Things are about to get crazy. The Tissot PRX now comes in a Valjoux-powered 42mm panda chronograph, and Australians can order it here today
Borna BošnjakThe PRX Automatic Chronograph was always going to be a big deal. In its essence, it stands to be a hot chronograph line extension that, knowing Tissot, won’t come with an exorbitant price tag. And, with all of our collective fingers crossed, we hoped it would be mechanical. Someone pushing their luck might have had sub-42mm on their list too. Tissot have answered PRX-lovers’ prayers with precisely this. And they’ve gone one better. The movement. Oh boy. More on this shortly. A quick recap: Unless you spent the majority of 2021 under a very large, horological news-proof rock, you’re aware of the impact the Tissot PRX had. Whether in quartz or Powermatic 80 flavour, it became the go-to for an affordable sporty watch on an integrated bracelet. Fratello just referred to it as a “wild” success, and that’s understating it. The PRX chrono is set to become a valued member of the family, with attractive sizing and quality construction, all while powered by a classic and historically important movement.
Panda, reverse panda
The PRX Automatic Chronograph initially comes in two variations: one retains the vertically-brushed silver dial of the time only quartz models, with matching rose gold accents, albeit with an ever so darker hue. Completing the panda dial, Tissot chose matte black subdials at the 3-6-9 position. A black chapter ring encircles the dial and is proof of the attention to detail that went into designing this watch. Lumed rose gold baton hands mirror the faceted indices both in colour and luminescent treatment. A white date disc nestles in a bevelled window at 4:30, inconspicuous enough not to attract attention on account of the sympathetic colour to the dial.
The second variation is the cobalt blue vertically brushed Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph, with a finish to match its silver sibling. White highlights replace the black, with matte white subdials and text printing. Continuing the cool tones of this reverse-panda PRX are the silver hands and indices, making for a more contemporary colour scheme. The silver is present in the radially brushed chapter rings outlining the subdials and main dial. I really would’ve loved a blue date window in place of the white here, though I understand the limitations of a lower price point and also the demands of some customers who actually want maximum legibility.
1970s cool, modern construction
If you’re familiar with the 40m PRX case, there won’t be any surprises here, so we’ll make this a short refresher. It has a brushed finish, with a thin high-polished chamfer running the shoulder of the case. A smooth polished bezel makes a steep step, sitting flush with the flat sapphire crystal. Flat, mirror polished rectangular pushers are well-incorporated into the overall design and offer a visual interest to an otherwise simple case. A crown engraved with the Tissot logo means 100 metres of water resistance, fitting for a watch of this style. In terms of the thickness, it is 14.54mm, so definitely a different, much heftier case profile and wearability to the svelte time only versions. In The weight is also up there, at 184gms. So many of the original characteristics – slim profile and light on the wrist – are redefined here, for a likely quite different buyer. However, many brands have proved that size (and weight) can also be a prize when it comes to choreograph versions building off a slim base. We need not look far at all.
A detail that I could always appreciate are the small, polished facets on the inside of the links, as I didn’t expect them at this price. Featuring half links for a closer fit, the bracelet ends in a hidden butterfly clasp.
Valjoux power
With the restrictions the Swatch group has imposed on its exports, movements of Valjoux origin are far and few between in new releases in the present day. The A05 H31 is the Swatch Group’s exclusive modification of the Valjoux 7753 movement, with a skeletonised rotor visible through the open caseback in this configuration. It’s a handsome enough movement, the dark grey rotor giving it a more modern, industrial charm as machine-applied perlage adorns some of the surfaces. I’m glad Tissot chose an open caseback in this case (pun intended), even though the rotor and bridges cover much of the chronograph cams. A power reserve of up to 60 hours is impressive in itself, moreso given the cost, and in line with the extended power reserve featured in many Swatch Group products.
Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph is set for a June/July release. Price: $2,775 AUD / 1,475 EU for both models.
Time+Tide have been granted an allocation of this no doubt highly desirable watch for Australian buyers. You can purchase the blue dial here or the silver dial here.
| Brand | Tissot |
| Model | PRX Automatic Chronograph |
| Ref. Number | T137.427.11.011.00 (silver dial) T137.427.11.041.00 (blue dial) |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Vertically brushed with contrasting chronograph subdials |
| Strap | Integrated stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | Valjoux A05 H31 automatic chronograph, 60-hour power reserve |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal with AR coating |
| Functions | Chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counter |
| Price | AU$2,775 |
| Availability | June/July 2022 |