There was a very exciting atmosphere in the Horobox Management Office recently. The Tissot PRX Powermatic80, shining on the wrist of our managing editor Burak Bayram, was there to upset all the balances in the world of luxury watchmaking.
That day, I was like a kid who went to an amusement park for the first time in his life. You know, the lights, sounds, surprises, the details that constantly attract your attention and the crowd fascinate you. Well, how I felt was not different. So, how could the cheapest watch on the table, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, be so attractive?
The mood was more like a festival that day at the office. I am surrounded by watches of all sizes, colors, and styles. Would you like a super exotic RM? Or a Day-Date, the definition of perfection? Or a Nautilus almost everybody lusts for, an RO Jumbo or an F.P. Journe? How about an award-winning Snoopy Speedmaster? Can we draw your attention to the Italian-spirited Swiss Panerai? What about Limited Edition models produced exclusively for Horobox? I think I've left the most interesting for last: the Tissot PRX. But before I move on to that, I want to talk a little bit about the other options.
I think that watches with bracelets are more successful than the versions with straps in terms of making the wearer feel the quality and satiety. In addition to this, I can say that as my watch taste has evolved or become more refined as I call it, I have become unable to like models over a certain size. Now I understand why Rolex's models with a diameter of 40mm and smaller have become the most sought-after watches in the world. Also, why a Royal Oak Jumbo or a Nautilus is considered an object of desire. Elegance, quality, durability, heritage, rarity, and brand value… These models have more or less almost every feature you would want a high-end watch to have. It seems that the Swiss watch industry, which was born once again from its ashes in the 80s, succeeded in obtaining the perfect 50 years ago.
In today's world of luxury watches, it is not possible to get any watch you want by simply being able to afford the MSRPs. The waiting list thing has become extremely annoying. The prices discussed in the second-hand or gray market are more like they belong to another world now.
At this point, the Tissot PRX comes into play. No one can deny the brand value and prestige Tissot has in its category. The model in question is an immortal design from the dusty pages of history. A nicely sized case with above-average craftsmanship and an exquisite integrated bracelet. Double sapphire crystals that meet the standards of today's luxury watchmaking, double-sided button-release clasp, in-house (perhaps more correct to say in-group) movement with 80 hours(!) power reserve. Above all, its breathtaking price tag compared to the features it offers.
Of course, we cannot expect an RO Jumbo or Nautilus performance from the Tissot PRX. Put your hands on your conscience, we are talking about a watch that sells for the price of a RO’s bracelet link.
We all need to take our hats off to the impact of the Tissot PRX in the world of watches. Is it flawless? Of course, not. It is not nice matching this stylish bracelet with a folding mechanism that is thicker than its links. It is also a pity that details such as the square-patterned dial and the frame around the day window in the automatic version are not present in the quartz version. Although the diameter of the watch is a modern and reasonable 40mm, it has an elongated form due to the structure of the integrated bracelet. Thin wristed watch lovers should not rely on the case size information. They should definitely try the watch on their wrist. Fortunately, all these can be ignored due to the elegance of the watch and the price tag.
You can go with the practicality of the battery-operated movement or the horological warmth of the Powermatic80 caliber. It is entirely up to you. Let me add that the automatic caliber PRX keeps time at a whopping accuracy of +2 seconds per day in 72 hours, in active use. Did someone say COSC or METAS?
Long story short, for those who want to act within a certain budget, the Tissot PRX model family is one of the most logical options in recent years. Now let's come to the main question; which color dial is the most beautiful?
