While Tissot has long been a favourite brand among watch enthusiasts everywhere, the 2021 launch of the PRX firmly reestablished the brand as one of the most value-driven on the market. The Tissot PRX has been almost universally popular with both 40mm automatic models and 35mm quartz-powered references, but the Le Locle-based watchmaker has expanded its offering to include the all-new Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm.
Before we get into how this different case size impacts wrist presence, it’s worth reminding ourselves exactly why the PRX collection is so popular. With its angular case shape and integrated stainless steel bracelet, the PRX embodies the classic watch design codes of the 1970s, which were born from the mind of Gerald Genta and his creation of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus.
All of the world’s greatest watchmakers quickly created their own expressions of this new watchmaking form, with Vacheron Constantin launching the 222 and Rolex releasing the sharply faceted OysterQuartz collection. Tissot joined the party with the launch of its Seastar models, which served as the direct inspiration for the PRX we know and love today.
While history plays a key part in the broad appeal of the Tissot PRX today, that isn’t the whole story. It’s also comfortable on the wrist, with the case and bracelet manufactured to a high standard. When you also consider the option of an 80-hour power reserve automatic watch at just over $1,000, is very hard to beat when you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck.
With the introduction of the new mechanically-powered Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm, the brand is making the PRX even more wearable for more wrists, shrinking the lug-to-lug measurement (the “vertical” distance across the case) from 51.5mm to 44.9mm. This makes it a perfect watch for those with smaller wrists or those who simply prefer a more faithfully sized vintage-inspired watch, as well as cementing its status as a great unisex timepiece.
The first announcement of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm collection came a couple of months ago, with your choice of four different dial colours, including black, dark blue, green, and white mother-of-pearl. Today, the collection has been expanded further to include a reference in gold tone with a matching dial and a version with an ice blue dial (which we loved the look of in the 40mm version too), all featuring the same grid tapisserie-pattern dial.
While the black, dark blue and green references are relatively known quantities as far as dial colours go, Tissot has stepped it up a notch with the gold and ice blue options. Also available in the 40mm size, the gold tone version makes a strong statement on the wrist, and despite the ice blue option being a little more subtle, its shimmering colour is no less eye-catching.
It’s the case where the only significant difference is, which thanks to it featuring the same movement as the 40mm reference, keeps the same thickness as its larger sibling at 11.3mm from front to back. If you’ve not come across the Powermatic 80 automatic movement before (based on the ETA 2824-2), it’s used widely within the Tissot catalogue thanks to its very solid 80 hours of power reserve and convenient date display.
As far as the bracelet goes, it maintains the same robust design with a double-folding closure to secure it to your wrist, as well as that distinctly 1970s angularity to its shape. With the brushed finishing of the case continuing along the length of the bracelet, they feel like a properly integrated single piece of design on the wrist.
All considered, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm collection is a welcome addition to the brand’s line-up, as it expands the offering for those looking to own a well-made and thoughtfully designed watch, which won’t break the bank. The 35mm quartz-powered members of the PRX collection were already popular among enthusiasts who wanted a modestly sized timepiece inspired by the 70s, but the fresh option of an automatic movement is sure to be the final push needed by anyone still sitting on the fence.
Much of the Tissot PRX 35mm collection is currently available from Tissot at the same price as the 40mm references, with an RRP of $1,150 across all five of the stainless steel dial versions, while the gold reference will set you back $1,335. There’s also a reference with a diamond set dial and a solid rose gold fluted bezel — for those looking for a little more bling in their life — which has an RRP of $3,250.
This article is sponsored by Tissot. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
