The Tissot PRX 40mm Powermatic 80, now with Mother-of-Pearl Dial

To say that the PRX collection by Tissot is wide would be a genuine understatement… The range is vast, comprising classic automatic versions, quartz models, several sizes (40mm, 38mm, 35mm and even 25mm recently), standard steel editions, but also unexpected materials (titanium, damascuss steel, carbon) and all the colours you can imagine. And here, I’m not even counting limited editions and chronographs. Psychologist Barry Schwartz once explained that too many options can cause stress and regret, and named this The Paradox of Choice… Well, not for Tissot, which adds yet another version to its catalogue. Once exclusive to the 35mm edition, the white mother-of-pearl dial is now available for the larger PRX 40mm Powermatic 80.

The story is basically in the title… What we’re looking at is yet another iteration of the classic 40mm Tissot PRX automatic, with a new dial – well, new to this case size. Indeed, this isn’t the first time we’re seeing an MoP dial on the PRX, as it was first shown in the more compact 35mm model, which we reviewed here. Instead of having a classic white dial, Tissot decided to do something fancier. And while I’m usually not a fan of mother-of-pearl dials, except when done tastefully for a feminine watch, the combination of a light tone and texture coming from the waffle-like pattern resulted in something… surprisingly appealing, with an iridescent effect that added depth to the dial.

Now, the mother-of-pearl dial finds its way into the largest version of the PRX Powermatic 80, with its 40mm diameter. As such, Tissot underscores the idea that MoP is not something exclusive to its feminine audience. The dial, despite the different material, retains all the classic traits of the collection, including the “tapisserie” effect and applied metallic markers and facetted hands with Super-LumiNova. The display is a classic time-and-date, with the window at 3 o’clock nicely framed by a metallic element.

The rest of the story is very much the same as before, with a recipe that has proven to be effective. The steel case measures 40mm in diameter, just 11mm in thickness and retains what has made the collection successful: a barrel-shaped case with an integrated steel bracelet. Inside is the Powermatic 80 automatic, a movement based on the ubiquitous ETA 2824 with several upgrades, such as an extended power reserve (80 hours) and a Nivachron antimagnetic hairspring. The watch is worn on a stainless steel bracelet with a triple-folding clasp and quick-release spring bars. This way, you can swap the bracelet for a leather or rubber strap (available separately from Tissot for about 70 euros).

Now available from the permanent collection, the Tissot PRX 40mm Powermatic 80 with Mother-of-Pearl dial (ref. T137.407.11.111.00) retails for EUR 825, an increase of 50 euros compared to a classic metal dial. For more details, please visit www.tissotwatches.com.