Switzerland is often referred to as the capital of the watchmaking industry for a reason.
It’s home to some of the best watch brands and manufacturers in the world, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and TAG Heuer. Swiss-made watches are synonymous with luxury and quality, and are prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
And, as it’s usually the case with all the material things in life, the more you pay for a Swiss watch, the better it is. On average, Swiss watches will cost you more than your counterparts from other countries (eg. from Japan or US).
That’s not to say that there aren’t any affordable options out there – there are plenty of them. One brand that is definitely on the more affordable side of things is Mathey-Tissot.
So, the question is – is Mathey-Tissot a luxury watch brand?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s take a closer look.
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What Is a Luxury Watch Brand?
In order to resolve the matter, we must first establish a precise definition of what a luxury watch brand is.
Luxury watch brands often come from renowned watchmakers that have been in existence for several generations and have established themselves as leaders in the field.
These are the brands that demand a premium price because they provide qualities that other, less prestigious companies cannot, such as a feeling of history, prestige, and extraordinary workmanship.
When you purchase a luxury watch, you are purchasing a work of art that has been created to last a lifetime (and longer) rather than just a timekeeper. Luxury timepieces are a great purchase since they maintain their worth quite well.
Luxury watch companies frequently provide a wide range of exquisitely designed mechanical (either manually wound or automated) watches. Quartz watches are incredibly accurate, but mechanical watches provide a degree of refinement, creativity, and technical perfection that quartz watches just cannot equal. Luxury mechanical timepieces still have exceptional accuracy—sometimes even to within a few seconds every day—making them immediately distinguishable from low- or medium-quality watchmakers.
- Related: Swiss Automatic Watches Under $500
Last but not least, premium watch companies provide top-notch components. These timepieces are made from only the best metals, alloys, and other materials. Even valuable stones have been known to be utilized in some instances to provide a sense of refinement and elegance.
Let’s examine Mathey-Tissot more closely to determine if it satisfies the requirements now that we are clearer on what constitutes a luxury watch brand.
So, Is Mathey-Tissot a Luxury Brand?
Taking all of the above information into account, we can safely say that Mathey-Tissot is NOT a luxury watch brand.
The company doesn’t have the same prestige or history as some of the other Swiss brands mentioned above. While it’s true that the brand was enjoying much bigger success in the 20th century, nowadays it’s considered a budget-friendly Swiss watchmaker for a reason.
The Mathey-Tissot of today is dedicated to people who want to own a Swiss watch but don’t want to spend a fortune on it. The company offers good quality timepieces, but they are definitely not in the same league as luxury brands like Rolex or even mid-price Swiss companies such as Tissot or Rado.
- See also: Mathey-Tissot vs Tissot
The pricing of MT watches (some models are available even below $100 and the $300 price point is rarely exceeded) makes the brand an excellent Entry-Level Swiss watchmaker.
Such low price points mean that you can’t expect super-refined Swiss automatic or mechanical movements. In fact, Mathey-Tissot rarely produces mechanical movements nowadays, with a strong focus on affordable yet reliable Swiss quartz watches.
The same goes for the quality of materials. Taking the watch glass as an example, most of the brand’s watches feature mineral crystals, with sapphire only appearing on a small number of models. In contrast, all luxury brands use exclusively sapphire.
To sum it up, Mathey-Tissot is a good budget-friendly Swiss watchmaker that offers reliable timepieces. However, it doesn’t meet all the requirements to be considered a luxury brand.
Why Get a Mathey-Tissot?
While Mathey-Tissot might not be worthy of the luxury status, that doesn’t mean that the watches produced by this company are not worth your time and money.
The main selling point of Mathey-Tissot is its affordable price range. You can find many different models for under $100, which is quite rare among Swiss watchmakers.
Even if you go for one of the brand’s more expensive options, you’ll still be paying significantly less than you would for a luxury timepiece.
Another big advantage of Mathey-Tissot watches is that they offer good value for money. The brand’s quartz watches, in particular, are very accurate and have a long lifespan.
The selection of watch styles is also quite diverse, so you should be able to find a design that suits your taste. From classic and sophisticated looks to more modern and trendy styles, Mathey-Tissot has something for everyone.
Mathey-Tissot’s GMT watches or the Rolly collection are particularly easy on the eye.
Final Word
Summing up, Mathey-Tissot is a wise and risk-free way to dip your toes into the world of Swiss watches without spending a fortune. The brand offers good quality timepieces at very reasonable prices, which makes them an excellent entry-level option.
If you’re looking for a luxury watch, however, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Mathey-Tissot just doesn’t measure up in terms of prestige, history, or quality.
If you’re interested in the luxury watch sector but don’t want to break the bank, check out our list of affordable luxury watches under $500.
