Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Review: The Near-Perfect Swiss Watch and it's Relatively Affordable

Located in Huntington Village, New York, Time Source Jewelers is proud to be a trusted destination for luxury watches. We offer a curated selection of prestigious brands, from Rolex and Omega to Audemars Piguet and Cartier. As an authorized dealer for Tissot, Ball Watch, and Hamilton, we are especially excited to spotlight one of Tissot's standout models—the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80.

Why the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Is Gaining Worldwide Acclaim

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a standout timepiece that has captivated watch enthusiasts globally. Known for its Swiss precision and high-performance movement, this watch draws inspiration from iconic 1970s design. It delivers the perfect blend of quality, design, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for seasoned collectors and new watch enthusiasts. Discover why the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a must-have in any watch collection.

Tissot is a renowned watch brand that I was familiar with. I often noticed their watches, yet none initially piqued my interest. This wasn't due to the brand itself, as nothing stood out to me. However, the release of the Tissot PRX changed that. Like many watch enthusiasts, my curiosity was sparked. Although it took me two years since its release to make a purchase, I finally own a Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Here are my impressions of this stylish and popular watch.

How and why the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ended up in my collection

Tissot has truly crafted something exceptional with the Tissot PRX watch series. Originally launched in 1978, the Tissot PRX 40 205 adhered to that era's popular integrated stainless steel sports watch design. The name "PRX" stands for "Power, Robust, 10 atm," indicating its impressive 100-meter water resistance. Today, the legacy of the Tissot PRX continues, offering both style and durability for modern watch enthusiasts. Explore the Tissot PRX collection to experience the perfect blend of classic design and contemporary innovation.

In today's market, integrated sports watches are a popular trend. While many brands have created variations—some quite successfully, like the Frederique Constant Highlife—Tissot had the advantage of reviving a model from its archives. Best of all, Tissot reintroduced it at an affordable price point. 2020, the quartz PRX was launched, followed by the automatic Powermatic 80. This makes Tissot a standout choice for stylish and affordable sports watches.

When Tissot released their new watch, it instantly captivated audiences, myself included. The marketing photos and videos perfectly highlighted the watch's appeal, blending 1970s nostalgia with modern design. This timepiece has a rich heritage and a vintage feel, yet it's crafted for the present era. Best of all, it's affordable, making it a top choice for watch enthusiasts seeking style and value.

You might be curious about why I didn't immediately buy the watch. I had already satisfied my interest in watches by purchasing a Tudor Black Bay 36 in 2020. Additionally, I was aware that these watches were being bought and resold for nearly double the retail price at one point, a hassle I wanted to avoid. If you're considering buying a luxury watch, understanding the resale market and timing your purchase is crucial.

Fast forward to 2022 with the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch release—a new story that sparked major excitement. Like many enthusiasts, I tried and failed to buy one at retail. This led me to consider how much I would pay on the gray market. It was that intense. Then, I discovered the PRX watch. For just a bit more than I planned to spend on a gray market MoonSwatch, I could own an ETA-powered, Swiss-made watch from a reputable heritage brand with excellent reviews. This decision offered better value and satisfaction for any watch collector seeking quality and legacy.

A month later, I wore it as I wrote this, having not put on any other watch during that time.

Why is the PRX so good?

1. The Bracelet

The Tissot watch package is impressive, but the bracelet truly stands out. This watch bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, featuring a smooth taper from the watch case to the butterfly clasp. At first touch, it feels solid and durable. While it may not match the quality of some high-end bracelets on the market, this Tissot bracelet outshines the competition in its price range. Tissot offers a compelling choice if you're looking for a stylish and reliable watch with an exceptional bracelet.

This watch offers a sleek, supple design that fits your wrist for ultimate comfort. Its slim profile makes it easy to tuck beneath your shirt cuff. The standout feature is its beautiful mix of brushed links with polished surfaces at the connections, creating eye-catching light play and smooth wrist rolls. Even off-camera, this watch effortlessly combines comfort and style. Discover this perfect blend of elegance and functionality in a timepiece designed for everyday use.

2. The Case

The watch case continues seamlessly from the bracelet and delivers an equally impressive experience. Crafted precisely, the barrel-shaped case features sharp, angular edges and an intriguing blend of lines and shapes. With a flat center, round case back, and bezel, this watch offers a depth and complexity that captivates every glance. Despite its initial flat appearance, the detailed craftsmanship ensures it stands out. This design is a must-see for those searching for a watch with both style and substance.

