While the Tissot PRX was first created in 1978 during the original golden era of the integrated bracelet watch, the model has more recently become a runaway success for the brand since being revived in 2021. In the relatively short time since making its reappearance, the modern Tissot PRX has been produced in a vast assortment of different configurations, with the 35mm model being the ideal alternative for those who feel that the standard full-size 40mm version is a bit too large for their wrists. One of the most common requests from collectors was for a 35mm version of the PRX that was powered by an automatic movement, and after satisfying those demands earlier this year, Tissot has just announced two new 35mm PRX Powermatic 80 models in ice blue and gold as its latest new release of 2023.
At a quick glance, this latest duo of new Tissot PRX watches is essentially just a line extension of the 35mm PRX Powermatic 80 series that was announced earlier this year. While one model features a standard stainless steel case and is fitted with an ice blue dial, the other showcases a yellow gold PVD finish and gets paired with a matching gold-colored dial. Both of these configurations previously existed within the full-size 40mm range, and similar variations were also available for the quartz versions of the 35mm PRX series. However, some of the most common requests from collectors were for smaller versions of these two highly popular colorways that were still powered by automatic movements — and that is exactly what Tissot has unveiled just a handful months after first announcing its smaller 35mm range of PRX Powermatic 80 watches.
In terms of their dimensions, materials, and functionality, this latest duo of 35mm Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 watches is identical to the existing range. This means that they feature stainless steel cases that measure 35mm in diameter by 10.9mm-thick. Just like the rest of the Powermatic 80 models from the PRX series, a flat sapphire crystal sits above the dial, a signed push/pull-style crown resides at the 3 o’clock location, and a pressure-fit caseback with a sapphire display window is attached to the reverse side of the watch to offer a view of its internal self-winding movement. Similarly, both of these new 35mm PRX Powermatic 80 models are fitted with the collection’s signature integrated bracelet (rather than leather or rubber straps), while water resistance comes in at the same 100 meters that is offered by the rest of the greater PRX lineup.
Just like all of the automatic versions of the standard three-handed Tissot PRX, the dials fitted to this latest duo of 35mm models feature a “waffle” style pattern across their surfaces, with applied baton-style markers and a date window at the 3 o’clock location. Just like the full-size 40mm versions of these two colorways, the stainless steel model with the ice blue dial receives polished steel hands and indexes, while the gold version is fitted with yellow gold-finished hands and markers to complete its full gold-on-gold aesthetic. Both dials feature black printing for their text and minute tracks, while small white Super-LumiNova accents appear on the hands and hour markers to help with low-light visibility.
While Tissot offers the 35mm PRX series with either quartz or automatic movements, this latest duo of new releases runs on the brand’s Powermatic 80, which is the same exact self-winding movement that you will find inside the full-size 40mm models from the Tissot PRX collection. Based upon the proven architecture of the ubiquitous ETA 2824, the Tissot Powermatic 80 features a handful of Swatch Group-exclusive updates, and it most notably drops its operating frequency from 28,800vph (4 Hz) down to 21,600vph (3 Hz) in order to offer users a significantly extended power reserve of up to 80 hours.
As far as pricing, these two new 35mm Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 watches are positioned right in-line with their siblings, and the stainless steel model with the ice blue dial is accompanied by an official retail price of $695 USD, while the gold version costs slightly more at $825 USD. Although quartz versions of the 35mm Tissot PRX have been available for a while, it has only been within the last several months that smaller automatic models have been added to the lineup, and the addition of these two highly popular colorways are likely to only further drive interest in the already mega-successful PRX series. For more information on the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 collection, please visit the brand’s website.
