Knot Watches STS-38 (Solar)vsTissot 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 STS-38 (Solar) at true scale

STS-38 (Solar)

Tissot Ballade at true scale

Ballade

Diameter

38mm

40mm

Thickness

6mm

lowest

8.3mm

Water Resistance

30m

100m

highest

MSRP

$222

lowest

$400

Movement

Miyota EL31

11.5'

Case

7 specs
Category
Casual
Dress
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
6mm
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
Light brown
Blue
Indices
n/a
Indexes
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota EL31
11.5'
Type
Solar
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$222
$400
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Reviews

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

Knot Watches STS-38 (Solar)

Owners praise the Knot Watches Knot STS-38 (Solar) for its appealing 38mm dimensions and lightness, with one owner highlighting the comfortable, soft leather strap and another finding the red Urushi lacquer dial with gold flecks eye-catching. The watch is considered a reliable solar model by some, though the brand is relatively unknown outside Japan and some find its designs bland. A non-standard 17.9mm lug width prevents strap changes, disappointing one owner, and the gold specks on the dial require direct light to be visible. Overall, owners rate the Knot Watches Knot STS-38 (Solar) highly for its comfortable wearability and attractive dial at its price point.

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."