Author: Charlotte H

Two brands that I wouldn’t typically choose to compare are Tissot and Bulova. Not because they have nothing in common, but because they’re so different in terms of heritage, style, and the types of timepieces they offer.

The only real link is that both are well-known for offering affordable, high-quality watches. Beyond that, Tissot is a Swiss brand with deep roots in precision and sports timekeeping, while Bulova is an American brand with a history that includes innovation, military use, and even time spent in space.

But despite their differences, Tissot and Bulova are often compared by watch enthusiasts and collectors. Perhaps because they both occupy a similar space in the market; they’re known for being reliable, stylish, and affordable.

Both brands have also built strong reputations over the decades, balancing heritage and innovation in their own unique ways. They also share a loyal following and offer a wide range of collections, appealing to different tastes and lifestyles.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering which is the better brand out of Tissot and Bulova, you’re not alone. While there may not be a single answer, we’ll dive into their history, signature collections, and what makes each unique so you can decide which affordable watchmaker is best suited to your wrist.

Brand Heritage 

When it comes to watch brands with rich histories, it’s easy to focus on the big luxury names like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find two brands with equally fascinating pasts: Tissot and Bulova.

Both have been around for well over a century, playing pivotal roles in watchmaking history. Their stories may not always overlap, but they offer plenty of reasons to admire each one. 

A Quick History of Tissot

Tissot was founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile in the charming Swiss city of Le Locle, an area considered the beating heart of Swiss watchmaking.

To this day, Tissot remains headquartered there, a testament to its deep connection to traditional Swiss craftsmanship. Early on, the brand gained recognition for its reliable, gold-cased pocket watches, which found eager customers across Europe and even as far as Russia and the United States. 

In 1930, Tissot made headlines by merging with Omega, forming the first Swiss watchmaking association. Decades later, the company became part of the Swatch Group which remains home to brands like Longines and Breguet.

But despite merging with other companies, Tissot’s focus on innovation and precision never wavered, especially in relation to the world of sports timekeeping. The brand has been the official timekeeper for major events in cycling, basketball, and ice hockey, showcasing its reputation for accuracy and reliability. 

What makes Tissot truly special is its ability to blend tradition with modern technology. Collections like the Tissot T-Touch introduced touch-sensitive sapphire crystals and advanced functions long before smartwatches were popular.

At the same time, Tissot still produces classically styled timepieces that harken back to its roots like the retro-inspired Tissot PRX. 

A Quick History of Bulova 

Bulova’s story is equally compelling but takes a very different path. Founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, a Czech immigrant, the brand began as a small jewelry store in downtown New York City.

By 1912, Bulova had set up the first plant dedicated to the standardized mass production of watches. Precision and innovation were always at the forefront for Bulova, and it wasn’t long before they made their mark on history. 

In 1926, Bulova produced the world’s first radio advertisement with the iconic line: “At the tone, it’s eight o’clock, Bulova Watch Time.” A few years later, they also became pioneers in television advertising, creating the world’s first-ever TV commercial.

Their association with legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, who famously wore a Bulova watch after his transatlantic flight, cemented their place in popular culture. 

But perhaps Bulova’s most significant contribution to horology was the Accutron, introduced in the 1960s. It was the world’s first fully electronic watch, powered by a tuning-fork mechanism that made it far more accurate than traditional mechanical watches.

Bulova was also deeply involved in NASA’s space missions. Although Omega became the official Moonwatch, Bulova watches still went to the moon. In fact, a Bulova chronograph worn on the Apollo 15 mission famously sold for $1.6 million at auction in 2015. 

In more recent years, Bulova has kept pushing boundaries with innovations like the Precisionist, one of the most accurate quartz watches in the world, and the CURV, the first curved chronograph. While now owned by Citizen Watch Co., Bulova’s spirit of bold design and technological innovation remains stronger than ever.

Model Variety

When it comes to model variety, both Tissot and Bulova offer a vast range of timepieces that cater to different tastes, lifestyles, and purposes.

Whether you’re looking for a Swiss sports watch with precision movement or a pilot’s chronograph with a vintage edge, these brands have something for everyone. Let’s explore how they compare when it comes to collections and versatility.

Tissot 

Tissot stands out for its blend of Swiss heritage and modern design, offering a diverse selection of watches that range from timeless classics to advanced smartwatches. Their collections are designed with different lifestyles in mind, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

The Tissot PRX collection is a personal favourite of mine – I own two watches from this line-up, and I could easily buy more.

The series is a tribute to the original 1978 PRX and has gained significant popularity for its integrated bracelet and textured dials, a look reminiscent of high-end luxury sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but at a fraction of the price.

