There’s one watch we’ve been highly anticipating for quite some time, and that’s the Tissot PRX 35mm Powermatic 80. Why? Because we’ve been a little obsessed with the 70’s-inspired architecture, waffle dial and 80-hour power reserve of the original PRX Powermatic 80 since its launch in 2021, but sadly not all of us have wrists accommodating of the 40mm diameter. Thankfully, the Swiss watchmaker has answered our prayers and gifted us four new Tissot PRX 35mm Powermatic 80 watches with a beautifully compact case.
Anyone who’s been remotely aware of the watch market over the last couple of years will know that the integrated sports watch is all the rage. These 1970’s inspired designs with integrated metal bracelets have been reinterpreted twenty times over, all the way from bottom-end entry-level prices up to brands prolific in haute horlogerie. Easily one of the most popular and affordable integrated sports watches is the Tissot PRX which originally debuted in 2021, first with a quartz movement and later with the Swatch Group’s well-known Powermatic 80 movement. Until now however, the Tissot PRX was only available with a 40mm case if you wanted the Powermatic 80 movement. If you’re like me, and you have a smaller than average wrist, you were left with only a quartz movement and no waffle-textured dial.
However, in what is destined to be an instant crowd pleaser, Tissot has now launched a new range of PRX 35mm Powermatic 80 watches with compact 35mm-wide cases, beautiful waffle dials and an automatic winding movement. We’re pleased to say that Tissot hasn’t changed anything about these new smaller PRX’s other than the case size; there’s still the same sharp-edged, barrel-shaped case, flat-brushed surfaces, polished chamfers and the seamlessly integrated stainless steel bracelet. Despite the case decrease, the case thickness remains the same as the 40mm models at 11.3mm and we’re still promised a 100 metre water resistant rating helped by a screw in crown and screw down mineral glass case back.
For now, there are four dial colours available on the Tissot PRX 35mm Powermatic 80 watch – but we have no doubt more dial designs will be available soon. The colours include classic black, ocean blue, deep forest green and a white mother of pearl. Each display neglects the traditional sunray-brushed surface of their 35mm quartz counterparts and utilises the waffle-like pattern seen only on PRX Automatic watches. Placed on top, the dials present the usual striped baton hands, applied indexes and framed date window at 3 o’clock. The hour markers and hour and minute hands feature Superluminova inserts.
Like the previous PRX 40mm automatic watches, the new Tissot PRX 35mm Automatic releases are powered by the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 automatic winding movement. This is a movement that has received a lot of praise over the years. It was produced by ETA exclusively for the Swatch Group, offering a weekend-proof 80-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600vph. If that wasn’t already impressive at its price point, the Swiss made calibre is also equipped with a Nivachron balance spring for high levels of anti-magnetism. Finishing of the movement is pretty basic, as you’d expect, with some brushed and matte-blasted bridges and an oscillating rotor with a simple wave pattern.
We have absolutely no doubt the new Tissot PRX 35mm Powermatic 80 watches are going to be popular, retailing at just £610. Let’s be honest, how often do you find an automatic watch of this quality at this price? If you’re interested in getting one for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here or contact the team on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 35mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Case Back: Exhibition, mineral crystal
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Powermatic 80 automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 23
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Black, blue, green or mother of pearl, Superluminova indexes and hands
- Strap: Integrated bracelet
- Buckle: Folding
- RRP: Starts from £610
