The Tour De France is about to click into gear in Barcelona, and with it comes a horological partnership that spans nearly 40 years. Beginning in 1988, Tissot is the Official Timekeeper and Sponsor of the Tour de France, creating many watches for cyclists over the years. Built for both racers and everyday cyclists alike, today I’ll be running through my top 5 watches for cycling, inspired by Tissot’s historic alliance with the event.
Next year, the competition makes its way to the North West, with the 2027 Tour De France Route passing right through Lancaster (where our flagship store happens to be located!).
What Makes a Good Cycling Watch?
Tissot watches are made to be versatile for everyday activities, including sports and exercise. But is there anything specific you should look for in a watch for cycling? Well, many cyclists will opt for smartwatches to be able to track their pace, timings, and other health features, such as Garmin watches. For those who prefer the look and feel of traditional watches, it’s beneficial to have:
- Strong Battery Life: Make sure your watch won’t need recharging for those long cycles.
- Comfort & Fit: Lightweight watches with an ergonomic feel won’t distract or feel uncomfortable.
- Legibility: Readability at a glance is crucial, and anti-reflective glass is ideal for cycling in the sun.
Nice to have but not essential are tachymeter bezels. These feature a tachymeter scale, which allows you to calculate speed based on travel time over a fixed distance.
Tissot PRX Titanium Automatic 38mm (T137.807.44.061.00)
Why it works for cyclists: If you’re not a watch expert and don’t know what to look for, pieces crafted from titanium are generally a good start. Titanium is very lightweight, which drastically reduces wrist fatigue from the constant vibrations of the handlebars over long distances. It also features an 80-hour power reserve, meaning it’ll last your weekend rides without skipping a beat.
Available for £795 at Banks Lyon Jewellers or from £6.62 per month on finance
Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz 39mm (T151.422.11.031.00)
Why it works for cyclists: You spend your time outdoors, so it only makes sense to let the sun power your watch. Equipped with Tissot’s Lightmaster Solar Quartz movement, this 39mm watch powers itself from natural and artificial light, so it never quits mid-ride. Its solid quartz movement means you don’t have to worry about how much charge is left whilst on the road.
Available for £450 at Banks Lyon Jewellers.
Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz 34mm (T151.822.11.351.00)
Why it works for cyclists: If you ride in tight aerodynamic gear or heavy gloves, a bulky watch is nothing but a nuisance. This model packs that same solar quartz technology into a highly compact 34mm profile. It stays completely out of your way while you ride, proving that you don’t need a massive timepiece to get maximum, reliable performance.
Available for £450 at Banks Lyon Jewellers.
Tissot Ballade Quartz 40mm
Why it works for cyclists: If your daily cycle consists of going from bike to boardroom, versatility is everything. The quartz engine handles the bumps of your daily route easily, with an interchangeable quick-release bracelet. All you have to do is snap off the steel, snap on a sweatproof silicone strap, and you’re instantly ready to ride.
Available for £320 at Banks Lyon Jewellers
Tissot PRX Damascus Steel 38mm (T137.807.96.081.00)
Why it works for cyclists: You can’t control the weather, but your watch can absolutely handle it. With 100m of water resistance, this watch makes sure that a sudden, torrential downpour won’t slow you down. When the sun sets on those late evening rides, the Super-LumiNova markers light up, giving you total clarity at a 30mph glance.
Available for £960 or from £8 per month on finance at Banks Lyon Jewellers.
Try on Tissot at Banks Lyon Jewellers
Tissot watches are known for being extremely durable and luxurious despite their more affordable pricing, making them an excellent choice for cycling and beyond. If you’re wanting to try on a timepiece in person, pop down to our historic Lancaster store on Church Street, and our team of experts will be here to help.