had created and patented a bezel-locking mechanism (positioned at 10 o’clock) that also housed a helium release valve. From this point on, the add-on “Professional” became synonymous with saturation diving (where divers live in a pressurized environment, which can be a saturation system on the surface, or an ambient pressure underwater habitat when not in the water). While only a few divers will ever get the chance to use a mechanical dive watch in this environment (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that only about 10 percent of commercial divers are working as saturation divers), there is usually nothing against a little bit of over-engineering for the rest of us when it comes to dive watches. But the new Seastar 2000 Professional not only comes with an integrated helium release valve at 9 o’clock, it also has an engraved ceramic bezel, which increases the visual appeal significantly (compared to the flat, polished ceramic bezel insert of the Seastar 1000). More importantly, the three versions launching this summer all feature a gradient dial with “a background pattern of waves designed especially for the Seastar 2000 Professional.” With a water resistance of 600 meters (or 2,000 feet), its 46-mm case puts it right between the 48-mm chronograph and the 43-mm Seastar 1000 automatic. The blue and the turquoise dial look rather spectacular on the wrist, while the dark gray version should be the perfect option for those looking for something a bit more understated (which is, with a diameter of 46 mm, generally hard to achieve).

Similar to the Seastar 1000 Chronograph from 2020, the numbers of the ceramic bezel used for the Seastar 2000 are now engraved.
The dial features an engraved wave pattern and a date window at 6 o’clock; the indexes are attached to the outer ring and are on top of the dial
With a thickness of 16.25 mm, Tissot made sure to equip the Seastar 2000 with a substantial screw-in crown and crown guard.

Next to the wave pattern on the dial, the Seastar 2000 has a rectangular date window “in a metallic aperture at 6 o’clock,” and also meets “all the criteria of the ISO 6425 standard that governs dive watches.” It is powered by the Powermatic 80 caliber (ETA C07.111), a self-winding movement that first debuted in 2013 (in the Tissot Powermatic), celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Swiss watch brand. The movement itself is based on the 23-jewel ETA 2824, but offers an increased power reserve of 80 hours, thanks mainly to the reduced operating frequency from 4 Hz to 3 Hz (from 28,800 to 21,600 vph). Additionally, this version of the Powermatic 80 comes with an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring in titanium alloy. As its name suggests, Nivachron was developed by Nivarox-FAR, one of the leading Swiss specialists in the production of oscillating and escapement parts, and a member of the Swatch Group.

Positioned as a professional dive watch, the Seastar is equipped with an automatic helium release valve at 9 o’clock.
The watch is available with a bracelet with folding clasp, or a rubber strap with buckle.
The limited edition Seastar 1000 Professional Chronograph from 2020 featured a bezel-locking crown that also houses a helium release valve.

In short, the Seastar 2000 is the most extreme mechanical dive watch from Tissot so far (when it comes to water resistance), and the watch does undoubtedly have “a strong style, based on a combination of masculine colors, chunky dimensions, a unique dial, the expressiveness of a domed sapphire glass and an uncompromising design,” to quote Tissot. Perhaps most importantly, the Seastar 2000 Professional, like the Seastar 1000, is a modern dive watch with an excellent price-value ratio and a lot of wrist presence.

The white Super-LumiNova used for the dial and hands comes with a blue hue at night.
With a diameter of 46 mm, Tissot’s latest divers’ watch naturally comes with a lot of wrist presence.

What does seem to be a bit inconsistent, however, given the name and positioning of the model, is the choice of a much more playful dial design (compared to the base model), the gradient colors and the almost elegant date window at 6 o’clock. But who said professional divers wouldn’t appreciate a fresh take on the design of a tool watch?

SPECS:
Manufacturer: Tissot SA, Chemin des Tourelles 17, 2400 Le Locle, Switzerland
Reference number: T120.607.11.041.00
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Movement: Self-winding mechanical Powermatic 80 caliber (ETA C07.111), 21,600 vph (3Hz), 80-hour power reserve, anti-magnetic Nivachron balance-spring in titanium alloy
Case: Brushed and polished steel case with transparent sapphire caseback, screw-down crown, water resistant to 600 m; domed sapphire crystal, dial with engraved wave pattern, date window at 6 o’clock, automatic helium release valve at 9 o’clock, unidirectional bezel (120 clicks) with black ceramic insert
Bracelet and clasp: Steel bracelet with folding clasp, or rubber strap with buckle
Dimensions: Diameter = 46 mm, lug width = 22 mm, height = 16.25 mm
Variations: With gray dial (Ref. T120.607.17.441.00); with blue dial (Ref. T120.607.11.041.01)
Price: $1,025

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  1. Leonard Martinez

    Perfect size, simple, functional, pleasing to the eye, powerful lume. What’s not to like? For me it would be the reduction in VPH from 4 to 3Hz. Oh well. You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?

