Tissot recently revived the PRX collection, bringing the 1970s sports watch back to life. After the success of that revival, the modern PRX range is now being expanded with the addition of nine new models. Two chronograph editions, two gold editions and five unisex models which introduce a new 35mm case.
Until now, the PRX has only been available with time and date functions. However, while those complications are the bare essentials and give the PRX a utilitarian, sporty vibe, the do lack some of the functionality of more complex designs. Hence, Tissot have expanded the collection to include two new tricompax chronographs.
Tissot PRX Chronograph
The two watches are housed in 42mm stainless steel cases with brushed and satin polished finishes. Structurally the shape is largely the same as the existing PRXs except for the addition of the broad pushers for controlling the chronograph. Speaking of, it consists of a central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute timer, 12-hour timer and running seconds subdial. The tricompax layout also means the date window has moved to between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Where the two versions of the PRX Chronograph differ is the dial. The first is a traditional panda with a vertically brushed silver dial and black subdials. Whereas the second has a blue dial with silver subdials. Additionally, the panda version has rose gold indexes and hands compared to the blue one’s silver.
They both house the Valjoux A05 H31 automatic chronograph calibre. It’s a more than solid movement with a 60-hour power reserve and skeletonised rotor providing a clearer view of the piece through the exhibition caseback.
Price & Specs
Reference: T137.427.11.011.00 (silver dial with black subdials), T137.427.11.041.00 (blue dial with silver subdoals) | Case/dial: 42mm diameter, stainless steel case, silver or blue vertical brushed dial | Water resistance: 100m | Movement: Swiss Made Valjoux A05 H31 calibre, automatic, 27 jewels | Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz) | Power reserve: 60h | Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph | Strap: Stainless steel bracelet | Price: €1,495 EUR, available June 2022
Tissot PRX Gold
Tissot has always been a master of accessibility and so it’s not surprise that the basic Powermatic 80 model is only £565. However, one of the sports watch trends that has been incredibly popular at the moment is bi-colour and the PRX doesn’t want to be left out. To that end, Tissot have launched two new versions with 18k rose gold fluted bezels, channelling pure Rolex. To be clear, Tissot did launch a gold PVD version alongside the base version, but that was just plating, this is the real deal.
The new fluted bezel can be accompanied by either a brown or blue sunray finished dial. The brown follows the theme of the gold better but personally I prefer the blue for its sportiness. As for the case, which is graced by the new bezel, it’s the standard 40mm version housing the Powermatic 80 calibre of the base model.
Price & Specs
Reference: T931.407.41.041.00 (blue dial), T931.407.41.291.00 (brown dial) | Case/dial: 40mm diameter x 10.93mm height, satin-finished stainless steel case with 18K solid rose gold fluted bezels, blue or brown sunray dial | Water resistance: 100m | Movement: Powermatic 80 calibre, automatic | Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) | Power reserve: 80h | Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date | Strap: Satin-finish stainless steel bracelet | Price: €1,950 EUR
Tissot PRX Quartz 35mm
When Tissot relaunched the PRX they did so with a choice of automatic or quartz movements and the final five new watches expand on the quartz line. Based on feedback from fans after the launch of the 40mm version, Tissot have downsized to introduce a 35mm version. It’s designed to be more wearable for a wider variety of wrists making it unisex. It also adds some vintage flavour to the vintage design because the seventies PRX that the modern collection is based on was 35mm.
The five variations are silver, dark blue, green and light blue with the fifth being a special full gold PVD edition. They’re charming enough but I’d still opt for the 40mm automatic. The bigger size just suits modern sports watches much better.
Price & Specs
Reference: T137.210.11.031.00 (silver dial), T137.210.11.041.00 (dark blue dial), T137.210.11.081.00 (green dial), T137.210.11.351.00 (light blue dial), T137.210.33.00 (yellow gold PVD dial) | Case/dial: 35mm diameter, satin-finished stainless steel case or yellow gold PVD plated case, silver, dark blue, green, light blue, yellow gold PVD sunburst dial | Water resistance: 100m | Movement: Swiss Made quartz movement | Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date | Strap: Stainless steel bracelet | Price: €300 EUR (stainless steel models) and €375 EUR (yellow gold PVD)
