One of the Best Affordable Everyday Watches Just Added a High-End Twist

It’s safe to say that Tissot found a winner in the PRX.

A reimagining of a 1970s Tissot model, the retro integrated bracelet sports watch became an instant favorite when the brand introduced the original 40mm quartz model in stainless steel back in 2021.

In the ensuing three years, we’ve seen endless variations of the PRX. We’ve seen smaller versions, automatic versions, chronograph versions, strap versions, gold PVD versions, collaborative versions, you name it. But one thing every PRX has had in common up to this point is they have all been made of stainless steel.

That changes today.

Tissot

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Carbon

• $995 at Tissot

Carbon-Based PRX Form

Today, Tissot announced the PRX Powermatic 80 in forged carbon. Quietly launched alongside a pair of steel PRXes with gradient dials that, for some reason, received more fanfare from Tissot, the new forged carbon model is decidedly the most high-end version of the three-hand PRX we’ve seen so far.

Its case and dial are both made from forged carbon, a commonly used composite in luxury watches made from strips of carbon fiber forged together with resin. The resultant material is both strong and incredibly lightweight, with a black swirled pattern that, let’s face it, just looks cool.

The carbon PRX is mounted on an integrated waffle-textured black rubber strap that looks identical to the straps available on the steel versions of the PRX, and it really ups the high-end sporty vibes of the watch. The color-matched black date wheel on the black dial adds another classy touch.

Tissot

The overall package looks fantastic, and thanks to forged carbon’s lightweight properties, the watch weighs just 75 grams, which is 15 grams lighter than the steel version on rubber.

Somewhat surprisingly, the carbon PRX isn’t just high-end in the looks department. Under the hood, the watch also gets an upgrade. Instead of the standard Powermatic 80 movement with the Nivachron hairspring found in the other three-hand PRX models, the carbon version gets the higher-end silicon hairspring.

Silicon is the gold standard for modern hairspring materials, and Swatch Group typically reserves its use for its top brands like Omega, Longines and Blancpain. So it’s definitely nice— and unexpected — to see silicon pop up in a PRX. (The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium also uses a silicon hairspring.)

Tissot

Keeping It (Under) 1,000

Despite the notable upgrades with the use of forged carbon fiber and silicon in the new PRX Powermatic 80, Tissot has managed to keep the watch under the $1,000 threshold — if just barely.

The 40mm PRX forged carbon is priced at $995, which, to be fair, is a decent jump over the steel-on-rubber version’s $675 SRP, but I think the upgrades are both notable and worth it.

You’d be hard-pressed to find another watch under $1,000 with these kinds of specs — forged carbon case, silicon balance spring, 80-hour power reserve, 100m water resistance — so Tissot’s latest might just be the new watch to beat under $1,000.

Tissot

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Carbon

Specs

Case Size	40m
Movement	Tissot Powermatic 80 Silicium automatic
Water Resistance	100m

• $995 at Tissot

Related Topics