    Reply
  2. Erik Behrendsen

    I’ve owned this watch for more than a year, now. It is beautiful, in fact, bought it on sight at my local retailer. It looks as good as the day I purchased it, runs beautifully, and is still beautiful to look at!

    Reply
  3. Bruce Richardson

    As I wrote in June 2021when I saw this watch in Watchtime, I immediately purchased a blue dial model. Love it!

    Reply
  4. Leonard Martinez

    I really like what Tissot has done with the Seastar. I have an earlier iteration with the snake-head hands in a 49mm case and a Valjoux 7750 movement. The 46mm case and rugged design of the 2000 make this offering masculine and pleasing to the eye. Hopefully the lume on this model is stronger than on mine, which I had to get relumed to make more visible at night for my aging eyes.

    Reply
  5. The Sea Star has been around for years. I could be interest in a purchase, however they don’t make a 37 or 38mm version for smaller wrist sizes; now the Sea Star is larger than ever.

    Reply
  6. Bruce Richardson

    I purchased this Tissot Seastar 2000 (aqua blue) last year after first seeing it in Watchtime. It has proven to be one of my favorite day to day watches. It is robust, keeps good time, and looks great on my larger wrist. The crown mechanism is solid and engages the date and time functions with no slippage or slack. All at a reasonable price.

    Reply
  7. Thomas Hawk

    This watch is disruptive to the industry, but in a good way. We’re talking specifications that closely rival that of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean:

    OMEGA SEAMASTER PLANET OCEAN:
    COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – Switzerland
    CASE & BRACELET MATERIAL – 316L stainless steel
    CRYSTAL MATERIAL – Domed Sapphire
    ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING – Yes
    BEZEL MATERIAL – Ceramic
    EXHIBITION CASEBACK MATERIAL – Flat Sapphire
    MOVEMENT – Omega Calibre 8900 @ 4Hz Swiss Automatic
    FUNCTIONS – Hour, Minute, Second, Date
    POWER RESERVE – 60 Hours
    ANTI-MAGNETIC – Yes
    DIAL SIZE – 43.5mm
    DEPTH RATING – 600m
    HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE – Manual
    WARRANTY – 5 years
    PRICE – $8,800 CAD

    TISSOT SEASTAR 2000 PROFESSIONAL:
    COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – Switzerland
    CASE MATERIAL – 316L stainless steel
    CRYSTAL MATERIAL – Domed Sapphire
    ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING – Yes
    BEZEL MATERIAL – Ceramic
    EXHIBITION CASEBACK MATERIAL – Flat Sapphire
    MOVEMENT – Eta Powermatic 80.111 @ 3Hz Swiss Automatic
    FUNCTIONS – Hour, Minute, Second, Date
    POWER RESERVE – 80 Hours
    ANTI-MAGNETIC – Yes
    DIAL SIZE – 46mm
    DEPTH RATING – 600m
    HELIUM ESCAPE VALVE – Automatic
    WARRANTY – 2 years
    PRICE – $1,375 CAD

    Reply
  8. Leonard Martinez

    Simple, elegant, attractive. The blue dial really hits the mark, and the 46 mm case diameter makes for some hearty wrist presence. Great effort by Tissot.

    Reply
  9. Gerry Dimatios

    I have purchase 3 Tissots in recent times as gifts and all 3 times there have been issues. The Seastar I gave my father ceased. It looked good in the showroom but that’s as far as it went. Tissot if you’re listening – you’re watches have visual appeal but disappoint in real life. Spend some money to improve the quality – but that would push the brand into Longines territory. That said in the current market position Tissot are in they simply can’t compete with the Japanese giant called Seiko. They do quality and volume really well…

    Reply
  10. I bought the one with the blue dial love the watch but certain things are not right, like the push button clasp with the safety latch I just cant seem to get used to it. Initially I wanted to go for the black dial with the rubber strap but found the silicone strap too flimsy to hold the watch 2ndly it was too short for my xl size wrist so it would not fit on a dive suit and lastly the price difference didnt make sense as I can buy the one with the steel bracelet and for few dollars get the rubber band also but when you try the the other way round you end up spending 130 $ for the steel bracelet upgrade. Lastly the new all paper box set is too light for holding such a heavy watches I would have loved the older blue box set or the premium box set. This one is a sure turn off nothing premium or luxury about it .

    Reply
  11. Leonard Martinez

    Love my Seastar 1000, and this one looks good too. The 1000 has a Valjoux 775x. I’d like to try the Powermatic.

    Reply
  12. Saw this review in my Watchtime magazine, and ordered it from a Tissot dealer (Ream Jewelers, Lancaster, PA) right away. The blue Caribbean dial with steel bracelet is beautiful and a remarkable value. My new daily fave.

    Reply
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