Tissot is a very important brand in the history of Swiss Watchmaking. Besides being well known with its many successful models, the brand is also the biggest watchmaker in Switzerland in terms of production numbers. As an expert manufacturing high quality and robust timepieces in great volumes, Tissot bears the ability to make admirably affordable watches too.
The PRS 516 Automatic Small Second, one of the novelties launched at Baselworld 2016, is a perfect example to express the current position of the Tissot and the power of entry level Swatch Group brands for creating pretty fine watches with remarkably affordable price tags.
As mentioned in the title, Tissot PRS 516 Triple Seconds features an interesting dial lay out. Sporting three different sub dials with three hands, the functions are quite cool as well. The sub dials sit beneath the three spoke steering wheel recalling dial. Each sub-dial measures for 20 seconds, and as one seconds hand reaches the 20 second mark, the next second hand emerges from under the dial and continues to rotate. That might sound a lot of action going on but actually the dial is not that busy. In fact, it is perfectly symmetrical with the cleverly located date indicator at four o’clock which is balanced by the model name at eight simulated like a display or window.
In terms of movement and functions surely the PRS 516 Triple Seconds is not a grand complication timepiece but, it is obviously unique in style and pretty much useful especially for the price. The watch is powered by an automatic movement based on the tested and approved workhorse ETA 2824. The movement features a special module for the eccentric triple seconds function designed by Tissot and offers a little lower than usual power reserve as 38h when fully wound.
The 42mm diameter case is made of stainless steel in matt surface finish. The sporty case features a ceramic bezel in matt black with 60 minute marking in 5 minute intervals. The crystal on the front is scratch resistant sapphire. Tissot PRS 516 Triple Seconds sports a see-through caseback with the famous three spoke racing steering wheel pattern. Though the movement does not offer any extra in terms of decoration, it is still nice to look at the details on the caseback.
The timepiece comes on a beautiful black leather strap. The strap is punched with wide holes in order to match the motor sports identity. The classic Tissot logo engraved stainless steel buckle secures the strap.
