When the quartz Tissot PRX was released, I was one of the first ones to want one. Even though here at WCL we rarely publish watches in that price range, we had to do a review of the watch. You can read the review here. As the watch lover that I am, the price tag on a watch means nothing to me. I love horology and will wear a Tissot as much as I would wear a Vacheron Constantin.
After owning the quartz Tissot PRX, I knew I had to get the self-winding version of the watch when it was released as the PRX Powermatic 80. Since then, I have purchased four Tissot PRX Powermatic 80s with a blue dial. Now, you must think that I am crazy. The reason why is because every time I’ve purchased this watch and wore it out, someone ends up buying it off of my wrist. Last time, my friend Ben bought it off of my wrist for one of his sons and asked me to source a second one for his twin brother. A perfect first mechanical watch, if you’re looking for a well-made, inexpensive Swiss timepiece.
Honestly, I sometimes struggle to find this level of finishing in watches that are priced over $2K USD and that shouldn’t be the case. This level of Swiss craftsmanship is rarely attainable at a price of $650 USD. Somewhat Rolex Oysterquartz looking —a watch that you all know I personally love— and a little AP Royal Oakesque, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is identical to its quartz sibling but it is powered by an automatic movement and it features a waffle stamped dial —of course, this cannot be hand guilloché considering the price point— instead of a smooth sunburst dial as on the quartz PRX.
Fitted with an integrated bracelet —with a quick-release mechanism that allows for easy strap changes— and a case that is nearly identical to the discontinued Rolex Oysterquartz, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 with blue dial has turned into one of my favorite watches to wear when wanting to keep a low profile while going to sketchy parts of town.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is equipped with a 40 mm case in 316L steel that is relatively slender at only 10.9 mm in thickness, and available with five different dials that include a silver-grey, black, blue, graded brown-black, and green —just released. The blue waffle stamped dial is exquisitely finished with a very nice hue that plays with the light remarkably. The applied markers on it are extremely well crafted and the hands have no rough edges or visible flaws under the loupe.
What makes this watch such a great option for its price is the overall finishing of its case, bracelet, and dial. Without attempting to commit sacrilege, the satin-brushed finish of the case and the chamfers are almost at Rolex or Audemars Piguet level. Just tell me where else can I find a Swiss watch priced at $650 USD that gives you this much? And that is without talking about the anti-magnetic Powermatic 80 movement with Nivachron balance spring and 80 hours of power reserve. If you can find me a better option, I’ll put my money where my mouth is and buy the watch from you.
While the bracelet is thin in construction, it feels well made, and not flimsy at all. 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 is well finished with matte and polished areas. The anglage on the case is in line with a watch in a much higher price range.
Another big difference between the PRX and the PRX Powermatic 80 besides the movement is that the latter is fitted with a display case back. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is water-resistant to 100 meters and features a power reserve of 80 hours. While the Powermatic 80 is not an in-house movement, I could consider it in-house as it is based on the ETA C07 Series —which is based on the workhorse ETA calibre 2824.2— that belongs to the Swatch Group which also owns Tissot.
This 23-jewel movement is not a COSC but performs quite well within those COSC standards from what I’ve experienced. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph and provides a power reserve of 80 hours when fully wound.
Besides everything that I’ve already told you about the PRX Powermatic 80, I also love its Seventies vibe. Inspired by the 1978 PRX 40 205 this watch ticks all the boxes if you are looking for a Swiss watch with an integrated bracelet under $1K USD. Hopefully this time, I don’t have to sell it off of my wrist like the other three times. Just like we told you in our review of the quartz PRX, do yourself a favor and skip tonight’s fancy dinner and get yourself a PRX Powermatic 80. I am already waiting for the new green dial reference to arrive.
Sticker Price $650 USD. For more info on Tissot click here.
