Tissot introduces the most high-tech PRX to date, decked out in forged carbon fibre
Borna Bošnjak- The 40mm PRX Powermatic 80 gets a dial and case in stealthy, forged carbon fibre.
- Keeping the dimensions of the previous 40mm models, it sports an integrated rubber strap with quick-release tabs.
- At US$995, it becomes one of the most expensive PRX models in the line-up, matching the price of the carbon-cased Sideral.
Ever since the release of the first-ever PRX with its blue dial and quartz movement, the model has become somewhat of an affordable modern icon. As you’d expect from any successful release, Tissot didn’t rest on its laurels, instead exploring numerous iterations on the PRX theme, some more successful than others. Lately, we’ve been treated to a particularly good run of form, first with the lumetastic Grendizer limited edition, and now, with the new PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon.
While carbon is by no means a new watch material, it is rare seeing the material at an affordable price point, and being executed well for the price even less common than that. Tissot tested the waters with the aforementioned Sideral that was a little quirkier in its ’70s inspiration, and is now bringing the high-tech material to the tried-and-true PRX. With a 40mm diameter and 11.2mm thickness, the PRX Forged Carbon is actually ever so slightly thicker than the regular Powermatic 80. Smaller-wristed fans of the 40mm PRX will be happy to hear that this novelty is offered on a rubber strap, which means that the PRX’s notorious 51mm effective lug-to-lug is negated somewhat, meaning it’ll wear much closely to its actual measurements of 44.9mm.
The carbon usage doesn’t stop with the case, though, extending to the dial too. The matte surface seems to play well with the high-gloss handset and indices, though the full legibility of this combination remains to be seen. Tissot did do its due diligence and colour-matched the date wheel to the carbon dial, though I can certainly see fans wishing for a no-date option, a design choice that was well-received with the Grendizer.
At first glance, you’d assume that there’s been no change to the movement, but a little Easter egg hides just ned to the pivot of the balance wheel. The “Si” engraving indicates the use of silicon in this particular Powermatic 80 variant, which differentiates it from the Sideral, as well as helps justify the price hike over a regular automatic PRX. Other than the improved resistance to magnetism, well-known pecs include the advertised 80-hour power reserve and a 3Hz beat rate.
Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon pricing and availability
The Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon is now available. Price: US$995
| Brand | Tissot |
| Model | PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon |
| Reference | T137.907.97.201.00 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.2mm (T) |
| Case Material | Forged carbon |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front, mineral back |
| Dial | Forged carbon |
| Strap | Integrated rubber strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | Powermatic 80, ETA C.07 base, automatic, silicon hairspring |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$995 |