Which is cheaper, the Spinnaker Croft Pioneer or the Tissot Ballade?

At MSRP the Spinnaker Croft Pioneer is the cheaper of the two at $199, against $1,100 for the Tissot Ballade — a $901 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Spinnaker Croft Pioneer or the Tissot Ballade?

The Spinnaker Croft Pioneer 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 Pioneer or the Tissot Ballade?

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

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

Both watches run automatic movements — the Spinnaker Croft Pioneer uses the SII NH35A and the Tissot Ballade uses the Powermatic 80.

Side by side

Spinnaker Croft PioneervsTissot Ballade

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

Spinnaker Croft Pioneer

croft-pioneer-automatic-fog-grey-sp-5136-55

MSRP $199

Tissot Ballade

t1564081103300

MSRP $1,100

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Croft Pioneer42mm

Ballade39mm

Power Reserve

Croft Pioneer40h

Ballade80h

Water Resistance

Croft Pioneer100m

Ballade100m

MSRP

Croft Pioneer$199

Ballade$1,100

Full specifications

Case

5 specs

Crystal & Dial

4 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Dial Color

Grey

Silver

Indices

Applied

Roman

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

SII NH35A

Powermatic 80

Power Reserve

40h

80h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$199

$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 Pioneer

Owners widely praise the Spinnaker Croft Pioneer for its detailed workmanship and attractive dial tones that appear distinct in sunlight, with one owner reporting excellent timekeeping of zero gain or loss over two days. However, some owners report the watch keeping poor time, losing five minutes in a day, and find the crown difficult to spin. The leather strap is also noted as rigid. On balance, owners rate the Spinnaker Croft Pioneer highly for its unique aventurine dial and wrist presence at the $130 price point.

Reddit·3

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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