Tissot took the watch community by storm when introducing the PRX line in 2021. Stainless steel sports watches featuring integrated bracelets and a design not just inspired by 70’s style watches, but essentially a 70’s styled watch entirely. Initially, Tissot started with a few PRX Quartz models and later progressed to automatic Powermatic 80 models featuring their impressive 80-hour power reserve. Now, Tissot is adding yet another rendition to the PRX collection, this time in the form of two automatic PRX Chronographs. As a Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 owner, I could not be more excited about this news.
Time and date-only watches are simple, straightforward, mass-appealing, and a great way to test a new watch style on the market before experimenting with different complications. Well, with the popularity of the previous PRXs, it seems only natural that Tissot begins expanding the lineup by experimenting with new complications.
Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph Movement Based on Valjoux 7753
Tissot decided not to hold back this time around, deviating from more affordable movements, this time utilizing a fully automatic ETA A05.H31 caliber chronograph movement heavily based on the dependable Valjoux 7753 used in watches like the popular Hamilton Intramatic Chrono. This movement features a classic 3-6-9 subdial layout with a 60-second, 12-hour, and 30 minute counter, respectively. The movement can be seen through the sapphire see-through display case back on the underside of the case, with a rather nicely decorated skeletonized rotor.
Tissot PRX Chronograph Dimensions & Wearability
The Tissot PRX Chronograph features a diameter of 42mm, slightly larger than that of the 40mm Powermatic 80, likely to accommodate the larger movement and provide ample visual space for the addition of three subdials. The overall case shape and design remain true to the previous PRX models, with overly sharp, geometric cases with a brushed finish that seems consistent throughout. I can assume the quality of the finish will be comparable to that on my PRX Powermatic 80, done very well, with subtle touches of polish between links of the bracelet, side bevels, bezel, and now chronograph pushers, to add a bit of bling in all the right places.
With a thickness of 15mm, the PRX Chronograph will wear substantially thicker than the very slim 10.8mm Powermatic 80 PRX. Unfortunately, due to the fixed, articulated end links on the integrated bracelets, the watch wears a bit larger than its dimensions on paper and combined with the chunky nature of this chronograph, this may be a huge turn-off to some.
Further, the chronograph pushers will add a bit of extra visual weight as well. No longer is this a thin and sleek watch that will disappear on the wrist.
Integrated Bracelet – A Staple of the PRX
One of the core features of the PRX is the obvious integrated stainless steel bracelets. When evaluating watches with integrated bracelets, the bracelets need to be evaluated with a bit more scrutiny as it’s a pretty all-or-nothing package, as it would be quite difficult to find a replacement. Luckily, the bracelet looks very similar in design and quality to that of the Powermatic 80, tapering down toward the wrist, and with polished chamfers between each brushed link.
Two Distinct Models – Blue and White / White and Black with Rose Gold Accents
The PRX Chrono will initially be offered in two models. Both feature the same dial layout and vertically brushed texture. Where they differ is in the colors and materials used.
Blue Dial (Tissot T137.427.11.041.00)
One version has a dark blue brushed dial with white sub-dials that have just the faintest hint of silver, and are framed with silver tracks and painted black tickers, done also along the entire edge of the dial itself. Everything from the brushed dial finish to the painted text and applied indices looks precise and crisp, though, of course, promo photos always put a watch’s best QC foot forward.
The handset used on these models are a bit bulkier and have more levels than those used on the Powermatic 80, again to reflect the beefed-up dimensions of this piece. Little details like this help make this 70’s inspired watch look a bit more modern than its predecessors. The hour markers and handset are applied with Super-Lumina for legibility even in low-light conditions. Finally, in-between 4 and 5:00, we have a diagonally placed date wheel that I’m sure will be a point of contention for some. Admittedly, it can be difficult to design a balanced chronograph with a date wheel anywhere except 6:00, but of course, the sub-dial at 6:00 would have impeded.
Silver Dial (Tissot T137.427.11.011.00)
On the other hand, we have my personal favorite of the two, a white, almost silver, brushed dial variant, with black subdials, and very unique rose gold accents in the form of hands and applied indices. The monochromatic base paired with the subtle rose gold accents really comes together to present a piece that looks handsome, sleek, and modern, all at the same time.
Although I’m sure a traditional white and black panda dial variant would be a massive crowd-pleaser, I would suggest this offers a unique alternative, in a color scheme that is not often explored but executed rather tastefully. My one gripe here is the white date wheel, again, between 4:00 and 5:00, that completely contrasts with the dark black subdials. If I can manage to overlook this little small flop, I may actually find myself purchasing this particular model.
Final Verdict
The Tissot PRX Chronographs speak to the success of the previous PRX models and are very welcome to the lineup. We can almost be certain that these won’t be the last PRX variations, as I do believe these two will be crowd-pleasers thanks to holding the DNA that made the original PRXs so popular, while innovating with a brand new, Valjoux-inspired automatic chronograph movement, and beefed up, modern dimensions.
Let’s just see if this watch, with its new chunky 15mm thickness, and elongated lug-to-lug, are not a bit too much watch, and let me know what you think about these pieces in the comments below.
The Tissot PRX Chronograph will be available on the Tissot website in June for approximately $1,600 USD.