Tissot expertly enhances its watch cases with a blend of finishes, making them both stylish and luxurious. Using a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, Tissot creates a stunning visual appeal that perfectly complements the watch bracelet. The polished bezel and beveled edges against the flat brushed case look incredible and offer a high-end feel. These elements make Tissot watches a top choice for those seeking functionality and elegance in luxury timepieces.

The quartz watch version, featuring the same case and bracelet as the automatic model, is available for under $300. If you're looking for budget-friendly watches with high-quality design, this quartz watch is a great choice.

3. The Dial

The dial of this watch is truly impressive. While I aim to avoid too many superlatives, it is a key feature that makes this timepiece special. However, there's still room for improvement. The Powermatic 80 distinguishes itself from its Quartz counterpart with a distinctive tapisserie dial. This textured design is reminiscent of the Royal Oak, which can be seen as positive or negative depending on personal taste. The textured dial is a significant advantage, especially with the case size, making the watch stylish and functional. If you're looking for a watch that combines texture and performance, the Powermatic 80 is a noteworthy choice.

The 40mm watch is perfect for most wrists, but its flat case and slim bezel make it appear slightly larger. The expansive dial space is complemented by thin hour markers and minimal text, creating a cohesive design. The tapisserie dial contributes to a more compact feel, enhancing the watch's construction and purpose. While this might not seem like a logical conclusion, wearing the watch gives off an impression of quality and intent. This piece is an excellent choice if you're looking for a watch that combines style, comfort, and purpose.

The textured design enhances the watch's appearance, making it feel complete and stylish. It combines functionality with a great look, perfect for those seeking a fashionable and versatile timepiece.

The sunburst Quartz dial is appealing, and I genuinely appreciate it because the watch doesn't mimic a Royal Oak. However, the watch feels slightly too large for my wrist size and personal preferences. The textured dial on the Powermatic 80 suits me better. This watch combines style and functionality, offering a perfect fit for those seeking comfort and elegance. If you're in the market for a watch that balances design with practicality, the Powermatic 80 might be the ideal choice.

What could be improved?

Identifying improvement opportunities for the PRX watch can be challenging. However, I must emphasize that for a watch priced at €745, it comes remarkably close to perfection. With its exceptional design and value, the PRX watch is a top choice for anyone seeking a stylish and reliable timepiece.

The following points are minor and reflect my perspective. It's challenging to be critical, but these insights are valuable.

1. Case size

If you're looking for the best watch for smaller wrists, my top wish is a 36-38mm case size watch. This size is perfect for those who find the 40mm option too large. In 2022, a 35mm version was released, and an automatic 35mm version is expected soon. This smaller watch size will likely appeal to many buyers. It's an ideal fit for those who prefer a watch that complements smaller wrists.

However, the 5mm case size difference in the current Tissot watches is too large for many buyers. With the success of Tissot's range, the brand could follow Tudor's successful strategy with the Black Bay collection, which offers sizes of 32mm, 36mm, and 40mm. By providing more size options, Tissot could make its watches more appealing to a wider audience.

2. Lume

I never rely on the watch lume, but I find it a cool and attractive feature. Glancing at my wrist and seeing the glowing indices adds a unique and eye-catching element to my watch experience.

The PRX watch boasts long, thin applied indices filled with lume, and the hands share this feature. However, it remains dim even after charging the lume to test its performance. Due to their thickness, the hands are somewhat more visible, but the indices are almost invisible. If you're searching for a watch with strong luminescence, the PRX might not meet your expectations. Consider other options with better luminescent hands and indices for enhanced low-light readability.

To fix this issue, consider two options. First, enhance the volume on the dial. While this straightforward approach could improve visibility, it might require enlarging the indices, potentially affecting the dial's elegance. Second, consider removing lume from the indices, focusing only on the hands. This choice offers a distinct design decision that maintains functionality. Currently, the situation is unclear, but these solutions can address the problem effectively.

