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The Tissot PRX brings back a design Tissot introduced in 1978: a slim, tonneau-shaped case joined to a wide integrated steel bracelet. Today’s PRX family includes both quartz and automatic Powermatic 80 models, so the right choice depends on the movement and specific configuration you want. Whether it is “the best” of 1970s design or a great price is subjective—and price varies by reference and region.
What makes the PRX a 1970s design?
Tissot traces the PRX to a watch introduced in 1978 and places its origins in the Seastar family of water-resistant watches. The company describes that original as a design that would later become known as the PRX; that is Tissot’s account of its own history, not an independent assessment. Tissot’s PRX history gives the date and context.
The period-defining details are the slim tonneau-shaped case and the broad bracelet, whose transverse links meet the case without a conventional separate lug-and-strap silhouette. Swatch Group describes the original as a quartz watch with that case and integrated steel bracelet. Those proportions and the continuous case-to-bracelet line are the core of the PRX’s 1970s character. Swatch Group’s description of the PRX supports those design details.
How do PRX quartz and Powermatic 80 models differ?
The defining difference is the movement: PRX quartz models are quartz, while Powermatic 80 models use an automatic movement. They are distinct options within the same design family, not interchangeable names for the same watch. Tissot’s collection materials cover both quartz and automatic PRX variants. Tissot’s PRX collection announcement provides an overview.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 40.00 millimeter; Band Width: 12 millimeter; Case Thickness: 10.40 millimeter
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, date
- Stainless steel bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 meter / 330 feet): Suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
Details also vary by size and reference. For example, Tissot’s announcement for the 35mm Powermatic 80 specifies a waffle-pattern dial and presents it as a point of distinction from the quartz counterpart. That detail applies to the announced variant; it should not be assumed of every PRX dial. Tissot’s 35mm Powermatic 80 announcement describes that model.
What should you compare before choosing one?
Start with the exact reference rather than relying on “PRX” alone. Compare the movement, case size, dial, bracelet or strap configuration, and the price shown for your region. Tissot’s official pages identify, for example, the 40mm Powermatic 80 reference T1374071135100 and the 40mm reference T1374071105100. Check the live product pages for current specifications, regional pricing and availability: T1374071135100 and T1374071105100.
Rank #2
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 12, Case Thickness: 10.93 mm
- Automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel strap/bracelet, interchangeable quick release bracelet,butterfly clasp with push-buttons closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft)
- 2 Year International Warranty
Those examples are not a complete comparison of every current PRX. Prices, stock and specifications can change, and a price in one regional store is not a universal measure of value. The evidence here does not establish a single current price that would justify calling the entire family a bargain. Judge value against the exact reference and its current local price.
What does hands-on coverage say about the automatic model?
A 2021 Fratello hands-on review praised the Powermatic 80’s comfort, build and finishing. Those are the reviewer’s impressions of the watch, not a claim of personal testing here; the review is also dated, so it should be read as an opinion about the model as assessed at that time. Read Fratello’s 2021 review.
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- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 12 mm, Case Thickness: 10.40 mm
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
Is the PRX the right kind of retro watch for you?
The PRX makes the most sense if you want the integrated-bracelet look and the specific case-and-bracelet proportions that link it to Tissot’s 1978 design. Choose between quartz and automatic Powermatic 80 based on the movement you prefer, then decide whether the size, dial and bracelet or strap configuration of the exact reference suit you. The design offers a clear connection to the 1970s; “best” and “great price” remain judgments to make against your own priorities and the price where you shop.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 12, Case Thickness: 10.40 mm
- Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case with yellow gold PVD coating, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel strap/bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Rank #4
- Case Size: 38.00 mm, Band Width: 25mm, Case Thickness: 10.98 mm
- Automatic movement, leather strap, Index dial type, Date
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 300 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
