A Look at the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph 42mm Watches
Wednesday - 18 January 2023
The recently released Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph watch in a deep blue and silver dial version or a silver and black panda-style version both boast the signature tonneau-shaped case and integrated bracelet design that this sporty collection has become so well-loved for. These 42mm models are powered by an automatic movement and join the brand’s series of automatically-powered PRX watches from Tissot.
Although the 1970s are often looked back on as an era dominated by the quartz movement, this decade signified a specific style of watch that was all the rage. In fact, if you weren’t wearing a watch designed by Gerald Genta, you were wearing a watch that had been inspired by his work. Or maybe you were lucky enough to get your hands on a Tissot PRX watch. Standing for “precise” and “robust” and making reference to its 10 atmospheres (or 100-meters) of water resistance, the popular releases were incredibly stylish and forward-thinking for their generation, forming the inspiration to what we now know as the modern-day Tissot PRX watch.
These models are impressively affordable for what they offer. The star of the show in the series has to be its integrated stainless steel bracelet, not to mention a reliable automatic movement that followed on Tissot’s first few releases back in 2020 powered by quartz movements. The automatic chronograph version of the Tissot PRX watch follows some recently released automatic 35mm and 40mm time and date versions with a date window at 3 o’clock and a beautiful waffle-effect dial pattern. Following this, Tissot released an automatic chronograph with a 42mm case last year, which we’re going to look at in more detail in this article.
The case
Of course, historically the PRX watch has always been known for being thin and sleek. The more chunky design of the newer models, however, is dictated by the automatic movement fitted inside. The recently released Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph watch sits at a thickness of 14.5mm and features a piece of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass that protects the dial from dust, heat and moisture damage. The sapphire crystal glass front is supported by a tall polished bezel, which transitions into the case by way of a bevel in a polished effect. This finish contrasts beautifully against the fine satin-brushed effect across the surface of the case. The middle section of the case transitions into the lugs with an angular slope. The sapphire crystal glass top is both anti-reflective and scratch resistant, enabling a clear glance into the dial whether under natural or artificial lighting.
The dial
There are two dial options to choose from in the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph model. One is a panda chronograph dial on a brushed silver display with black-filled chronograph sub-counters. The other is a deep blue dial adorned with silver-filled chronograph counters. This straightforward approach to a stopwatch display results in a very legible dial with sub-counters placed at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. These counters offer 30-minute, 12-hour and small second functions respectively. You won’t miss the addition of a tachymeter scale here, since its absence tastefully opens up the dial for easy timekeeping. The central hour and minute hands are straight and have been treated with Super-LumiNova, as have the stick markers around the hour track. The central chronograph seconds hand is beautifully thin and there’s also a minute track running around the outer section of the dial. In the deep blue version of the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph watch (reference T137.427.11.041.00), this minute scale is represented in a contrasting silver shade to match the centres of the sub-dials. In the silver and black panda version (reference T137.427.11.011.00), the minute scale is finished in black. The hands on this dial, together with the stick hour markers and elements on the chronograph hands are executed in a rose gold-coloured trim. Lastly, a date feature resides at 4:30 in both models.
The movement
For its affordable price, the movement of the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph watch is very beautifully decorated and is put on show through the back of the case via a sapphire crystal glass exhibition feature. The VALJOUX A05.H31 beats away inside the watch’s tough 316L stainless steel case, providing an impressive power reserve of 60 hours and performing at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Made especially for only a few brands within the Swatch Group, the watch comprises a total of 27 jewels with plenty of polished surfaces and perlage decoration to be admired.
The strap
As mentioned, the integrated stainless steel bracelet of the recently released Tissot PRX Automatic watch is a key selling point of this watch. The same can, of course, be said for all PRX watches in the line. The strap carries on the polished elements seen in the bevelled edges and the bezel of the case, featuring small in-between polished finishes throughout the links of the bracelet. The metal band transitions seamlessly into the tonneau-shaped case of the chronograph, giving the PRX an air of sporty class and sophistication. It secures with a refined butterfly clasp but the watch also features Tissot’s interchangeable quick-release technology, enabling you to switch the watch over with a leather band should you so wish.
If you’d like more information on the blue and silver or silver and black panda version of the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph watch, you can check out the models online here at Jura Watches or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453