Available in both quartz and automatic Powermatic 80 movements, the PRX combines retro aesthetics with modern technology, appealing to those who want an affordable Swiss sports watch with serious style. 

For those seeking a classic and elegant everyday watch, the Tissot PR 100 is a perfect option. Originally launched in the 1980s, it remains true to its name: Precise (“P”), Robust (“R”), and water-resistant up to 100 meters (X being the Roman numeral for 100). Its sleek design, featuring a large dial and a narrow bezel, makes it a go-to choice for professionals who want something understated yet stylish. 

When it comes to innovation, the Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport leads the charge. This high-tech collection blends traditional Swiss craftsmanship with smartwatch capabilities.

Features like heart-rate monitoring, fitness tracking, and solar-powered technology make it ideal for fitness enthusiasts who prefer a more sophisticated alternative to standard smartwatches. 

Finally, Tissot’s flagship dive watch collection is the Seastar Collection. These combine high-performance functionality with elegant design. The Seastar 1000 boasts 300-meter water resistance and a robust build, making it a trusted companion for underwater sports. 

Bulova 

While Tissot is a little more focused on sporty and modern aesthetics, Bulova has a penchant for retro. The Archive Series Collection is a perfect example of how Bulova taps into its rich history. This collection reimagines some of the brand’s most iconic models, blending retro designs with modern elements.

The standout is the Lunar Pilot, inspired by Bulova’s chronograph that landed on the moon during the Apollo 15 mission. It’s a highly collectible timepiece and a strong competitor to the more expensive Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. 

For those who love maritime-inspired style, the Marine Star Collection offers water resistance up to 100 meters, along with bold accents and durable materials. These watches are built for adventure while maintaining a polished, sporty look. 

A more contemporary contender is the Bulova CURV, a marvel of modern engineering. Featuring the world’s first curved chronograph movement, these watches are designed to hug the wrist for superior comfort and ergonomics. The ultra-high-frequency quartz movement provides extraordinary precision, and the sleek design makes it a favourite for those who want something both futuristic and fashionable. 

Finally, the Series X Collection showcases Bulova’s expertise in blending bold aesthetics with advanced functionality.

These watches feature complex chronograph dials, high-performance quartz movements, and eye-catching designs that include Damascus steel bezels and translucent dial apertures. It’s the ultimate collection for those who want a statement-making timepiece with precision engineering.

Design

Tissot 

Tissot’s design language leans heavily toward modern, sporty aesthetics with clean lines, contemporary materials, and minimalist detailing. The brand focuses on creating versatile timepieces that blend functionality with style, making them suitable for both casual and professional settings. 

Collections like the PRX highlight retro-inspired designs with a modern twist such as integrated bracelets and textured dials reminiscent of luxury sports watches.

Meanwhile, the Seastar collection combines high-performance dive capabilities with a sleek, polished look that’s perfect for both underwater adventures and daily wear. 

Even in their more classic models like the PR 100, Tissot maintains a minimalist, modern approach, emphasizing elegance without unnecessary embellishments.

And of course, Tissot is one of only a few Swiss watchmakers that have dipped their toes in the smartwatch game. Because of that, the T-Touch Connect Sport stands out with its futuristic design and smartwatch features. 

Bulova 

In contrast, Bulova draws heavily from its rich history, creating designs that exude vintage charm with a modern edge. The Archive Series is a prime example, reviving iconic models with contemporary updates. The Lunar Pilot, inspired by the original watch worn during the Apollo 15 mission, combines historical significance with bold chronograph details. 

But Bulova aren’t afraid of futuristic aesthetics either, as is evident in collections like Series X and CURV. Here eye-catching details, innovative materials, and high-tech movements come together. In short, Tissot appeals to those who prefer modern, understated sophistication, while Bulova is perfect for fans of bold, vintage-inspired designs that stand out from the crowd.

Build Quality & Materials 

When it comes to build quality and materials, Tissot and Bulova offer impressive standards for their price ranges, with a lot of overlap in what you can expect. Both brands aim to deliver accessible luxury, which means they focus on durability and high-quality materials that you might not find in less reputable watchmakers. 

Both brands rely heavily on 316L stainless steel for their cases, a material known for its durability and corrosion resistance. You’ll also find gold plating on select models for a more elegant touch, and both offer a select few titanium options for those who want something lightweight yet strong.

In terms of crystals, sapphire crystal is the go-to for most models from both Tissot and Bulova, ensuring excellent scratch resistance and clear visibility, but Bulova does have a select few mineral glass options too to keep prices low. 

