Tissot PRX: the latest most wanted watch
The quartz version of the Tissot PRX has been stirring collectors' enthusiasm since the beginning of the year. The launch of the PRX Powermatic 80 in July will make all mechanics fan go crazy. Let's dive into an exceptional horology phenomenon.
With the PRX, Tissot is reissuing an emblematic watch design from the seventies. The instrument is in the same aesthetic vein as the iconic models of the time with its sports and casual spirit, its steel design and integrated bracelet, its refined dial and its case resembling a barrel.
The Seastar Quartz was launched in the late seventies – in 1978 to be precise – but was not named PRX yet, though Tissot had already trademarked the name.
This steel watch – featuring a quartz movement, three central hands and a date window at 3 o’clock – is reminiscent of the aesthetic of the iconic instruments created by the designers of the time. For instance, the brilliant Gérald Genta was behind Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak (1972), Patek Philippe’s Nautilus (1976) and IWC’s Ingenieur (1976).
Tissot PRX, a seventies-inspired emblematic sports design
You won’t find any octagonal bezel nor any jointed case on this model. However, the watch features a striking combination of a discreet round bezel and a barrel-shaped case, which lines extend on an integrated bracelet.
This watch showcases the symbiosis of finesse and solidity and stands out thanks to its vertically-brushed satin finish, which enhances its sports spirit. The dial – which includes stick indices and hands – also displays a simple design and a vertically-brushed satin surface.
PRX, three simple letters which set the tone
The letters composing the code name – “PRX” – refers to the watchmaking and technical abilities of the instrument: “PR” means Precision and Resistance and the “X” corresponds to the Roman numeral for 10, representing its water resistance up to 10 bars (100 metres).
No need to go back in time in Tissot’s archives to get an idea of the instrument created at the time: for the new PRX, the designers kept the lines and the look almost exactly as it was.
Tissot’s PRX looks almost identical to the original watch
Only a few changes were made between then and now, and they are mostly situated on the dial. For instance, the hands are a little bit larger and the noon index was doubled.
This 40 mm diameter watch exists in a black dial, a blue sun-brushed or a vertically-brushed silver-grey version and the PRX 40 205 – a quartz movement reference – was first released at the beginning of the year.
It is now launched featuring an automatic calibre – the PRX Powermatic 80 – which is already much talked about.
A square pattern to adorn the PRX automatic’s dial
The PRX’s dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal and adorns a beautiful graphic square pattern. Truth be told, the checker pattern also reminds of a chocolate bar.
The dial of the blue or black steel versions and of two-coloured silver-grey/rose gold PVD steel version comes with hands and indices coated with Superluminova to enhance readability in dark settings.
An apparent Powermatic 80 calibre on the back of the PRX
The Powermatic 80 – Tissot’s signature movement – was unsurprisingly chosen to power the instrument.
As its name suggests, this well-designed mechanism – displayed on the back of the watch – offers a comfortable 80-hour power reserve. Another significant detail: the watch features a Nivachron balance spring which guarantees a great magnetic resistance.
Tissot PRX automatic: not yet in stores but already on waiting lists!
This is absolutely astounding: the watch is not even in stores but it is already sold out! This phenomenon concerns the blue dial version of PRX Powermatic 80. Thus, you have to register by giving your email address to be informed the next time the model is available. And you can bet the list is already very, very long.
Register here on Tissot’s website
It is truly difficult to resist temptation with this watch and its vintage signature design, its blue dial, and its quality/price ratio which is as surprising as attractive – €650! That is to say, €300 more than the quartz version.
If you would rather not wait, you can get the black dial variation of the PRX automatic model or the bicolour steel/PVD rose gold version (€690).
Or even one of the quartz movement references. These watches are not only extremely accurate (watch Frank sans C’s video on “Swatch VS Rolex” on the subject), they are also particularly stunning and their price – €350 – is just as attractive!
Time to choose!
Read also: