Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport: A Modern Classic with Touch of Innovation

The T-Touch technology from Tissot made its debut in 1999 with the introduction of its inaugural “smartwatch,” the Tissot T-Touch. This innovation presented a novel method of interacting with the watch’s various digital functionalities—including features like a thermometer, barometer, and compass—by employing a sapphire crystal for its touch capabilities, fundamentally reshaping user experience back in 1999. In the landscape of classic watches, Tissot has built a solid reputation around its quartz and automatic movements, making the T-Touch a distinctive addition to the offerings of a traditional Swiss watchmaker infused with a contemporary edge.

Nowadays, touch screens are ubiquitous in watches, even among the most affordable smartwatches. These screens are quite responsive and can recognize swipes along with other contemporary gestures for navigating through apps and menus. Renowned tech companies such as Apple and Samsung also utilize sapphire crystal to shield their digital interfaces (though mainly in their premium models).

While the widespread adoption of touch screen technology somewhat diminishes the uniqueness of Tissot’s T-Touch, which was designed differently, the brand has chosen to enhance its quartz-powered T-Touch collection by incorporating new activity tracking features. This evolution leads us to the latest iteration, the T-Touch Connect Sport. The T-Touch Connect Sport is appealing in multiple aspects, transcending its contemporary smartwatch functions and positioning itself as a modern reincarnation of the T-Touch, set to compete with today’s smartwatches. But does it truly need to? Read on to discover!

Review of Tissot Connect Sport Design and Specifications: A distinctive fusion of old and new

• Case size — 43mm
• Case material — titanium, ceramic
• Durability — 5 bar (50m)

Many entry-level and budget smartwatches are trying to mimic designs from premium tech brands such as Samsung and Apple. While the designs of Samsung and Apple do have their distinctiveness, it’s inevitable that local brands will replicate them over time. Consequently, for those seeking something distinctive in design, the Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport Solar emerges as an appealing option.

The Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport review unit showcases a titanium case with a natural finish

 

The sporty design certainly differentiates itself with a hybrid layout, incorporating traditional rotating watch hands alongside a compact capsule-shaped display for accessing advanced features. This display remains off until a notification triggers it, ensuring the T-Touch Connect Sport maintains the appearance of a classic watch.

The entry-level model starts from Rs. 97,000, featuring silicone straps and a natural finish case. Models with color-coordinated cases are priced at Rs. 1,04,000, while the color-matched metal bracelet model is available for Rs. 1,08,500 in India.

Tissot justifies its pricing structure due to the premium hypoallergenic titanium case measuring 43mm, which is also anti-magnetic. The numbered bezel is crafted from ceramic, and the tactile display is protected by sapphire crystal. The watch is touted to be water-resistant up to 5 bar (50m), making it suitable for urban environments.

Featuring two pushers on the right side, the Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport

 

The watch resembles a chronograph but may people confuse it due to its two pushers while lacking the conventional crown for adjusting time and sub-dials typical of chronographs.

The silicone strap is interchangeable with a metal bracelet or any third-party quick-release strap of your preference. Thanks to the slits in the silicone strap, it offers supreme comfort for everyday wear and breathability during physical activities.

The two pushers located on the right side come with fixed functions tailored for the Sw-ALPS software operating within the watch. What I appreciate is the significant travel when pressed, a feature that gives a premium feel in contrast to other smartwatches I’ve tried.

The silicone strap offers exceptional comfort for daily use but can be swapped for other straps

 

Design-wise, there’s little to find fault with, though I wish this watch were available in a slightly larger case size of 46-47mm.

Tissot Connect Sport Review Display: Small size isn’t the best

• Display type — AMOLED
• Protection — Sapphire crystal

The T-Touch Connect Sport’s display is capsule-sized yet performs well in all lighting conditions. With the photovoltaic cells occupying much of the dial’s surface (dark brown), the compact display remains visible and activates when either pusher is pressed. Once active, the watch hands retract to ensure the display readability.