For straps and bracelets, they share a similar range. You’ll come across stainless steel bracelets, genuine leather straps, and rubber bands designed for sportier watches. Each brand’s finishing is well-executed for this segment of the market too, with brushed and polished surfaces that create a refined, high-end look. 

If there’s a difference to point out, it might be in their stylistic choices when it comes to finishing. Tissot leans toward a more refined and minimalist look, with clean edges and a focus on smooth, uniform brushing.

Bulova, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to get a little bolder with their designs and textures, sometimes incorporating intricate patterns and unique materials, especially in collections like the Archive Series or Series X. 

Movements 

Tissot has a bit of an advantage when it comes to movements, after all, this is a Swiss watch brand with some of the world’s top movement manufacturers right on its doorstep. Being part of the Swatch Group, Tissot has direct access to ETA, one of the largest and most reputable movement manufacturers in Switzerland. This means Tissot can offer high-quality mechanical and quartz movements at very competitive prices. 

One of the standout examples is the Powermatic 80 movement, a Swatch Group-owned caliber also used by brands like Hamilton and Rado (although sometimes under different names).

The Powermatic 80 is a superb automatic movement for its price, offering an impressive 80-hour power reserve, which is significantly more than many competitors in the same price range. 

Meanwhile, Bulova’s movements lean in a different direction. The brand does offer some mechanical watches, although they don’t go into great detail on their website about the calibers used. It’s likely that most of these movements come from trusted manufacturers like Sellita or Miyota (part of the Citizen Group). While their mechanical watches are solid, Bulova truly excels in quartz innovation. 

One of Bulova’s proudest achievements is its High Precision Quartz (HPQ) technology, most famously found in the Bulova Precisionist line.

This Ultra High Frequency (UHF) quartz movement features an oscillator that vibrates at 262,144 times per second, which is eight times faster than a standard quartz crystal. The result is incredible accuracy with a deviation of just a few seconds per year, and a smooth-sweeping seconds hand that mimics the look of a mechanical movement. 

Price Point 

When it comes to price, Tissot and Bulova are surprisingly similar, offering a range of options that cater to different budgets.

Tissot’s pricing reflects its status as an entry-level Swiss watch brand. The most affordable Tissot model starts at around $285, with the average price for most models sitting at about $500. For this price, you’re getting a Swiss-made timepiece backed by generations of watchmaking expertise. 

Tissot’s most expensive models, which retail around $2,900. are limited to a select few watches crafted from 18-karat gold, making them the exception rather than the norm. The vast majority of Tissot’s collection remains highly accessible, especially considering the quality and heritage associated with the brand. 

Bulova is just as accessible. Their most affordable watches start around $275 while the average price point is slightly higher than Tissot’s, at around $700. What you get for that extra cost is often a more unique design or advanced quartz technology, especially with models from collections like the Precisionist or CURV. 

Bulova’s most expensive watches are typically limited editions, like special Archive Series models or the Lunar Pilot Meteorite, and they max out around $2,000. In terms of overall affordability, Tissot has a slight edge, especially when it comes to entry-level pricing. That said, both brands deliver excellent value for the price.

Conclusion

When comparing Tissot and Bulova, it’s clear that both brands offer excellent value, rich history, and a range of well-crafted timepieces. However, your choice ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a watch.

Tissot appeals to those who want Swiss precision, timeless design, and quality mechanical movements at an affordable price. As part of the Swatch Group, Tissot benefits from access to high-quality ETA movements like the Powermatic 80, giving them a significant edge in the mechanical watch market.

They also prioritize modern, sporty design over vintage aesthetics, so Tissot watches will be favoured by those tempted by such styles. 

Bulova, on the other hand, is perfect for those who love bold designs and cutting-edge quartz innovation. Known for its groundbreaking High Precision Quartz (HPQ) movements, Bulova offers some of the most accurate quartz watches in the world. Collections like the Precisionist and Archive Series are ideal for those who want something unique, retro, and steeped in American watchmaking heritage.

If mechanical movements and Swiss craftsmanship are high on your list, go for Tissot. But if you prefer technological innovation, bold designs, and unmatched quartz accuracy, Bulova will likely suit you better. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either brand as they both offer something special for watch lovers at every level.

For a long time now, the Cartier Panthere has been widely considered more than just a timepiece but a little piece of luxury. It’s beloved by collectors, celebrities, and style enthusiasts, spotted on some of the world’s most famous wrists. For this reason, many will confidently argue it as one of those rare watches that deserves to forever live in the jewelry watches hall of fame.   

