The Blue Panda Tissot PRX Computerized Chronograph

On the finish of final week, we’ve already shared with you our first hands-on classes with two of the newest updates to the ultra-successful Tissot PRX assortment, the Ice Blue dial on the Powermatic 80 mannequin and the long-expected addition of built-in rubber straps to the gathering. That wasn’t all we’ve seen, as we’ve got extra to share. Once more, it’s all a few first look, a fast hands-on session to point out you the watch within the steel. Based mostly on the already current PRX Computerized Chronograph, out there thus far in silver with black counters and gold-coloured accents, or in blue with reverse panda fashion, Tissot now provides a 3rd model with a silver dial and blue panda structure. And right here’s what it appears like within the wild. 

When launched final 12 months, the chronograph was the primary and main replace to the already well-established PRX assortment. Coming subsequent to the 35mm quartz fashions and the 40mm quartz and Powermatic 80 editions, the Tissot PRX Computerized Chronograph is by far the boldest, most placing and sportier version of this Nineteen Seventies-inspired assortment. It’s additionally probably the most complicated and the priciest, regardless that its worth stays enticing contemplating what you’ll get in return.

Whereas a lot of the PRX fashions are comparatively compact in measurement, with a 40mm diameter and a top comprised between 10.4mm (quartz) and 10.9mm (computerized), the Chronograph performs on completely different proportions. Defined by the presence of a Valjoux-based motion – and sure, it’s one of the best motion out there on this worth vary, particularly with Tissot’s upgrades, but it surely’s thick – the PRX Computerized Chronograph is available in a large case of 42mm, which stays acceptable, and with a top of 14.5mm. It’s not thicker than another watch on this class, however nonetheless, the thinness of the automated mannequin was considerable and made them a pleasure to put on. Now you already know, the Chrono is a sportier, weightier and bigger version of the identical 1978-inspired watch.

Apart from that, the watch stays instantly identifiable as a PRX. It shares the identical design, with a barrel-shaped case, sharp aspects throughout, brushed surfaces with polished accents and raised, round polished bezel on prime. What modifications, moreover the scale of the watch, is the presence of two properly built-in pushers on the best aspect, framing the crown – I’ve to say that Tissot did a fantastic job to combine the pushers inside the design, with out altering its an excessive amount of. The watch comes with a sapphire crystal with AR coating and an exhibition caseback. The 100m water-resistance of the 3-hand fashions has been revered too, which is an considerable level for a chronograph.

Worn on an built-in metal bracelet with a triple-folding clasp – word that the newly launched rubber straps don’t match the chronograph, which has a bigger lug width – the watch makes an announcement on the wrist. It stays comparatively compact with a 46.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, however the form of the primary hyperlink makes it barely bigger on the wrist. Nonetheless, photographed on our editor Robin’s wrist right here – 18cm circumference – the watch stays wearable on day by day foundation. It’s merely sportier and bolder than the automated or quartz time-and-date fashions.

Contained in the case, we’ve got the calibre ETA A05.H31, a powerful evolution of the Valjoux 7753. Notably, Tissot brings an prolonged energy reserve of 60 hours and a Nivachron hairspring, defending the watch towards magnetic fields. The ornament, if industrial, is kind of nice with perlage on the bridges and a customized, openworked rotor.

The pièce de resistance right here is the dial. Beforehand, as proven right here, the PRX Computerized Chronograph got here with a silver dial with black counters and gold accents, or a blue dial with silver counters. Now, we’ve got a silver dial – with a vertically brushed sample that’s hardly seen in daylight – and blue counters. As well as, this blue panda model comes with silver-coloured utilized markers and arms, making it sportier and extra coherent than the opposite silver dial with golden accents. Briefly, it feels to us because the best-looking version of the PRX Chrono thus far – with a detailed second place for the blue model.

Now out there from Tissot and its retailers, the Tissot PRX Computerized Chronograph Blue Panda (ref. T137.427.11.011.01) is priced at EUR 1,995 (incl. taxes) or USD 1,825 (excl. taxes). Fairly a soar in worth in comparison with the Powermatic 80 editions (725 to 745 euros) however nonetheless a gorgeous worth for a well-designed, well-built and fully-equipped Swiss computerized chronograph. For extra particulars, please go to www.tissotwatches.com.