Is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 still worth it in 2024?

 Upon its reintroduction in 2021, the vintage-styled Tissot PRX took the world by storm as an affordable alternative to iconic luxury watches such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak - and for good reason! The Tissot PRX offered a massive value for dollar proposition with its beautiful finishing, fantastic integrated bracelet, and textured sunburst waffle dial. Aside from the reintroduction of the already affordable quartz PRX, Tissot’s introduction of the Powermatic 80 variant at a MSRP well under $1,000 was a home run. It is hard to understate the impact the PRX lineup has had on Tissot and the watch industry as a whole, but some have argued that the Tissot PRX has lost its luster as a hot commodity. Here is why you need a PRX Powermatic 80 in your watch collection:

Affordable Luxury:

     It is well known within the watch community that Tissot produces well-made everyday watches. Although Tissot is not necessarily a luxury manufacturer, the PRX pays tasteful homage to the various sports watches with integrated bracelets of the 1970’s. Many of these luxury watches as in the case of the Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak were designed by the renowned Gerald Genta. Although not a Royal Oak clone, I believe that Tissot’s PRX is elegantly reminiscent of Audemars Piguet’s golden goose without sacrificing its own originality. Unlike the Royal Oak, the PRX is a watch you can wear without worrying about babying it or it being stolen off your wrist. 

     In addition to the PRX’s design, Tissot’s level of finishing on the PRX is extremely impressive for its approximately $700 price tag. Specifically regarding finishing, the PRX’s bracelet is where it truly shines. The satin brushing on the PRX’s bracelet is reminiscent of Rolex’s iconic oyster bracelet at a fraction of the cost. The angled links and polished internal edges reflect light so elegantly in a manner that rivals Rolex jubilee bracelets. Factoring in a variety of dial colors, 35mm and 40mm variants, and option for either quartz or the Powermatic 80 movement, there is a Tissot PRX for everyone.

The Powermatic 80 Movement:

    Regarding the Powermatic 80 movement in particular, Tissot utilizes innovation in their polymer pallet fork and a silicon hairspring that both decrease weight within the movement, but offer higher durability, require less lubrication, and allow the PRX to have an 80 hour power reserve. Many have criticized the polymer (plastic) pallet fork as a potential weak point for the PRX, stating that the movement cannot be serviced. Following initial concerns with the Powermatic 80’s polymer pallet fork, I decided to perform personal research when deciding to purchase my own PRX. After speaking with Tissot themselves, I am happy to state that they will indeed service the Powermatic 80 movement without issue. The Tissot representative I spoke to also stated that they recommend servicing every 3-5 years to maintain the watch’s performance. With that said, the PRX’s Powermatic 80 movement has been extremely reliable and accurate in the 7 months I’ve owned it. My watch has kept an accuracy of about +1.3 seconds per day, well within the COSC chronometer certification standard.

Cost of Ownership:

It is worth considering that for some reason if the Powermatic 80 movement cannot be serviced, it can be replaced for a fraction of the PRX’s original cost. Most estimates for servicing the PRX range around $200, leading the cost of ownership to range between $400-600 approximately 10 years assuming the watch is serviced twice in that period. Compared to a variety of other watches, the cost of ownership is not as near as exorbitant as luxury watches from Rolex. In my personal experience relating to watches in the PRX’s price range, my personal Seiko Turtle costed over $300 to service in comparison to when I purchased the watch at $415.

Is the PRX Worth Its Hype?

    With the PRX’s success, it was only a matter of time before other watch companies would jump on the opportunity to capitalize off the 1970’s sports watch revival. Notable watch brands such as Citizen, Christopher Ward, Maen, and Movado, among others have introduced their own models to compete. One such example of one of the PRX’s most formidable competitors includes Christopher Ward’s Twelve model. Christopher Ward’s Twelve is touted as offering a level of quality and finishing that is considered by many to be leaps and bounds above the PRX. What is often not emphasized in reviews comparing the Twelve and the PRX is the caveat that Christopher Ward’s Twelve retail several hundred dollars more than the PRX at around $1,200. Although many may justify the difference in price, there is no doubt in the value for dollar proposition Tissot offers. 

     If you are in the market for a new integrated bracelet time piece under $1,000, definitely consider Tissot’s PRX Powermatic 80. This watch is seriously impressive and offers a charm that rivals watches that cost 40 times its price. The PRX is an extremely fun watch to own and in my personal opinion, I belief it will become a future cult classic as times goes on.