Tissot’s latest addition to the Ballade COSC collection comes with an ice blue dial, a color previously available on the quartz version of the watch. It’s a small update to the 39mm automatic model, which already comes in several fairly traditional colors. I think the lighter dial works well here, and it gives us another reason to revisit a watch that’s changed quite a bit since its recent relaunch.
The Ballade name has been around since 1994, although the current design arrived in 2024. That version featured a fluted bezel, a framed date window at 3 o’clock, and a five-link stainless steel bracelet. You can probably guess which Rolex model comes to mind. Personally, the Datejust similarities don’t bother me much. This kind of design has become familiar across several price points, and I think Tissot has enough going on mechanically to make the Ballade interesting on its own.
That mechanical side of things changed considerably in 2025. Tissot introduced the Ballade COSC with a 39mm case and a chronometer-certified Powermatic 80 automatic movement. The earlier quartz models were available for less than $500, so the move to $1,100 represented a pretty substantial change in pricing. Of course, you’re also getting a different movement and a more enthusiast-focused set of specifications.
For this latest version, Tissot has kept the same stainless steel case and bracelet, along with the fluted bezel that gives the Ballade much of its character. The ice blue dial features a sunburst finish, applied Roman numeral hour markers, and Super-LumiNova on the hands and dial. There’s also a date window at 3 o’clock. To me, the lighter color looks especially good against the steel case and bezel. It’s a little less conservative than the existing silver or dark blue options, although I’d want to see how the dial handles different lighting conditions before making any broader judgments.
Inside, the Powermatic 80 continues to offer an 80-hour power reserve and a Nivachron balance spring. COSC certification means the movement has passed chronometer testing, with an average daily rate requirement of -4/+6 seconds. Other specifications include a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, an exhibition caseback, and 100 meters of water resistance. At 10.98mm thick, the Ballade also has fairly reasonable proportions on paper for an automatic watch with this style of case.
The $1,100 asking price is where I have some reservations. I think it’s defensible given the movement and certification, although buyers in this range have plenty to consider. Tissot’s own Gentleman and PRX models offer alternatives, and there’s a fairly broad selection of Swiss and Japanese automatics around the same price. The Ballade’s more traditional appearance will probably be a deciding factor for anyone comparing them.
In my opinion, this ice blue version is a nice addition to the collection. The dial gives the Ballade some extra personality, and the underlying watch remains interesting for the same reasons it did when the COSC model arrived last year. I’m curious to see the color in person, particularly alongside the existing dial options. For now, it’s a modest update to a model that already had a pretty good argument for itself.
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Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.