My family and I have become big basketball fans recently. Because I also love watches, they wanted to get me something special for Father's Day this year. It came in the form of the Tissot Supersport NBA Special Edition watch.
The Tissot is the second basketball watch that I've been gifted, but this one is quite a bit more serious than the first one.
First Impressions of the Tissot Supersport NBA
I had noticed the Tissot shot clock before, but I was not aware that the brand made a watch to accompany it. When I unwrapped a box labeled 'Tissot' and 'NBA', I didn't know what to expect! I've owned a PRX before, along with a handful of other Tissot watches, but the Supersport line was new to me.
It's a big and bold, all-black chronograph, but it took me a while to find all the basketball-related Easter eggs that Tissot incorporated.
Tissot Supersport NBA Details
Wearing the Tissot Supersport NBA
At 45.5mm in diameter, the Supersport is a large watch. The all-black appearance slightly shrinks it, and the lugs curve down a bit, but you'll still notice it on your wrist.
The large crown and pushers are easy to operate. While I found the idea of the shot clock timer to be entertaining, I found it challenging to use while watching Game 6 of the NBA Finals last night. It's tricky to start and stop it at precisely the right time, plus the game clocks count down rather than up. Still, it's a fun touch that those who love the game will appreciate.
Despite having a number of styling elements, legibility is excellent. The hands and markers are large and white. The minute hands on many quartz watches are too short, but this one is the right length. It must have a higher torque movement.
Unlike other Tissot watches, the lume is also quite good. It uses thick applications of Super-LumiNova in blue on the markers, and interestingly, white on the hands.
Original strap and replacement straps for the Tissot Supersport NBA
The included strap features a hybrid construction, combining a rubber backing with a soft leather insert embossed with a basketball pattern. It feels substantial and looks good without being over the top. It features a subtle two-stitch at the top, with red and blue stitches that correspond with the logo.
The strap is 22mm with no taper. It also features quick release springbars, so swapping it out for another strap is quick and easy. Being a Knicks fan, it looks great on a Ridge Rubber Strap. I might even install a blue keeper from our new Custom Color Kits on it.
Here is a list of some other straps that will complement this watch well. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Ridge Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
Tissot Supersport NBA Movement
A Swiss quartz chronograph movement powers the Tissot Supersport, likely one made by ETA. It can measure up to 30 minutes down to 1/10 second. It also has a lap timer function and an end-of-life indicator.
When using the lap timer or reset function, the second hand resets nearly instantly. It's not a snap like you'll find on a mechanical chronograph or mecha-quartz, but it's much quicker than something like a Moonswatch.
The movement is housed behind a solid caseback that is laser-etched with the names of every city with an NBA team. It's a subtle nod to a worldtimer watch, although many of them are in the same time zone.
Tissot Supersport NBA Conclusion
The Tissot NBA watch is an unexpected and fun timepiece that will be enjoyable to wear while watching NBA games, as I enjoy seeing my favorite watch companies sponsor and collaborate with my other hobbies.
Tissot Supersport NBA Specifications
Name: Tissot Supersport NBA Special Edition
Reference Number: T125.617.37.067.00
MSRP: $495
Diameter: 45.5mm
Height: 54.1mm
Thickness: 12.2mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, aluminum insert
Strap: Rubber and leather with basketball pattern