Knot Watches CS-38vsTissot Ballade

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Knot Watches CS-38 at true scale

CS-38

Tissot Ballade at true scale

Ballade

Diameter

38mm

40mm

Thickness

8.7mm

8.3mm

lowest

Water Resistance

30m

100m

highest

MSRP

$177

lowest

$400

Movement

Seiko VS42

11.5'

Case

6 specs
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
8.7mm
8.25mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
n/a
Lug Width
18mm
20mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
30m
100m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
Charcoal
Blue
Indices
n/a
Indexes
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Seiko VS42
11.5'
Type
Solar
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$177
$400
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Reviews

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

Knot Watches CS-38

Owners widely praise the Knot Watches Knot CS-38 for its attractive price point and Seiko-like finishing, with many highlighting the gorgeous 38mm case and stunning, multi-layered Urushi red dial featuring gold flecks. Some owners find it a comfortable daily wear, appreciating its light weight and soft leather strap, while others are disappointed, calling it a fashion watch with poor engraving and strap quality. Accuracy varies, with one owner reporting it gains 10-15 seconds per day, and the small crown is noted as difficult to wind by one user. Overall, owners rate the Knot Watches Knot CS-38 highly for its impressive dial and finishing at the price, despite some reservations about build quality and design.

Tissot Ballade

Owners widely praise the Tissot Ballade for its exceptional value, comfortable wearability, and impressive dial finishing, with many considering it a standout in its price segment. Reviewers highlight its COSC-certified automatic movements, often noting the Powermatic 80 with a silicon balance spring, and a slim case profile. Some owners find the design reminiscent of other luxury watches, and the Jubilee-style bracelet and leather straps receive mixed feedback, with some finding them lacking premium features or detracting from the watch's elegance. One owner expressed disappointment that the specific model they encountered was quartz, preferring an automatic version. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Tissot Ballade highly for its blend of design, precision, and value, making it an accessible "nice watch."