The Tissot PRX series became one of the most talked-about hits in the watch industry in 2021, bringing the integrated sports watch style with a bracelet from the upper echelons of the luxury market to the entry-level demographic. While the affordable price and integrated style of the original models received universal acclaim, the quartz movement of the PRX was not favored by some segments of the enthusiast community. Tissot aims to rectify this in its latest model by offering a reliable and modern Powermatic 80 movement while maintaining an impressively accessible price. The new Tissot PRX 40 205 series beautifully and skillfully presents the integrated bracelet sports style to the masses, creating a watch that looks head and shoulders above its competitors in virtually every parameter.
The 40mm stainless steel case of the Tissot PRX 40 205 series largely mirrors the quartz PRX: a clean angular case profile, a narrow polished bezel, and integrated lugs. The overall look of the watch conveys the spirit of the original PRX 1978 model and showcases a striking combination of finishes, from vertical and horizontal brushing to a mirror-polished side chamfer on the case in the initial images. In the PRX 40 205 white dial version, Tissot also adds a rose gold PVD coating to the bezel for a two-tone appearance. The PRX 40 205 is only half a millimeter thicker than the quartz variant, with a sufficiently thin official size of 10.9mm. With this modest increase in thickness comes a new sapphire crystal case back to showcase the Powermatic 80 movement, yet the new variant retains the quartz model's sporty 100-meter water resistance.
Tissot offers the PRX 40 205 series with three dial options. The simplest and most versatile of the trio is the black model, while the dark blue sunburst dial conveys the look and feel of more expensive integrated bracelet genre samples. In the white sunburst dial version, the hands and indices are also coated in a rose gold layer. All three versions feature the same tapisserie-style guilloché dial surface - another premium touch that elevates the appearance of these models beyond their price range in the initial images. All three dial variants share the same hardware: beveled baton hands and slim applied indices, along with the same white date indicator at the “3 o’clock” position. Although in the images the white dial model handles this date indicator quite well, in the black and blue dial variants it creates a virtual hole that somewhat disrupts the visual flow of the overall design.
Tissot equips the PRX 40 205 line with the automatic Powermatic 80 movement based on the ETA C07.111. The Powermatic 80 movement, developed by ETA exclusively for parent company Swatch Group, showcases a beautifully engraved rotor and corresponding engraved waves on several bridges of the mechanism and the balance member. In terms of specifications, the Powermatic 80 boasts a substantial 80-hour power reserve at a frequency of 21,600 beats per second, as well as an advanced Nivachron balance spring.
Naturally, much of the character of the Tissot PRX 40 205 line is tied to its signature integrated stainless steel bracelet. As with the case and dial, the tapering bracelet features impressive finishing, with smooth uniform brushing and sharp edges on each of the wide single links. Tissot complements the package with a butterfly-style folding clasp.
By adding an automatic movement and more intricate finishing to an already popular and accessible integrated bracelet design, the Tissot PRX 40 205 is likely to appeal to enthusiasts and could be a strong contender for the title of “Watch of the Summer” in 2021.
The Tissot PRX 40 205 series watches are available now from authorized dealers at a price of $650. For more information, visit the brand's website.