Which is cheaper, the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 or the Tissot Ballade?

At MSRP the Tissot Ballade is the cheaper of the two at $1,100, against $2,400 for the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 — a $1,300 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 or the Tissot Ballade?

The Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 wears larger at 39.5mm versus 39mm for the Tissot Ballade — a 0.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 or the Tissot Ballade?

The Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 is rated to 200m versus 100m for the Tissot Ballade.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 or the Tissot Ballade?

The Tissot Ballade carries a 80-hour power reserve against 56 hours on the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02.

What movement does the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 run compared to the Tissot Ballade?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Tissot Ballade uses the Tissot Powermatic 80.

Side by side

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02vsTissot Ballade

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

Add a watch

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02

ExP02-Hum

MSRP $2,400

See the full The Humboldt ExP-02

Tissot Ballade

MSRP $1,100

See the full Ballade

Buy from Oak & Oscar ↗

Buy used on eBay ↗

Buy from Tissot ↗

Buy used on eBay ↗

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02

Oak & Oscar The Humboldt ExP-02 is a 39.5mm stainless steel tool watch featuring a unique, layered aluminum "ghost dial" for legibility and 200m water resistance, powered by a Sellita SW300 movement. Its appeal is limited by a US$2,550 price and an extremely limited production of 20 pieces, with its experimental dial construction done in Chicago. Overall, reviewers highlight the endearing dial and in-house bezel production as key features of the Oak & Oscar Humboldt ExP-02.

Hodinkee

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.