Two years ago, Tissot released the PRX as a reissue of their iconic 1978 PRX 40 205 with a quartz movement and later they added an automatic time and date model. Last year, Tissot released the PRX Automatic Chronograph and the moment we saw it, we knew we’d have to get one. Our love for the PRX is unlimited. The level of finishing and Swiss craftsmanship rarely seen in this price range, only keeps getting better within the PRX collection. And besides that, why do we love it so much? Well, maybe because we have a soft spot for watches that look like the Rolex Oysterquartz, one of our favorite watches ever released. Interestingly enough, the Tissot PRX features an integrated bracelet and a case construction that is nearly identical to the discontinued Rolex Oysterquartz.
Things to Know About the Watch
Equipped with a 316L stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and a thickness of 14.5 mm, the Tissot PRX Chronograph is available in two variations with a vertically-satin-brushed dial in blue with silver counters as a ‘reverse panda’, or with a vertically-satin-brushed dial in silver with black counters as a ‘panda’. While both watches are extremely nice, we have a soft spot for blue dials and anything blue. The ‘panda’ version of the PRX Automatic Chronograph also features rose gold plated hands and markers which make for a very attractive and more modern look.
And why do we say that this is the best chronograph you can buy for under $2, 000 USD? Well, not only you are getting a very well designed and finished Swiss made watch, but you are also getting a watch powered by a Valjoux movement which is a legendary movement when it comes to chronographs. Just think about the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in its early days, it was powered by a manual wound Valjoux 72.
For its price, the overall finishing of its case, bracelet, and dial are beyond the $2K mark. Without attempting to commit sacrilege here, the vertical satin-brushed finish of the dial doesn’t correspond to a watch in this price point. The watch feels solid and very well executed from top to bottom. All the way from the smoothness of the crown as you’re setting the time, to the weight of the watch at 182.3 grams —we put in on the scale and it’s lighter than the weight disclosed by Tissot on their website stating 184 grams.
As hard as we tried to find flaws in the finishing of the watch —considering the price tag—, we really couldn’t. The satin-brushed finish of the case is way above its price tag and the bracelet features a deployant double-folding clasp very well done. The crown, while not a screw-down crown —we really wish they had done a screw-down crown for this particular model to add to its robustness— is nicely finished with matte and polished areas. The anglage on the bezel is in line with a watch in a much superior price range —in the thousands of dollars— and the dial is simply gorgeous.
And perhaps the only flaw we could find on this watch is that the date can only be changed via a corrector on the left caseband and you need a stylus for that. Luckily a plastic one is included with the watch, but if you don’t have one handy, you would need to set the date via the crown as if this wasn’t a quick-set type of watch.
The blue reverse panda dial is exquisitely executed with a vertical satin brushed finish and the silvered subdials at 3, 6 and 9 feature snailing around the borders. The applied markers on it are extremely well crafted and the hands have no rough edges or visible flaws under the loupe. The date aperture at 4:30 is discreet but highly readable. We’ll dare to say that this watch is excellent from top to bottom, and the superluminova on its dial is nice and bright. A 12-hour automatic chronograph of this level at this price point is impossible to find nowadays.
Fitted with a sapphire crystal display case back one can appreciate the Swiss Made Valjoux A05 H31 movement with an anthracite galvanic coated skeleton oscillating mass. This calibre provides the classic design with the 3, 6 and 9 chronograph layout and provides a 60-hour power reserve when fully wound. While the movement is not finished to the nines, it is very nicely done for the price point.
On the Wrist & Price
If you were born in the 1970s like the Tissot PRX, the PRX Automatic Chronograph ticks all the boxes as far as that seventies look with its integrated bracelet. A modern iteration of a vintage inspired classic. In terms of size, the watch wears more like a 40 mm watch. A great-looking watch that goes against any type of watch snobbery and we love that. This is a lot of watch for the money and one that we had to get. Honestly, which other brand gives you a chronograph of this level under $2,000 USD?
Sticker Price $1,750 USD. For more info on Tissot click here.