3. Strap options

My ultimate wish for the future of the Tissot PRX is to see more strap options available. Since its release in 2020, the PRX has included a quick-release mechanism for the bracelet, making it easy to swap straps. Recently, Tissot introduced a few leather strap options, marking a promising start. However, finding and purchasing these straps online remains unclear. Adding more strap choices and improving online availability would greatly enhance the PRX experience for watch enthusiasts.

Tissot is missing an opportunity with their PRX lineup by not offering more strap colors, including a rubber option. Adding these could enhance the appeal of the PRX, making it similar to the Apple Watch for Swiss watches. This versatile and accessible timepiece could become even more customizable, catering to various style preferences. Tissot could allow customers to continuously update their look by introducing a few new strap colors each year while selling each strap for around $60. This strategy boosts sales and increases customer engagement, making the PRX a must-have for watch enthusiasts.

Why the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Is Gaining Worldwide Acclaim

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a must-have for watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Known for its Swiss precision and high-performance movement, this watch features an iconic 1970s-inspired design. It offers the perfect blend of quality, design, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned watch collectors and new enthusiasts.

Swiss Precision with the Powermatic 80 Movement

What Sets the Powermatic 80 Apart?

The PRX Powermatic 80 automatic movement is at the heart of the watch. Known for its reliability and long power reserve, this movement offers outstanding value for a Swiss-made watch.

• Power Reserve: 80 hours, giving it an edge over many other automatic watches in this price range
• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour for consistent and smooth timekeeping
• Craftsmanship: Swiss-made, ensuring the high standards expected from Tissot

The Powermatic 80's 80-hour power reserve means you can wear it through the week without worry, even if it sits unworn for a day or two.

The Perfect Entry into Luxury Watch Collecting

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a perfect entry-level luxury watch for collectors. With its affordable price and high-quality craftsmanship, it makes luxury watches accessible to more people. This timepiece stands out as one of the best options in the affordable luxury watch market, appealing to both new and seasoned collectors alike.

Why Choose the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80?

• Affordability: High-quality Swiss engineering at a fraction of the price of other luxury brands
• Design Versatility: Stylish and timeless, perfect for both daily wear and special occasions
• Durability: Crafted with precision and materials meant to last

Discover the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 at Time Source Jewelers

At Time Source Jewelers in Huntington Village, New York, we are delighted to present the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 as a highlight of our distinguished collection. Our expert team is ready to guide you through its features and assist you in finding the perfect timepiece that complements your style.

Conclusion

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 embodies the essence of Swiss watchmaking, featuring precision, expert craftsmanship, and a timeless design. Perfect for any occasion, this Swiss luxury watch is ideal for both beginners in watch collecting and seasoned collectors looking to add a classic piece. Discover exceptional value and style with the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, a must-have for luxury watch enthusiasts.

At Time Source Jewelers, we are dedicated to helping you find the ideal watch to suit your lifestyle and personal style. Located in Huntington Village, NY, we offer exceptional luxury timepieces, including the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Whether you're seeking a classic design or a modern statement piece, our expert team guides you. Visit us to explore our extensive range of high-end watches and discover a timepiece that tracks the hours and reflects your unique story.

Quick facts: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Indications: hours, minutes, seconds and date

Movement: Tissot Powermatic 80 (upgraded ETA 2824-2), automatic winding, 23 jewels, 25.60mm, 3 Hz/21,600 bph, Nivachron non-magnetic hairspring

Dial: black, blue, green, or white mother-of-pearl dial, waffle tapisserie pattern (embossed), applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova

Power reserve: 80 hours

Water resistance: 100 meters

Bracelet: integrated stainless steel bracelet with triple folding clasp – brushed with polished details

Dimensions: : 35mm diameter x 11.3mm height

Case: stainless steel, brushed with polished accents, polished stainless steel bezel, sapphire crystal dial side, display back

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 suitable for daily wear?

Yes, the PRX Powermatic 80 is a top choice for everyday wear, thanks to its durable construction and water resistance up to 100 meters. This robust watch combines style and functionality, making it perfect for those seeking reliability and elegance in their daily timepiece.

How does the Powermatic 80 compare to other automatic movements?

The Powermatic 80 watch provides an exceptional power reserve, running up to 80 hours. This surpasses many standard automatic watches, which generally offer about 40 hours.

Can I adjust the bracelet myself?

For a perfect fit, have a professional jeweler adjust your integrated bracelet. Ensure comfort and style with expert bracelet fitting services.