From afar, it’s instantly recognisable for its sleek square-shaped case, feline-inspired design and air of prestige. There’s no denying that the Panthere embodies everything Cartier stands for. But if you’re thinking about adding one to your collection, there’s one decision you’ll need to make first and that’s picking a size. 

You might think size is just about fit, but trust me, it goes way beyond that. The size can completely change how the watch looks and feels on your wrist, and to make things even more interesting, certain styles and finishes of the Cartier Panthere are exclusive to specific sizes. That means your choice isn’t just about preference; it can shape the entire buying experience. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between the Cartier Panthere Small and Cartier Panthere Medium, so you can choose the one that fits your style and wrist.

The Cartier Panthere Collection 

Cartier has no shortage of exceptional luxury watches. Many of you will likely be familiar with the Cartier Tank, a watch shaped like the tracks of a military tank, embodying timeless elegance and clean, geometric lines.

There’s also the famous Santos de Cartier, which holds the distinction of being one of the first wristwatches ever created, originally designed for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont to provide practicality and sophistication in flight.

Joining these iconic collections is the Cartier Panthere collection, a line that exudes femininity and glamour, characterized by its sleek, jewelry-like design and a bracelet that flows as smoothly as liquid metal. 

With its origins in the glamorous 1980s and a celebrated revival in 2017, the Cartier Panthere collection has solidified its place as one of Cartier’s most enduring and iconic designs. From its unmistakable bracelet to its feline-inspired elegance, it’s a watch with a brilliant history and an equally brilliant range of variations in today’s line-up to choose from. 

A Quick History of the Cartier Panthere

 The history of the Cartier Panthere interestingly doesn’t start with the release of the watch. In fact, it began way before in 1914 when Louis Cartier commissioned artist George Barbier to create a piece called “Lady with a Panther” for a jewelry exhibition. That same year, the first ever panther motif appeared on a Cartier piece, a wristwatch adorned with onyx and diamonds in a panther-spotted pattern. 

From that moment on, the panther became a legendary symbol of the fine jewelry brand. Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s creative director at the time, further cemented the panther’s legacy by launching the “La Panthere,” a feline-inspired jewellery collection which featured everything from panther-shaped rings to intricate brooches.

The Panthere de Cartier watch, however, took a subtler approach. Named for its fluid, graceful bracelet that mimics the animal’s movement, the Panthere watch was designed to embody the panther’s spirit in form rather than imagery. 

When Cartier unveiled the Panthere watch in 1983, it was an instant hit. The design balanced sophistication and versatility, appealing to both men and women.

Available in various sizes, from the petite Mini to the bold Jumbo, the Cartier Panthere offered something for everyone. Its square case, reminiscent of Cartier’s earlier Santos design, was softened with rounded edges and paired with a five-link bracelet that gave it an undeniable jewelry-like quality. 

During the 1980s and 1990s, the Panthere became synonymous with luxury, gracing the wrists of celebrities like Madonna and Pierce Brosnan. Its quartz movement, cutting-edge at the time, kept the design sleek while ensuring practicality.

From all-gold versions to two-tone styles and diamond-set models, the Panthere was as much about individual expression as it was about timeless glamour. 

Design Characteristics of the Cartier Panthere 

• A Square Case and Bezel: With eight small rivets, the bezel’s symmetry adds a subtle edge to the otherwise fluid design.
• Roman Numerals and Blue Sword-Shaped Hands: The classic Cartier dial layout, with its secret signature hidden within the Roman numeral X, maintains tradition although there are several new dial variations that are now also available.
• The Five-Link Bracelet: This ultra-flexible, silky bracelet is the heart of the Panthere collection, transforming it into a piece that seamlessly straddles the line between watch and jewelry.
• Quartz Movement: The slim quartz mechanism keeps the watch lightweight and functional, allowing the bracelet to remain the centerpiece.

Cartier Panthere Medium vs Small – The Right Size for You

When it comes to the Cartier Panthere collection, there is a wealth of variety to explore. Cartier offers several sizes within this iconic collection, catering to different preferences and styles.

While the focus of this comparison is the Small and Medium models, it’s worth noting that the collection also includes a Mini (or Very Small) model and a Large model, each with unique characteristics. 

The Cartier Panthere Mini is the most petite of the collection, measuring to just 25 mm by 20 mm with a thickness of 6 mm.

This model currently comes in a single, highly luxurious variation inclusive of a quartz movement and a breathtaking rhodium-finished white gold case covered entirely in brilliant-cut diamonds.

Its crown is also adorned with a brilliant-cut diamond, and the silvered dial features blued-steel sword-shaped hands under sapphire crystal. This Mini model is truly a jewelry piece as much as it is a watch, offering an unmatched elegance in its diminutive size. 

