As you are probably aware, the Tour De France began earlier this month in Bilbao, Spain. It’s one of the most well-known and prestigious bicycle races and the eldest of the three Grand Tours. This week, we head into the final week of the race before it finishes in Champs-Élysées on Sunday. And what better way to celebrate these final few days than to discuss the new Tissot T-Race Tour de France Special Edition 2023?
Tissot and the Tour de France
Tissot’s relationship with the Tour de France runs deeper than just its new T-Race Special Edition 2023 model. In fact, the brand has historically deeply ingrained itself in cycling. In 1995, it began its longstanding partnership with the UCI International Cycling Union which was renewed back in 2022. As a result, Tissot has long been involved with various road, trail, mountain bike and BMX cycling tournaments, such as the Mountain Bike World Championship.
However, Tissot’s relationship with the Tour de France actually predates its connection to the UCI. Tissot was the official timekeeper for the Tour de France from 1988 to 1991, before taking a hiatus from its involvement. It resumed its timekeeping duties for the 2016 Tour de France and has remained the official timekeeper ever since.
Each year, the brand releases at least one new special edition watch to commemorate the Tour de France season. Stemming from Tissot’s well-established passion for cycling sports, these models are designed from a place of extensive cycling expertise. As expected, this year’s model is no exception to the outstanding precedent set by previous years.
Tissot 2023 Edition T-Race Cycling Tour De France Black Dial / Yellow Rubber + Black Leather T1354173705105 / T135.417.37.051.05
Dial and Case
Drawing the eye in immediately is the textured black dial. Its three chronograph subdials give it a sporty and utilitarian edge, whilst its combination of textures hierarchises the design. Moreover, its luminescent dot indices mean that the time is legible even in low-light conditions. Likewise, the silver hour and minute hands have a Superluminova inlay to aid their legibility. For a fun and lighthearted touch, the second hand is the signature Tour de France’s yellow colour. Reinforcing these ties is its bicycle-shaped counterweight, which cycles around the dial as the seconds pass. As a final practical touch, the dial also features a date display aperture at the 4 o’clock position.
A black PVD-plated stainless steel case frames the design, measuring 45mm in diameter. Within it, an internal tachymetric scale located on the flange encircles the dial. Overleaf, the case back features the Tour de France logo.
Movement and Finishing Touches
Within the case is the watch’s reliable battery-powered quartz movement. It’s equipped with an end-of-life function which causes the second hand to make 4-second jumps when the battery needs replacing. As a result, you can be assured that your watch is keeping time accurately until it notifies you otherwise.
The overall sturdy build of the watch locks also locks in an impressive 100 metres of water resistance, so it can stand the extreme conditions cycling may bring. Additionally, high-quality materials like the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal only provide the watch with even greater protection against damage.
Finally, completing the design is a yellow silicone strap. Whilst the strap’s striking Tour de France yellow injects some fun into the design, this model also comes with a second black strap. This complimentary strap is leather and fastens with a pin buckle.
Embracing the spirit of the cycling season, the Tissot T-Race Tour de France Special Edition 2023 is only a testament to the brand’s long-term admiration for cycling. Whether you participate in cycling professionally or just love to watch it recreationally, this new Tissot is the perfect pick. But what do you think about it? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
