The Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80, now with Gradient Dials or in Full Forged Carbon

One of the Swiss watch industry’s main successes from recent years, and Tissot‘s star collection, the PRX range has become a true hit since its inaugural release in 2021. Since then, this collection has been drastically enlarged to offer more movements, more colours, more materials, more straps and more dimensions. While we thought the mint green or ice blue editions would fulfil our needs for funky colours, the Tissot PRX is back this year with original gradient dials. And that’s not all, as Tissot also releases an unexpected, higher-end version with bold looks: the PRX Forged Carbon. 

In only three years, the Tissot PRX has become a solid collection with countless options to choose from. First, it is available in two sizes – 40mm and 35mm – with a choice of an automatic movement (Powermatic 80) or a quartz movement. In addition, there’s also the PRX Automatic Chronograph with a 42mm case. To make things even more complete, the PRX comes in a wide range of colours – silver, black and blue as the classic, but also dark green, ice blue and mint green. There’s also the option of a full gold-coloured version in both 35mm and 40mm. The brand also presented more luxurious versions with a fluted gold bezel as well as a couple of special editions, one with NBA Star Damian Lillard and one inspired by the Grendizer/Goldorak comic. And straps are also available to replace the classic integrated steel bracelet, either in leather or rubber. Now that’s a pretty complete collection…

Well, not large enough, according to Tissot, which introduces several new references this September. Not covered here, the PRX 35mm Quartz will be available with a pink or a mother-of-pearl dial. Then, the brand will release the models you can see here: a full forged carbon model and a duo of original gradient dial versions.

The Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Gradient

What we’re looking at here with the new PRX 40 Gradient Dials is nothing new, at least technically speaking. So, let’s quickly refresh our memories with the specs. These new models are based on the classic Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80, meaning the large size with automatic movement, as the model was when it was first introduced in 2021. This means a stylish integrated design inspired by the late 1970s (and modelled after a historic model of the brand), with a trendy sporty-chic vibe, a 40mm diameter for the steel case, a raised bezel framing a sapphire crystal and an approximate 11mm thickness. Water-resistance is rated at 100m, the caseback has a see-through crystal and the length of the case is 44mm without the fixed first link of the bracelet, or about 51mm including it (which is why the 35mm is also a good option for men).

Inside the case is the now-classic entry-level Powermatic 80, Swatch Group’s upgrades of the tried-and-tested ETA 2824. This automatic movement benefits from a redesigned kinetic chain with a more powerful barrel and a slower frequency of 3Hz, resulting in an 80h power reserve. In the same vein, the hairspring has been updated to Nivachron, adding anti-magnetic properties to this movement. While rubber straps can be retrofitted as an option, these two PRX 40 Gradient Dial editions are delivered on the single-link integrated steel bracelet, closed by a concealed folding clasp and equipped with quick-release spring bars.

The dials are the real deal this year with their on-trend gradient (dégradé) effect. Most of these smoked/gradient dials usually have a dégradé effect starting from the dial’s centre and then darkening towards the periphery. Tissot has decided to be bold and original, with a 12-to-6 horizontal gradient effect over the classic stamped waffle PRX dial. Two editions are available, one evolving from ice-blue to mid-blue, the other one transitioning from black to metallic blue. Fun and different, these dials might not be to everyone’s tastes and do not replace the classic colours.  The price remains the same as solid dials, meaning EUR 775 or CHF 685.

Quick facts: 40mm x 10.9mm – 44mm length (excl. first link) – stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, see-through back, 100m water-resistant – waffle-like dial with horizontal gradient effect (light-to-mid-blue or black-to-blue) – Powermatic 80, automatic, Nivachron hairspring, 80h power reserve, 3Hz frequency – stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp, quick release – T137.407.11.351.01 (ice blue gradient) – T137.407.11.051.01 (black-blue gradient) – EUR 775

The Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon

A much more modern version, Tissot also releases an unexpected variant of the PRX in Forged Carbon – a first for the collection, which has always been focused around steel. Although it might look like a statement piece for the collection, this material isn’t new to Tissot, which used it in its Sideral collection, except that here, Tissot keeps things monochromatic, without inclusions of colours like the Sideral.

This lightweight and textured material, with its anthracite-to-black colour, is used for both the case and the dial, making each watch different thanks to its random pattern. Some minor evolutions are to be noted on the case: a thickness of 11.2mm, a darkened steel caseback and a black-coated crown. For the rest, the dimensions and specs are identical to the steel versions. As for the dial, Tissot also updates the date disc with a black background and white numerals. Finally, this PRX Forged Carbon is available exclusively on a black rubber strap.

While the base is the well-known Powermatic 80 again, Tissot has decided to up the game with its “Si” version of the movement, fitted with a silicon hairspring – just like the Gentleman collection. The movement retains its 3Hz frequency and 80h power reserve but will offer even more stability and resistance to magnetism.

Quick facts: 40mm x 11.2mm – 44mm length (excl. first link) – forged carbon case, sapphire crystal, blackened steel see-through back, 100m water-resistant – forged carbon dial, black date disc – Powermatic 80 Si, automatic, Silicon hairspring, 80h power reserve, 3Hz frequency – black textured rubber strap with pin buckle, quick release –  T137.907.97.201.00 – CHF 965

For more details, please consult www.tissotwatches.com.