Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Review: THE Almost Perfect and Relatively Affordable Swiss Watch

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What could be improved?

It's hard to pinpoint areas where the PRX could be improved. I want to stress again that for a watch costing €745, it really is close to perfection.

The following few points are minor and concern me personally. And I have my work cut out for me to be critical.

1. Case size

My first wish is a version with a 36-38mm case. As I mentioned above, I am the one who is demanding and this is really an individual wish given my wrist size. Yes, I understand that they released a 35mm version in 2022, and I am sure that they will eventually release a 35mm automatic version. I am also sure that this will open the door to many buyers who did not buy the 40mm because it was too big.

However, a 5mm case size difference from what's currently on sale is a bit much. With the success of the range, if Tissot really wanted to create a model for everyone, it would have to emulate what Tudor did with the Black Bay range – a 32mm, a 36mm and the current 40mm – or something similar.

2. Lume

Do I ever rely on the brightness of my watch? No. Do I find it cool when I look at my wrist and see the indexes glowing? Yes.

The PRX has long, thin, applied indexes filled with lume. The same goes for the hands. Even when you deliberately charge the lume to try to see how the watch behaves, it is rather weak. The hands are slightly better since they are thicker, but the indexes are barely visible.

There are two ways to solve this problem. First, apply more lume. This is obvious, but it can result in larger indices, which can detract from the elegance of the dial. Or, remove the lume from the indices, keep it on the hands, and decide to keep it that way. This is not the case at the moment, but it could be solved.

3. Strap options

My final wish for the future of the PRX is more strap options. The PRX has a quick release mechanism for the strap, and it has been part of the model since its release in 2020. Recently, Tissot released a few leather strap options, which is a start, but there is no clear method to purchase one online.

I feel like they're missing something here. It wouldn't be hard to add more strap colours to the range, a rubber version too, all available to buy separately. It might not be necessary to go that far, but you could think of the PRX as the Apple Watch of Swiss watches. A solid, versatile, affordable watch, but customisable to suit any style. Every year a few new colours could be released so you can keep changing your mood, and Tissot could sell them for £50 each.

You can thank me later Tissot!

Update: In March 2023, Tissot released a rubber strap.

Conclusion

If you've made it this far, you'll easily understand that I love this watch. It's one of the most pleasantly surprising purchases I've made, in any category.

I was expecting a watch with good styling, which is evident in the pictures, but I wasn't expecting a watch that was so well made and comfortable to wear on a daily basis. Yes, there are areas for improvement that I find for future updates, but for the price, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that can beat it.

For more information, please visit www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/t1374071105100.html

Highlights: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Indications: hours, minutes, seconds and date
Case: stainless steel, brushed with polished accents, polished stainless steel bezel, sapphire crystal dial, transparent case back
Dimensions: : 35 mm diameter x 11.3 mm height
Dial: black, blue, green or white mother-of-pearl dial, embossed tapestry pattern (in relief), applied indexes and hands with Super-LumiNova
Movement: Tissot Powermatic 80 (ETA 2824-2 improved), automatic winding, 23 jewels, 25.60 mm, 3 Hz/21,600 vph, Nivachron non-magnetic balance spring
Power reserve: 80 hours
Water resistance: 100 meters
Bracelet:integrated stainless steel bracelet with triple folding clasp – brushed with polished details
Price: 745 €

You can read more articles by Raman Kalra at www.thewatchmuse.com.

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