Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Its ’70s Blueprint
Without a doubt, the Tissot PRX was one of the most anticipated releases in 2021. The announcement promised a modern concept from a late ’70s blueprint that fused nostalgia with contemporary design. Furthermore, the low price tag was something of a headliner.
Originally marketed as ‘Seastar’ in 1978, it eventually became known as the PRX – P(Precision) R(Robust) X(a Roman numeral reference to its water resistance – 10 ATM).
The new PRX effortlessly embodies the watches of the era from whence it came, including the quartz movement. Who knows, this could be one of many that swell the waters and form a larger wave for a battery-powered renaissance. After all, as time passes, remnants of yesterday can always have value again one day.
Surprisingly, Tissot didn’t let the quartz variant have too much time in the sun. In fact, it barely caught a tan before they subsequently released an automatic version the very same year – The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80.
When Nostalgia Meets Modern Horology
The PRX Powermatic 80 is kind of a new take of, well, a new take. It exhibits the fresh design inspired by the 1978 Tissot SeaStar, forgoes the quartz heritage, and incorporates a new-age automatic movement.
Like its battery-powered counterpart, it also offers value for money making this an intriguing bargain. We get hands-on with the Blue dial (ref T137.407.11.041.00) and see just what the PRX Powermatic 80 has up its sleeve.
A Dial Familiar to Most
Elephant in the room, you may be thinking “AP called and they want their dial back”. Let’s not split hairs here. A fair amount of the PRX’s design derives from a time when sports models were raging. Particularly, the Royal Oak. But this is by no means a ‘homage’ piece.
The waffle dial is actually a welcomed differentiator from its quartz counterpart. The texture adds depth and generates a satisfying sweep of reflections when graced by light. Additionally, other key separators include the ‘Powermatic 80’ marking and steel-framed date window.
The raised sapphire crystal sits completely flat atop the applied steel markers. These are both brushed and polished with Superluminova to finish. All in all, the indices, along with matching, albeit, thicker hands, compliment the case sensibly.
A Case with Some Real Presence
On paper, the 40mm case sounds like a reasonable size. However, it wears slightly bigger due to the lug-to-lug distance caused by the fixed-end links. Unfortunately, this is a slight drawback to those with smaller wrists. If however, you like some presence on your arm, it’s right on the money.
The 3 o’clock placed push/pull crown is a decent size and easy to engage. The first position (closed) allows you to hand-wind the movement. Second, you can adjust the date using a clockwise rotation. Lastly, the third position (fully open) stops the balance to adjust the time.
A Bracelet That Integrates a Modern Style
Without a doubt, the bracelet is very comfortable thanks to its slim profile and smooth surface across the links. The heavy taper accentuates its sporty essence while the finish boasts a satisfyingly consistent vertical brush throughout. Subtle, but classy.
The two-button butterfly release offers easy engagement and style matching to the bracelet. This means it dons a near-seamless connection mirrored at the centre point. The clasp is lightly engraved with the Tissot 1853 mark much like other models in the Tissot’s range.
The PRX central pinch-spring bars allow you to release the bracelet in a matter of seconds without any tools. Unfortunately, because of this, like many in its class, third-party strap options are sparse. That aside, its popularity will undoubtedly see a rise in options in this respect.
A Movement the Brand Relies On
The Powermatic 80 is steadily becoming a go-to for a number of automatics in the Tissot lineup. Why not, it’s reliable, offers a generous 80-hour power reserve and displays nicely under the open case back.
Based on the Swatch Groups’ ETA calibre foundation, this movement has a slowed beat rate of 21,600 vph. This helps to maximise the energy stored in its coiled mainspring. Inside is a laser-regulated patented Nimicron balance spring which helps protect the movement against shock and magnetism.
A similar Powermatic 80 movement can be found in the Gentleman range that boasts a silicon balance spring.
A New Door Opened for Tissot
To conclude, the PRX has opened a new door for Tissot in the current market. It possesses a wow factor thanks not only to its quality and execution at such a low price but a design that is both contemporary and classic.
True, it brushes close to the likes of unattainable models such as the Nautilus and Royal Oak in terms of its core design. However, it occupies enough history of its own and moreover, exists in a price bracket much closer to Earth to stand apart.
The easy-to-remove bracelet offers the opportunity for endless strap interchangeability (when more options become available).
The big question for most considering the PRX is probably whether to go auto or quartz. Whilst the battery stays more true to its ancestor, the auto adds an alternative with one of the brands’ hottest movements available today.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Spec
Manufacturer No. | T137.407.11.041.00 |
Dial Colour | Blue |
Case Width | 40mm |
Case Material | Stainless Steel |
Bracelet/Strap | Integrated Stainless Steel |
Movement | Powermatic 80 |
Water Resistance | 100m |
Where’s Best to Buy The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80?
Jura Watches is one of the UK’s largest retailers stocking major brands from Tissot to IWC, TAG Heuer and IWC.