Is Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Review: Worth The Hype?
Tissot is popular for their novelty in watchmaking. Their PRX line is one of the most obvious examples of their innovative drive. These mechanical timepieces come with an 80 hour power reserve as opposed to the 42 hours we often find in common timepieces. If you typically use your watch a few times per week you will love this watch.
I recently purchased the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 in blue. This gorgeous timepiece came with its iconic integrated bracelet and a blue dial. More than the power reserve, I wanted to take a close look at the rest of the elements of this fine timepiece. The design intrigued me as much as its utility.
A bold case
This timepiece looks bigger than it really is due to its tonneau shape. The width of the case is 400mm, while the height is 39mm, and the dial is round. The lugs are quite thin, measuring only 12mm, and so if you want to put on a different strap, it could be a challenge to find one that fits properly. Although, if you are using a Tissot strap, it will fit perfectly. The case is made of 316L stainless steel, which guarantees great anti-rust protection.
Even though the profile is quite tall, the watch doesn’t feel too large. That’s because the timepiece measures up to a thickness of 10.9mm, including the bezel. The bezel has a smooth surface and finish, with a semicircular cross-section.
The crown is positioned on the 3 o’clock spot and is knurled around the perimeter which makes for a secure grip. On the top of it you will notice that the letter “T” is skillfully engraved. You can also screw down the crown to make use of the watch’s 100m water-resistance.
The crystal is slightly beveled around its circumference which creates a nice accent that catches the light differently without distorting the dial. The lens is scratch-resistance and it has an anti-reflective finish. Around the case back you will notice many details which are purposefully engraved to show the model or its water-resistance level. The timepiece comes with a two year warranty so if anything is defective you will be good to go.
A clean and simple dial
As I mentioned previously, this PRX Powermatic 80 model features a blue dial. However, it is available in several other color schemes including black, white, green and an outstanding gold scheme with a 18K bezel. Apart from the gold version, every model features a textured dial, with a square pattern similar to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The phrase “Tissot 1853” is printed close to the 12 o’clock position in elegant silver letters, while “PRX Powermatic 80” is printed close to the 6 o’clock position.
Around the circumference you will see there are fine hashes for each individual minute mark. For the 5 minute mark the hashes are a bit bolder and longer, and they feature white lines going towards the center. A double hash is used for the 12 o’clock position meanwhile the hash on the 3rd position is a bit shorter to make room for the date window. The date display has a white background and Arabic numbers in black.
The hands are silver-colored similarly to the indices. They are broad and bold with only a small tapering at the tip. This allows the wide white lines to be placed in the middle. The second hand is a lot thinner and much more narrow. The lines on the 5 minute hashes are luminous which adds to the watch’s practicality.
A good-quality Swiss movement
The movement is the element which initially attracted me to this watch. We don’t know much about Tissot’s Powermatic 80.111, however, online opinions state that it may be based on the ETA C07.111. The latter is based on the famous ETA 2824-2. The customized movement features 23 jewels and the striking 80-hour power reserve we talked about previously.
Another impressive element of the Powermatic 80.111 is the balance spring made of a titanium-alloy. Metal springs which are made from standard metals can be influenced by magnetic fields which can negatively impact the watch’s accuracy. Titanium is unaffected by these fields, allowing for higher accuracy and better precision.
The bracelet
The PRX bracelet is another distinct component which we have to talk about. The beautiful flat links are skillfully polished and there is a heavy taper. This high-quality bracelet adds to the timepiece’s value, which makes the under £1000 price point extremely advantageous. Not often can you find this level of quality at this price range.
The bracelet is designed with a quick-release spring bar, making it simple to switch out the straps. Nevertheless, the integrated lug composition makes switching the strap dependent on finding another band specifically made for PRX. You can purchase the 40mm version with a leather strap, however, I would still go for the silver bracelet option as it remains my favorite. I personally think the bracelet makes this timepiece stand out from other watches on the sub-£1000 price range.
If I had to point out any drawbacks, it would be the butterfly clasp. Even though it is comfortable on the wrist, you can’t do any micro-adjustments to it. Nevertheless, Tissot provides several half links to help you achieve a perfect fit.
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Final Remarks
I believe everyone would be able to find a PRX variation that perfectly suits their taste. I’ve been using this watch continuously and I can confidently say it has won over all my other timepieces. If you’re looking for an eye-catching timepiece that is both reliable and attractive, the PRX Powermatic 80 is the right watch for you. The waffle dial and the flat-linked bracelet perfectly match one another. This is the kind of timepiece that looks good from any angle. If you’re looking for a watch that combines a classic look with a modern feel, you will surely enjoy this gem from Tissot.
