Which is cheaper, the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton or the Tissot Ballade?

At MSRP the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton is the cheaper of the two at $435, against $1,100 for the Tissot Ballade — a $665 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton or the Tissot Ballade?

The Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton wears larger at 42mm versus 39mm for the Tissot Ballade — a 3mm difference across the dial.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton or the Tissot Ballade?

The Tissot Ballade carries a 80-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton.

What movement does the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton run compared to the Tissot Ballade?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton uses the SII NH38A and the Tissot Ballade uses the Powermatic 80.

Side by side

Spinnaker Croft 42 SkeletonvsTissot Ballade

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton

croft-42-skeleton-automatic-all-steel-sp-5134-33

MSRP $435

Tissot Ballade

t1564081103300

MSRP $1,100

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Croft 42 Skeleton42mm

Ballade39mm

Power Reserve

Croft 42 Skeleton40h

Ballade80h

Water Resistance

Croft 42 Skeleton100m

Ballade100m

MSRP

Croft 42 Skeleton$435

Ballade$1,100

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

4 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Dial Color

Steel

Silver

Indices

Applied

Roman

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

SII NH38A

Powermatic 80

Power Reserve

40h

80h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$435

$1,100

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton

Owners widely report the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton offers good build quality for its price, with some finding it a decent buy on sale. Reviewers note the 42mm case provides significant wrist presence. However, opinions are split on legibility and aesthetics, with some finding it poorly executed and uninteresting while others consider it one of the more legible skeleton watches. The watch is powered by a Seiko NH70 automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve, though one reviewer considered the movement uninteresting. The bracelet and clasp are considered mediocre for the price point. Overall, owners and reviewers find the Spinnaker Croft 42 Skeleton to be a polarizing but potentially good value skeletonized dive watch when purchased on sale, with its build quality being a key positive for many.

Fratello

Tissot Ballade

Owners widely praise the Tissot Ballade for its excellent value, immaculate quality for the price, and attractive design, with many highlighting the mesmerizing dial and hobnail or fluted bezel. Reviewers and owners alike commend its comfortable 39mm proportions and slim case, noting the COSC-certified Powermatic 80 movement as a significant strength. Some owners find the included strap and clasp to be areas for potential improvement, and one owner noted disappointment with a quartz movement in a specific model. Overall, owners and reviewers consider the Tissot Ballade a strong value proposition, excelling in design and movement certification at its price point.

From video reviewers

The Tissot Ballade's unique, intricately cut ribbed bezel design adds depth and character to the case. The watch's stunning finishing is a notable strength, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. A drawback is the somewhat lacking lume brightness, which may be a concern for those who plan to wear it in low-light conditions.

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