Which is cheaper, the Spinnaker Spence 300 or the Tissot Ballade?

At MSRP the Spinnaker Spence 300 is the cheaper of the two at $650, against $1,100 for the Tissot Ballade — a $450 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Spinnaker Spence 300 or the Tissot Ballade?

The Spinnaker Spence 300 wears larger at 40mm versus 39mm for the Tissot Ballade — a 1mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Spinnaker Spence 300 or the Tissot Ballade?

The Spinnaker Spence 300 is rated to 300m versus 100m for the Tissot Ballade.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Spinnaker Spence 300 or the Tissot Ballade?

The Tissot Ballade carries a 80-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Spinnaker Spence 300.

What movement does the Spinnaker Spence 300 run compared to the Tissot Ballade?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Spinnaker Spence 300 uses the SII NH35A and the Tissot Ballade uses the Powermatic 80.

Side by side

Spinnaker Spence 300vsTissot Ballade

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

Spinnaker Spence 300

spence-300-automatic-aquamarine-sp-5097-aa

MSRP $650

Tissot Ballade

t1564081103300

MSRP $1,100

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Spence 30040mm

Ballade39mm

Power Reserve

Spence 30040h

Ballade80h

Water Resistance

Spence 300300m

Ballade100m

MSRP

Spence 300$650

Ballade$1,100

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

4 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Dial Color

Aquamarine

Silver

Indices

Applied

Roman

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

SII NH35A

Powermatic 80

Power Reserve

40h

80h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$650

$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 Spence 300

The Spinnaker Spence 300 is widely praised for its slim 10.9mm case and 40mm diameter, offering a comfortable and uncommon thin diver design at its price point. Reviewers and owners highlight its value, especially below $350, and its blend of retro design with modern specifications, including a 300m depth rating and a fully indexed bezel. Some owners, however, find the dial printing and bracelet finishing to be less refined, with one noting the bracelet's male end links as a drawback. The consensus is that the Spinnaker Spence 300 is highly regarded for its exceptional value and wearable dimensions, making it a strong contender for an everyday sports watch.

Fratello

WatchUSeek

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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