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Why I Initially Hesitated Over the Tissot PRX
When Tissot first brought back the PRX, it caught my eye straight away. I've always liked watches with a bit of retro charm, and those sharp 1970s lines, slim case and integrated bracelet looked fantastic. It also seemed Tissot was going to offer all of this at a pretty reasonable price. What's not to like?
I eventually got hands-on with one of the original quartz models, and I was genuinely impressed. The finishing was excellent for the money, and it felt like Tissot had got an awful lot right.
So why didn't I buy one? Well, I'm a bit of a strap geek! I love being able to change the look of a watch with a different strap, and that integrated bracelet was the one thing holding me back. As much as I loved the design, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about owning a watch I couldn't easily change up.
Still, the PRX had made enough of an impression that I kept coming back to it.
Why the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Won Me Over
When Tissot introduced the PRX Powermatic 80, things got a little more interesting. It took the design I already loved and added an automatic movement, a display caseback and a gorgeous textured dial. Suddenly, that integrated bracelet didn't seem quite so much of a dealbreaker!
The 40mm stainless steel case kept those sharp 1970s lines, but the deep blue waffle dial gave the automatic version a completely different character. Where the original quartz model had a lovely blue sunburst finish, the Powermatic 80 dial had more texture and depth. For me, that was the real attraction.
I was also encouraged by the prospect of alternative strap options. One of my biggest concerns had always been feeling tied to the bracelet, but knowing I might eventually be able to change things up made the PRX even more appealing.
It was becoming increasingly difficult to talk myself out of one!
As it turned out, my wife noticed my interest in the Powermatic 80 version of the PRX and purchased one for my birthday. So, after five months of living with the PRX and weeks of wrist time spent with it, I felt it was time to share my thoughts on it.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Case and Design
One of the things I love about the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is how well it captures that classic 1970s sports watch look. The angular case, integrated bracelet and slim profile all come together to give it a really distinctive design. It's unmistakably retro, but somehow still feels modern.
The 40mm stainless steel case features a lovely mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The fine vertical brushing contrasts nicely with the polished bezel, giving the watch a finish that looks and feels more expensive than you might expect at this price.
What I particularly like is how clean the whole design feels. There are no traditional protruding lugs, and the bracelet flows directly from the case. It's a big part of what makes the PRX look so good, although, as we'll explore shortly, it does have an impact on how the watch wears.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Blue Waffle Dial
For me, one of the biggest attractions of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is that gorgeous blue waffle dial. It's the detail that really sets the automatic version apart from its quartz sibling, and it's probably what finally convinced me that this was the PRX I wanted.
The quartz version has a lovely blue sunburst dial, which I still think looks fantastic. But the textured waffle pattern on the Powermatic 80 adds another dimension. It catches the light beautifully, giving the dial a real sense of depth, and the deep blue colour works so well with the brushed stainless steel case.
Tissot has kept things relatively simple elsewhere, with slim hour markers, neatly proportioned hands and a date window at three o'clock. I think that's exactly the right approach. There's plenty of character in the dial itself without needing lots of extra detail.
Protecting everything is a flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. It's another nice feature at this price, offering good scratch resistance while allowing that lovely blue dial to take centre stage.
The Powermatic 80 Automatic Movement
Turn the PRX over, and you'll find another difference from the quartz model. The exhibition caseback gives you a view of the Swiss automatic Powermatic 80 movement ticking away inside.
The big attraction here is the 80-hour power reserve. That's enough to leave the watch off your wrist over the weekend and still find it running when you pick it up again on Monday. It's a genuinely useful feature, especially if you regularly swap between watches as I do.
From my experience, the movement has also performed well in terms of accuracy. I've had no complaints during my time with the watch, and while I'm not someone who gets particularly hung up on a few seconds here or there, it's reassuring to know the movement is doing its job.
The movement also uses a Nivachron balance spring, designed to offer improved resistance to magnetic fields.
Despite the automatic movement and display caseback, the PRX remains impressively slim at just under 11mm thick. It wears comfortably, and I found the small difference in thickness compared with the quartz version barely noticeable.
Finishing things off is a nicely knurled crown with the Tissot logo, another small detail that adds to the overall quality of the watch.
Tissot PRX Bracelet and Wrist Fit
One of the things that impressed me most about the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 was the quality of its integrated stainless steel bracelet. The finishing is excellent, with fine brushing across the tops of the links, polished bevelled edges and beautifully finished sides. It's these little details that make the PRX feel like a much more expensive watch.
The bracelet also articulates nicely and is secured with a signed butterfly clasp. It looks fantastic on the wrist, although the lack of on-the-fly micro-adjustment does mean getting the perfect fit can be a little trickier than with some traditional bracelets.
How Does the 40mm Tissot PRX Wear?
