Clicky

Tissot Shrunk Its Gentleman and the Fit Changes Everything

If you buy something from a link in this article, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Tissot Gentleman 38mm

The Tissot Gentleman has been one of the brand’s most popular collections outside of the PRX lineup, and it’s easy to see why. Clean design, solid movement, and the kind of dress watch versatility that works with a suit or a T-shirt. The one complaint that kept surfacing in watch forums and comment sections? At 40mm, it wore just a touch too large for anyone who preferred a more classic fit on the wrist.

Price: $850
Where to Buy: Tissot



Tissot listened. The Gentleman collection now comes in 38mm, and it brings a Powermatic 80 automatic movement, the same Swiss-made pedigree, and a starting price of $850.

Add The Gadgeteer on Google Add The Gadgeteer as a preferred source to see more of our coverage on Google.

ADD US ON GOOGLE

What Changed Beyond the Case Size

The size reduction isn’t just a simple scale-down. Tissot reworked the proportions to make the 38mm case feel intentional rather than shrunken. The 316L stainless steel case measures 11.53mm thick with a 45.7mm lug-to-lug, and houses a see-through caseback, letting you watch the Powermatic 80 caliber do its thing. That movement delivers up to 80 hours of power reserve, which means you can leave it on the nightstand Friday evening and pick it back up Monday morning without needing to reset.Tissot Gentleman 38mm Green

The dial gets an updated treatment with what Tissot calls a pyramidal sunburst finish, adding texture and depth that catches light differently than the sector-style brushing found on the 40mm models. Polished dagger hands carry over from the larger version, maintaining visual continuity with the rest of the Gentleman family, though the hour markers shift from tapered to straight batons. A domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating sits on top, giving the face a slight curvature that adds character in profile. Water resistance holds at 100 meters, and the 18mm bracelet now features quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, a practical upgrade the 40mm version didn’t have.




Four Colors at Launch

Tissot is rolling out the 38mm Gentleman in four dial options: blue, green, silver, and black. All four come on the signature Gentleman bracelet in stainless steel. The blue variant (model T1658071104100) will likely get the most attention given how well Tissot handles blue dials across its lineup, but the green option could be the sleeper pick for anyone looking to add something with a bit more personality without going too bold.

The Nivachron Detail Worth Noting

Sharp-eyed buyers will notice a few changes compared to the 40mm Powermatic 80 Silicium models. The 38mm version uses a Nivachron balance spring instead of a silicon hairspring, and the decorated rotor found in the Silicium version is gone, replaced by a standard rotor.Tissot Gentleman 38mm Where to Buy

Nivachron is a titanium-based alloy developed by the Swatch Group (Tissot’s parent company) that offers strong anti-magnetic properties. It’s a different approach than silicon, but it still delivers the reliability and accuracy that the Powermatic 80 movement is known for. The 80-hour power reserve remains unchanged regardless of which balance spring technology sits inside.

Why the Size Matters

The shift from 40mm to 38mm might sound minor on paper, but it changes how the watch wears in a meaningful way. The 40mm sat at 11.5mm thick, so the new version is barely heavier in profile, but the shorter lug-to-lug makes a noticeable difference on smaller wrists. At 38mm, the Gentleman slots into a sizing sweet spot that works across a wider range of wrist sizes. Collectors who gravitate toward vintage proportions, or anyone who finds modern watches trending too large, now have an entry point into the Gentleman line that doesn’t require compromising on fit.Tissot Gentleman 38mm Review




The original sizing, while popular, left a segment of the market looking for something a bit more compact. Watch forums and Reddit threads have asked for a smaller Gentleman for years, and the 38mm is Tissot’s answer. The watch community has been vocal about wanting this exact option, and the early response across social media and watch forums has been enthusiastic.

Where It Sits in the Market

At $850, the Tissot Gentleman 38mm occupies a specific and interesting position. You’re getting a Swiss automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve, a sapphire crystal, a see-through caseback, and a well-finished steel bracelet. Finding all of those features in a single package at this price point isn’t common, and the 38mm case size makes it even more distinctive in a market where sub-40mm automatics from established Swiss brands remain relatively rare.Tissot Gentleman 38mm Black

Price: $850
Where to Buy: Tissot

The Gentleman has always drawn comparisons to watches that cost significantly more, and the 38mm version only strengthens that conversation. It’s available now through Tissot’s website and authorized retailers.






Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *