The world of watchmaking boasts a rich history, filled with iconic brands that have pushed the boundaries of design and technology. Tissot, a Swiss watchmaker founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien
Tissot and his son Charles-Émile, is one such brand. For over 160 years, Tissot has been synonymous with reliable, high-quality timepieces that are both stylish and accessible. The brand's commitment to excellence has resulted in a vast collection of watches, each with its own unique personality. Today, we set our sights on a particular Tissot series – the PRX.
The PRX line, launched in 2020, is a modern reinterpretation of a timepiece from the Tissot archives. The original PRX, released in the 1970s, embodied the bold and dynamic spirit of that era. It was a watch designed for a new generation – one that valued both style and functionality. The 2020 PRX stays true to these original design principles, offering a contemporary twist on a classic.
Courtesy of Tissot
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint, the specific focus of this two-part article, is a recent addition to the PRX family. While we will delve into the specifics of the watch in the next part of this article, a visual examination reveals a timepiece that is both striking and versatile. The watch features a 40mm case crafted from 316L stainless steel, a robust and hypoallergenic material commonly used in high-end watches. The case has a tonneau shape, a distinctive barrel-like form that gives the watch a dynamic presence on the wrist. The caseback is transparent, allowing the wearer a glimpse into the inner workings of the watch, a detail often appreciated by watch enthusiasts.
The stainless steel bracelet features a grey finish that complements the light green dial. The bracelet integrates seamlessly with the case, creating a unified and streamlined look. The bracelet also boasts an interchangeable quick-release system, allowing the wearer to easily swap it for a different strap or bracelet, depending on their style or preference.
One of the most captivating features of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint is its light green dial. The color is fresh and contemporary, and it adds a touch of personality to the watch. The dial features indexes for hour markers, with luminescent material applied to ensure readability in low-light conditions. The watch also features a date window, a practical feature for everyday wear.
Courtesy of Tissot
While the PRX Powermatic 80 Mint is undeniably a distinctive timepiece, it is also part of a larger story – the story of Tissot's unwavering commitment to innovation. Since its inception, Tissot has been a brand that has embraced new technologies and design concepts.
In the 1930s, Tissot was one of the first Swiss watchmakers to mass-produce a pocket watch with an anti-magnetic movement, a feature that proved to be particularly appealing to those who worked in close proximity to electrical fields. During the quartz revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, Tissot remained committed to mechanical watches, but also embraced the new technology, producing a variety of innovative quartz timepieces.
Today, Tissot continues to be a leader in watchmaking technology. The brand is a pioneer in the use of tactile materials, such as titanium and ceramic, in its watches. Tissot also makes use of cutting-edge movements, such as the Powermatic 80, which offers wearers an impressive 80 hours of power reserve.
At the core of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint lies the Swiss automatic Powermatic 80 movement. This workhorse of a movement lives up to its name – it boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve. What does this mean in practical terms? If you take the watch off for a couple of days, you won't have to worry about it stopping and needing to be reset. It's one less thing on your mind, a small convenience that adds up over time.
Courtesy of Tissot
Besides extended power, the Powermatic 80 offers another advantage: Tissot incorporates an innovative synthetic material known as Nivachron™ into the balance spring. This material is incredibly resistant to magnetic fields, which are present in countless everyday devices like your smartphone or laptop. A magnetized watch gains or loses time drastically, so the Nivachron™ balance spring helps ensure your PRX Powermatic 80 keeps accurate time despite modern-day magnetic interference.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint showcases meticulous attention to detail in its construction. The 40mm tonneau-shaped case is crafted from 316L stainless steel. This steel grade is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, even in challenging environments like saltwater. It's not indestructible, but it means your watch will endure daily wear and tear with flying colors. The brushed finishing on the case adds a touch of ruggedness to this otherwise sleek package.
Let's not forget the sapphire crystal protecting the mint dial. Sapphire is renowned for its scratch resistance, keeping your watch looking pristine long after other crystals would show signs of wear. Even better, this particular crystal has an anti-reflective coating. That means no more squinting to read the time in bright sunlight – just a clear view of that beautiful mint.
Courtesy of Tissot
Flip the watch over, and the transparent caseback reveals the intricacies of the Powermatic 80 movement. Witnessing the mechanical ballet of gears and springs is always a treat for watch aficionados. It's a visual reminder that you're not just wearing a time teller, but a piece of micro-engineering artistry.
One of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint's most appealing features is its ability to seamlessly blend form and function. The integrated bracelet design flows smoothly from the case, giving it a contemporary, sporty vibe. Whether you're sporting jeans and a t-shirt or a more dressed-up outfit for a business meeting, the watch pairs beautifully. The 100-meter water resistance makes it an ideal companion for more than desk diving; it can handle a dip in the pool or an impromptu kayaking adventure.
Tissot's clever interchangeable strap system gives you room to personalize your PRX Powermatic 80 Mint. Want to switch from the sophisticated look of the steel bracelet to a classic leather strap for a more formal vibe? It's a quick and effortless change, no jeweler's tools required. Tissot offers a variety of strap options to suit your diverse style preferences.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint holds a special appeal for watch collectors. It draws inspiration from a beloved historical design but infuses it with modern innovation. It's a testament to the brand's ability to balance its rich heritage with an eye towards the future.
Courtesy of Tissot
The relatively accessible price point of the PRX Powermatic 80 Mint further adds to its appeal, especially for a watch boasting an 80-hour power reserve and the cutting-edge Nivachron™ balance spring. This watch packs a hefty features-to-price ratio punch, making it a compelling purchase for seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of watches alike.
If you're looking for a stylish, reliable, and versatile automatic watch that offers remarkable value for its price tag, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Mint is worthy of strong consideration. And who doesn't love that eye-catching mint dial? It's a dash of color that sets it apart from the pack of black, white, and blue dial watches in most collections. Whether you're a daily watch wearer or someone who enjoys rotating your pieces, the PRX won't disappoint. It's a watch that will undoubtedly garner compliments and spark conversations with other watch enthusiasts. And isn't a bit of joy and pride in ownership a key part of collecting?