The impression we all have of the 70s is that of the Disco Era – brightly coloured suits with flared pants, platform shoes, loudly patterned shirts and handlebar moustaches definitely scream a “distinctive” aesthetic. For the watch world, we saw an audacious period of design, where shape, dial design and colour were combined to produce an era of watchmaking that is unlike no other.
A watch from the 70s is easily recognisable purely through its appearance, and has led to some of the most beloved watches today. With this period firmly in mind, Tissot has created the PRX Automatic, one that blends elements of watch design of the 70s with wearer-friendly features for the fashionistas of today.
Following on from the quartz-powered PRX, the PRX Powermatic 80 features the same great design cues – an angular tonneau shaped case with a round opening for the dial. The bezel is polished, whilst the flat surfaces of the 40mm stainless steel case feature a satin brushed finish. This play in surface finishings also extends to the facets on the edges of the case – a welcome retro addition that further cements this watch in the 70s, even though it is thoroughly modern.
The dial forms a sort of “Clous de Paris” pattern, that Tissot describes as an embossed, chequered pattern. This gives the dial its distinctive texture, playing with light, whilst giving visual interest to the face of the watch. Simple markers and baton hands make the watch very legible, with luminescent material on the markers and hands for easy reading in low-light conditions.
The bracelet is formed from single links, and is vertically satin brushed – the bracelet also follows the form of the case, integrating itself into the bottom lug of the case, and tapering towards the clasp. The bracelet is opened with a twin folding clasp with two push buttons. To further complement its sport chic nature, the watch is 100m water resistant, enabling it to travel in style with you in your everyday life.
Visible behind a mineral crystal display caseback is a Powermatic 80 movement that has previously featured heavily in Tissot’s mechanical collections. Boasting a power reserve of 80 hours, the watch not only has a long power reserve for a watch of its price point, for the watch geeks in us, the movement is equipped with a Nivachron balance spring, containing a titanium-based alloy enabling antimagnetic protection.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is available in three guises – all Stainless Steel models with either a blue or black dial, and a two-tone version in Stainless Steel and rose gold PVD on the polished bezel.
Undoubtedly a groovy choice, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 represents an excellent choice at the price it is positioned at (AUD1050). This gives watch lovers some retro style, a substantial movement in terms of its power reserve and magnetic protection, and a great everyday wear. The PRX Powermatic 80, then, is all things to all watch lovers – what’s there not to like about its design, features and wearability?
Movement
Mechanical self – winding movement
Powermatic 80 calibre providing 80 hour power reserve
Nivachron Balance Spring
Dial
Embossed chequered pattern dial in blue, black or silver
Hour and minute hands coated in SuperLuminova
Case
Polished steel tapered case with satin finishes
Polished steel bezel, rose gold PVD on the silver dial version
Mineral glass back
Diameter: 40mm ; Thickness: 11.3mm
Water Resistance: 100m (10ATM)
Bracelet
Integrated satin-finish steel bracelet, single link
Triple blade folding steel clasp with two push buttons