The Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph With Blue Panda Dial

At the end of last week, we’ve already shared with you our first hands-on sessions with two of the latest updates to the ultra-successful Tissot PRX collection, the Ice Blue dial on the Powermatic 80 model and the long-expected addition of integrated rubber straps to the collection. That wasn’t all we’ve seen, as we have more to share. Again, it’s all about a first look, a quick hands-on session to show you the watch in the metal. Based on the already existing PRX Automatic Chronograph, available so far in silver with black counters and gold-coloured accents, or in blue with reverse panda style, Tissot now adds a third version with a silver dial and blue panda layout. And here’s what it looks like in the wild. 

When released last year, the chronograph was the first and major update to the already well-established PRX collection. Coming next to the 35mm quartz models and the 40mm quartz and Powermatic 80 editions, the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph is by far the boldest, most striking and sportier edition of this 1970s-inspired collection. It’s also the most complex and the priciest, even though its price remains attractive considering what you’ll get in return.

While most of the PRX models are relatively compact in size, with a 40mm diameter and a height comprised between 10.4mm (quartz) and 10.9mm (automatic), the Chronograph plays on different proportions. Explained by the presence of a Valjoux-based movement – and yes, it’s the best movement available in this price range, specifically with Tissot’s upgrades, but it’s thick – the PRX Automatic Chronograph comes in a sizable case of 42mm, which remains acceptable, and with a height of 14.5mm. It’s not thicker than any other watch in this category, but still, the thinness of the automatic model was appreciable and made them a joy to wear. Now you know, the Chrono is a sportier, weightier and larger edition of the same 1978-inspired watch.

Other than that, the watch remains immediately identifiable as a PRX. It shares the same design, with a barrel-shaped case, sharp facets all around, brushed surfaces with polished accents and raised, circular polished bezel on top. What changes, besides the size of the watch, is the presence of two nicely integrated pushers on the right side, framing the crown – I have to say that Tissot did a great job to integrate the pushers within the design, without altering its too much. The watch comes with a sapphire crystal with AR coating and an exhibition caseback. The 100m water-resistance of the 3-hand models has been respected too, which is an appreciable point for a chronograph.

Worn on an integrated steel bracelet with a triple-folding clasp – note that the newly launched rubber straps don’t fit the chronograph, which has a larger lug width – the watch makes a statement on the wrist. It remains relatively compact with a 46.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, but the shape of the first link makes it slightly larger on the wrist. Still, photographed on our editor Robin’s wrist here – 18cm circumference – the watch remains wearable on daily basis. It’s simply sportier and bolder than the automatic or quartz time-and-date models.

Inside the case, we have the calibre ETA A05.H31, a strong evolution of the Valjoux 7753. Notably, Tissot brings an extended power reserve of 60 hours and a Nivachron hairspring, protecting the watch against magnetic fields. The decoration, if industrial, is quite pleasant with perlage on the bridges and a personalized, openworked rotor.

The pièce de resistance here is the dial. Previously, as shown here, the PRX Automatic Chronograph came with a silver dial with black counters and gold accents, or a blue dial with silver counters. Now, we have a silver dial – with a vertically brushed pattern that is hardly visible in daylight – and blue counters. In addition, this blue panda version comes with silver-coloured applied markers and hands, making it sportier and more coherent than the other silver dial with golden accents. In short, it feels to us as the best-looking edition of the PRX Chrono so far – with a close second position for the blue version.

Now available from Tissot and its retailers, the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph Blue Panda (ref. T137.427.11.011.01) is priced at EUR 1,995 (incl. taxes) or USD 1,825 (excl. taxes). Quite a jump in price compared to the Powermatic 80 editions (725 to 745 euros) but still an attractive price for a well-designed, well-built and fully-equipped Swiss automatic chronograph. For more details, please visit www.tissotwatches.com.