On the other end of the spectrum is the Cartier Panthere Large, available in three variations: full stainless steel, two-tone stainless steel and 18kt gold, and full 18kt gold. The Large model measures 31 mm by 42 mm, with a thickness of 6.71 mm. It provides a bold statement on the wrist while retaining the refined sophistication Cartier is known for.

Between these extremes, the Small and Medium Panthere models stand out for their versatility and broader range of options. Here’s all you need to know about these two popular sizes. 

The Cartier Panthere Small 

The Small model measures 30.3 mm by 22 mm, with a thickness of 6.3 mm. It strikes a perfect balance between the delicacy of the Mini and the presence of the Medium or Large models. The Small Panthere offers more options compared to the Mini and Large collections, making it a favourite among those looking for variety. 

Currently, there are six references in the Small size. These include two two-toned gold and steel variations with silvered dials decorated with black Roman numerals and the traditional blued-steel hands. Additionally, there are four stunning solid gold models.

These gold variants can be ordered with a black lacquer dial, a golden grained dial, a rose gold-colored grained dial and a special brown dial. The latter is particularly beautiful, utilizing graduated shades of gold and golden brown to form a diagonal pattern in the center. 

The first three gold models feature diamond-set bezels and the iconic diamond-tipped crown. The fourth, with its brown dial, features a crown set with a blue sapphire and a simple, unadorned bezel.

This latter option is particularly unique within the Panthere collection, offering a more understated elegance and a distinctive look. As one of my personal favourites, it’s a reference that could easily sway a decision for those torn between sizes. 

The Cartier Panthere Medium 

The Medium Panthere comes in a little larger at 27 mm by 37 mm with a thickness of 6 mm, making it more prominent and a little more of a statement piece than the Small model. It also offers the most extensive range of variations within the entire Cartier Panthere collection, providing options to suit almost every taste. 

Currently, the Cartier Panthere Medium comes in steel, two-toned gold, and full gold cases. These are complemented by a variety of dial and bezel combinations, including silvered dials with black Roman numerals and blued hands, black lacquer dials with gold hands, plain bezels and diamond-set bezels and diamond-set dials and non-diamond-set dials.

There’s also one model entirely encrusted with diamonds, featuring 415 brilliant-cut diamonds across the dial, bezel, crown, case, and bracelet to total a whopping 7.80 carats. 

This impressive variety ensures that the Medium size can cater to those seeking subtle sophistication as well as full-on opulence. 

Which Cartier Panthere Is Right for You? 

When deciding between the Cartier Panthere Small and Panthere Medium models, several factors come into play, including wrist size, personal style, and intended use. 

For those with petite wrists, the Cartier Panthere Small may be the ideal choice. Its dimensions ensure it sits comfortably on smaller wrists while maintaining a chic and elegant appearance.

The variety of designs, especially the solid gold options with unique dials, provide ample opportunities to find a model that matches your personality. 

Those with larger wrists or those wanting something a little more versatile, the Cartier  Panthere Medium will likely be the more tempting of the two. It offers a slightly larger presence that’s perfect for making a statement without feeling oversized.

Plus, it’s extensive range of variations allows you to choose a model that transitions seamlessly from day to night, whether you prefer understated steel or the glamour of diamonds. 

For lovers of luxurious details, you can’t go wrong with either. Both sizes offer exquisite craftsmanship, but if you’re drawn to more unique dial designs, such as the diagonal gold-and-brown pattern in the Small model, that might tip the scales in its favor. Conversely, if you’re looking for sheer extravagance, the fully diamond-encrusted Medium model is unparalleled.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the choice between the Cartier Panthere Small and Panthere Medium comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. If you have a petite wrist or prefer a watch that feels daintier, the Small model’s refined elegance and unique dial designs, such as the stunning diagonal gold-and-brown configuration, make it an excellent choice. Its slightly smaller presence exudes sophistication without overwhelming the wrist, making it perfect for those seeking understated glamour.

On the other hand, the Medium size offers unmatched versatility and variety compared to the other sizes, with options ranging from sleek steel designs to dazzling diamond-encrusted models.

If you’re after a watch that can transition effortlessly from casual chic to full-on evening luxury, the Medium size is hard to beat. Its larger case also makes a stronger style statement, ideal for those who love a bolder accessory or just have slightly larger wrists.

No matter which size you decide on, we have no doubt you’ll love the Cartier Panthere. It’s a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship and one of those rare watches that continually turns heads.

From the fluid bracelet to the exquisite dial options, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to catch the eye and spark admiration. So which Cartier Panthere will you choose?