Since its 2020 launch, the PRX has been a crowd favourite for making the currently-fashionable integrated-bracelet aesthetic affordable. Now Tissot has announced new additions to the collection: first the base-model PRX Powermatic 80 with an “ice blue” dial, and also the PRX Chronograph with a blue “panda” dial.

Initial thoughts

The commercial success of the PRX made additional variants inevitable. Fortunately, the new additions are crowd pleasers. The colourways are familiar so neither is novel but both give enthusiasts what they want. Save for the dials, both models are intrinsically identical to their predecessors. The prices remain the same, leaving them competitively priced and strong value. 

The shade of light blue chosen for the Powermatic 80 caters in part to the ongoing craze for robin egg blue and also brings to mind the colour of the Rolex Daytona and Rolex Day-Date in platinum. For me, this is a solid update to the model that will undoubtedly be a strong seller.

Also, the Powermatic 80 now has the option of a rubber strap as an alternative to the steel bracelet (but the strap has to be purchased separately). This is the perfect solution for someone who wants a strap without seeking an aftermarket offering.

As for the chronograph, the blue “panda” dial works well. The blue accents provide subtle contrast with the vertically-brushed silver dial, while being more modern than the original “panda” model that had gold hands and markers. I still wish the chronograph would do without the awkwardly positioned date but it is what it is.

New colourways

The dial on the PRX Powermatic 80 sports the same chequerboard pattern found on earlier models, so the only new element is the colour, a light blue that gives the watch a low-key palette.

Ditto for the chronograph, which retains all the features of the earlier models, with the only change being the dial. Though the changes seem modest, the “blue” panda dial looks decidedly more contemporary than its standard “panda” counterpart that had gold-plated hands and indices.

Both watches retain the same case and movement as before. The three-hander is still powered by the Powermatic 80.111, based on the ETA C07.111. The Tissot version of the calibre has been modified to give it a power reserve of 80 hours. Amongst its features is a free-sprung balance wheel and anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring.

Meanwhile, the chronograph contains the Valjoux A05 H31, essentially a ETA Valjoux 7753 that’s been upgraded to have a longer power reserve of 60 hours.

Key facts and price

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Ref. T137.407.11.351.00

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.9 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Powermatic 80.111
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet with folding clasp, with rubber strap available separately

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Tissot boutiques and retailers
Price: US$675; or 990 Singapore dollars

Tissot PRX Chronograph Automatic
Ref. T137.427.11.011.01

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 14.5 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Valjoux A05 H31
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet with folding clasp

Availability: At Tissot boutiques and retailers
Price: US$1,825, or 2,650 Singapore dollars

For more, visit Tissotwatches.com.