The display goes into sleep mode after 30 seconds or can be turned off by covering it. Notably, the minute hand aligns precisely with the second mark, continuing to track time accurately after using the display.

The display of the Tissot T-Touch Connect is small, measuring just two centimeters across and surrounded by the solar cells on the dial.

 

I manually checked the elapsed seconds repeatedly after activating the display, and the minute hand consistently aligned perfectly after the display turned off. Such details are likely to be appreciated by enthusiasts of the T-Touch Connect Sport.

Tissot Connect Sport Review Software and Companion App: Minimally confusing

• Companion app platforms — Android, iOS, Harmony OS
• Watch Software — Swiss Low Power Operating System

The previous T-Touch Connect Solar merely featured markings for each primary function (such as meteo, activity, navigation, time, etc.) on the bezel. Users could simply touch the designated area to activate that function, with further adjustments available via the crown.

In contrast, the revitalization of the T-Touch series disappointingly lacks the intuitive (and enjoyable) touch technology present in its predecessor, opting instead for basic gesture controls akin to smartwatches that rely on swipes and taps to navigate through functions.

Upon activating the display, users are welcomed by the date and day alongside the step counter, forming the home screen or main watch face. Swiping up here allows access to widgets related to daily goals (like step count, calories burned, and distance). Users can even adjust their daily goal directly from the watch by accessing the last selection, which includes both predefined and custom targets.

Left to right: Main watch face, swipe up (activity modes), swipe down (goals), swipe right (notifications/toggles), swipe left (watch functions)

 

Swiping down grants access to exercise modes (such as running, workouts, cycling, and hiking). A right swipe presents notifications and various toggle features (Bluetooth, Sound, Vibration, etc.), while a left swipe reveals watch functions like the timer, alarms, chrono, and solar charging indicator.

A beneficial aspect of the swipe gestures is that the sapphire crystal display only recognizes single swipes (up, down, left, or right), holds, and taps for item selection. Those unfamiliar with swipe actions can also use the pushers: the upper pusher swipes left (or activates a mode), while the lower pusher swipes right (to return or end an activity), thus navigating through this simple yet vibrant interface. Users also have the option to control or enable all functions via the companion app if they prefer not to engage with the display.

Tissot’s T-Connect app boasts a well-organized design making watch setup straightforward

 

Challenges with this minimalist interface emerge when multitasking is attempted. For instance, setting something as basic as a timer requires multiple taps and swipes, leading to delays in which a full minute may have passed since your attempt. Notifications that arrive during timer setting result in additional frustration, necessitating a restart once the notification is dismissed.

Because the hands move out of the way when engaging the display, the time remains hidden while doing so. If you wish to check the timer left (displayed on the watch), you’ll need to wake up the watch (by pushing a button), watch the hands retreat, and only then can the timer be viewed for 30 seconds, after which the display turns off, and the hands return to the current time indication.

The case back includes all necessary sensors, primarily utilized for heart rate monitoring, but activates only during activities

 

Although I was bracing for a convoluted experience (considering Tissot’s traditional Swiss watchmaker background), the T-Connect companion app proved to be surprisingly simple and user-friendly. Given the watch’s lack of overwhelming features compared to traditional smartwatches, the app’s layout remains straightforward. The dashboard tab allows for customization to display preferred activity statistics or functions, organizing them into clear card-like widgets.

The Daily Steps tab presents a simple step count, while the Activity tab catalogues all activities performed while wearing the watch. The final tab, labeled More, holds editable profile information, options to manage watch connectivity, permissions, and additional settings. Setting up the watch on Android or iPhone was seamless, particularly as it lacks Bluetooth calling capabilities.

Dependent on the platform, the app can integrate into health services, like Apple Health on iPhones. For those who prefer not to handle the watch directly, it’s also feasible to configure timezones, alarms, etc., through the app alone.

Notifications appear in full (with emoji support) and can be dismissed individually

 

An efficient companion app is essential, especially since the Sw-ALPS interface on the watch’s small display may become challenging to navigate without focus. As previously mentioned, I utilize the term “function” because the Sw-ALPS interface doesn’t support running or integrating any apps. Much like a traditional timepiece, the features available are mainly activated by buttons on the device.

Serving primarily as a notifier, the watch can display full messages or notifications (including emojis) on its compact screen. Users can clear notifications on a case-by-case basis or collectively. Although calls can be accepted or rejected through the watch, this requires Bluetooth earphones for effective communication. Additionally, the watch comes with an automatic sleep mode that disables notifications around bedtime. The only catch is that users must manually wake the watch from sleep mode, or they could miss notifications.

Tissot Connect Sport Review Performance: Reliable functionality

• Sensors — Heart rate monitor, accelerometer
• GPS — No (uses smartphone)
• Storage — No

Throughout the testing phase, I primarily employed the watch during walks. It performed accurately in counting steps and providing live feedback once an activity was initiated. The watch offers a limited selection of activities (as noted earlier), indicating that it isn’t intended for fitness enthusiasts seeking comprehensive metrics from their physical workouts.

The absence of built-in GPS implies that users must carry their smartphones while exercising or jogging, which can be a hassle. Furthermore, the inability to change music tracks during exercise is a drawback, as even basic fitness bands provide this feature today. In summary, this watch is suited mainly for walking, running, cycling, or hiking, giving it a competent tracking capability for these activities.

The Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport charges through solar cells embedded into the dial

 

Several other missing attributes commonly found in smartwatches at this price tier include ongoing heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep monitoring, BMI assessments, and ECG readings. Hence, it’s clear that this watch is not aimed at a fitness-oriented audience.

Tissot Connect Sport Review Battery: Remarkable

• Battery capacity — 110mAh
• Charging adapter — Magnetic (2-pin)

This leads us to discuss battery life. Given the minimal demands of such a device, the T-Touch Connect Sport utilizes a Renata ICP371427SPC (rechargeable battery) to power the quartz mechanism and harness energy from the solar dial. Although such a battery might be deemed too diminutive for a smartwatch, it sufficiently meets the needs of the Connect Sport due to its absence of continuous health monitoring capabilities, only utilizing heart-rate sensors during activities.

With a claimed battery life of six months on a single charge, the Connect Sport should last effortlessly for a global journey

 

With that in mind, the watch is expected to endure for six months while in connected mode, which is commendable for a smartwatch (if it can still be labeled as such). However, to achieve this longevity, the watch must be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 35 minutes daily when in connected mode. Despite the dreary monsoon season in Mumbai, I only managed to deplete about 20% of the watch’s battery over the month-long review process, confirming its performance aligns with Tissot’s claims.

Final Verdict on Tissot T-Touch Connect Sport

Departing from the traditional bezel-based touch interface of its predecessor, the new T-Touch Connect Sport represents an intriguing evolution for a contemporary connected smartwatch. Although its interactivity isn’t as engaging as the 47mm Connect Solar, it still stands as a distinct entry from Tissot in the realm of hybrid connected timepieces that serve primarily as notifiers. Even with significant feature reductions (and a dependence on smartphones), it remains a stylish choice in the converging worlds of smart and traditional watches.

Nonetheless, this novel direction comes at the expense of being less engaging (and intuitive) than its predecessor, which still remains available globally at the same price point, and it doesn’t offer the extensive functionality that many smartwatches in 2024 provide at this price range. Presently, this gentleman’s smartwatch faces tough competition from established smartwatch brands and conventional timepieces, falling short in both categories. Alternatives like the newly released Withings ScanWatch Nova should also be on a prospective buyer’s radar, boasting various health monitoring features, a 30-day battery life, and a design that functions as a dress watch when needed, retailing at Rs. 49,999 in India.