Here's something worth knowing before buying the 40mm PRX. Although Tissot lists the case length as 39.5mm, that doesn't tell the whole story when it comes to how the watch actually wears.
Because of the integrated bracelet design, those first links extend beyond the case and don't drop straight down around your wrist. When I measured the effective lug-to-lug distance, including those links, it came out at approximately 51mm.
That's quite a difference, isn't it?
It's something I'd definitely recommend bearing in mind if you have smaller wrists. The PRX wears wider than its 40mm case diameter might suggest, and I'd encourage anyone unsure about the fit to try one on before buying. Alternatively, there's also a smaller 35mm PRX that might be worth considering.
Can You Change the Tissot PRX Bracelet?
Absolutely, and this is something that makes the PRX even more appealing to me now.
When I first became interested in the watch, the integrated bracelet was my biggest hesitation. Thankfully, there are now plenty of alternatives available, including Tissot's own leather and rubber straps.
I've also added some options to the MTR-Watches shop. My Tissot PRX 40mm rubber straps offer a more casual, sporty look, while the steel strap adapters allow you to fit conventional 22mm straps to the 40mm PRX.
For someone like me who enjoys changing straps regularly, that extra versatility makes a real difference. You get to enjoy the fantastic integrated bracelet design without being permanently tied to it.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Quartz: Which Would I Choose?
Having spent time with both versions of the Tissot PRX, I think choosing between the quartz and automatic models really comes down to what you value most in a watch.
Both share that fantastic 1970s-inspired design, excellent finishing and a sapphire crystal. You also get 100 metres of water resistance with either version, which makes them perfectly practical for everyday wear.
The quartz model has a lovely blue sunburst dial, costs less and offers the convenience of not having to worry about winding or resetting an automatic movement.
The Powermatic 80, on the other hand, gives you that gorgeous waffle dial, an exhibition caseback and an impressive 80-hour power reserve. For someone who enjoys mechanical watches, those are some pretty appealing features.
But here's the thing. If Tissot had offered the quartz PRX with that same textured waffle dial, I would have been more than happy to buy it!
That's how much the dial influenced my decision. I love mechanical watches, but I certainly don't have anything against quartz. Ultimately, it's about choosing the watch you enjoy wearing.
And if you're considering other affordable integrated-bracelet watches, I've also written a Citizen Tsuyosa vs Tissot PRX comparison, having spent plenty of time with both.
What Don't I Like About the Tissot PRX?
As much as I enjoy the PRX, there are a couple of things worth mentioning.
First up is the lume. Frankly, it's pretty disappointing! The slim hands and hour markers look fantastic during the day, but nighttime legibility isn't a strong point. It's not a dealbreaker for me, although it's something to consider if you regularly need to check the time in the dark.
The other potential drawback is the fit of that integrated bracelet. As I mentioned earlier, the effective 51mm lug-to-lug measurement makes the 40mm PRX wear larger than you might expect. It's worth trying one on before buying, particularly if you have smaller wrists.
Neither issue would put me off buying the PRX again, but they're worth knowing about before spending your money.
Is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Worth Buying?
Having spent several months with the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, I can safely say it's a watch I'm very glad to have in my collection.
It's funny really, because the integrated bracelet was the very thing that initially put me off buying one. Yet it's now one of the things I appreciate most about the design. The finishing is excellent, the way the bracelet flows into the case looks fantastic, and that deep blue waffle dial is an absolute beauty.
Of course, there are a few compromises. The lume could certainly be better, and the 40mm case won't suit everyone, particularly with those extended first bracelet links. But neither has stopped me enjoying the watch.
I also think Tissot deserves credit for offering two genuinely appealing versions of the PRX. Whether you choose the affordable convenience of quartz or the mechanical charm of the Powermatic 80, you're getting a watch with plenty of character and a design that stands out.
Would I recommend the Powermatic 80? Absolutely. Just make sure you try one on if you're unsure about the size.
For me, it's a fantastic example of how an affordable Swiss watch can still feel special. And while I certainly didn't need another watch when my wife bought me this one for my birthday, I'm very happy she did!
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Specifications
Model: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 (T137.407.11.041.00)
Movement: Swiss automatic Powermatic 80
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Balance Spring: Nivachron, offering improved magnetic resistance
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Case Diameter: 40mm
Case Thickness: 10.93mm
Case Length: 39.5mm (official Tissot measurement)
Effective Lug-to-Lug: Approximately 51mm, including the first bracelet links (my measurement)
Crystal: Flat sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Dial: Deep blue textured waffle pattern
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel with quick-release system
Clasp: Butterfly clasp with push-buttons
Caseback: Exhibition caseback
Water Resistance: 100 metres (10 bar)
Weight: Approximately 138g
UK Retail Price: £640 (October 2026)
