An essential of yesterday and today – TISSOT PRX 40 205

Tissot is reissuing an emblematic design from the late 1970s, with an integrated case and bracelet. The new PRX range will initially be fitted with quartz movements, with automatic to be introduced later

Text: Press Photo: Tissot

“Innovator by tradition”, Tissot has always had a flair for designs that reflect their era. In the late 60s, Tissot eagerly embraced the exciting new freedom in watch shapes and launched oversize, colourful, psychedelic, pop-art watches that broke with the conformism of previous years. In the same spirit, the late 1970s saw the appearance of a series of Tissot watches that incorporated an integrated bracelet and the recently-introduced quartz movement.

PRX Blue T137 410 11 041 00 TISSOT PRX 40 205
TISSOT PRX 40 205 – The range is distinctive for its slenderness, the strength of its design and its timeless style

In 1978, Tissot was thus creating a quartz model characterised by a slender case, narrow hour markers and a steel bracelet. Its wide horizontal link, typical of the era’s designs, was fully integrated with the flat, barrel-shaped case. A few years later, Tissot registered the PRX name. “PR” stands for Precise and Robust, while “X”, in Roman numerals, stands for the 10 atmospheres of depth to which the watch remains water-resistant, or a total of 100 metres.

PRX Silver T137 410 11 031 00 AMB S 1 min

Tissot is now launching the PRX 40 205, a reference which recalls that of the original model. This contemporary interpretation is on-trend and a credit to its predecessor. It retains all the essential characteristics, refines them, affirms them and gives them an improved finish, the quality of which is flawless.

PRX Blue T137 410 11 041 00 AMB S 3 min

The case of the Tissot PRX 40 205 measures 40 mm in diameter. It has a subtly barrel-shaped outline and houses a smooth, slender, round bezel. The mid-section combines vertically-brushed finishes with polished facets for a softer look. It is initially being offered in a version fitted with a high-precision Swiss Made quartz movement. The Tissot PRX 40 205 Quartz comes with a black or blue sunburst dial with nickel-plated hour markers and hands, or alternatively a vertical satin-finish silver-grey dial with rose gold hour markers and hands, a colour combination that is another nod to the late 1970s.

PRX Silver T137 410 AMB R 1 min

At a later date, Tissot will be offering a version of this future classic with an automatic movement. It will be immediately recognisable from its blue, black or silver dial, marked with a raised honeycomb motif shaped like a square of chocolate, and the “Automatic” description it bears. Inside, Tissot has installed its Powermatic calibre, a Swiss Made automatic movement with a frequency of 3 Hz and an 80-hour power reserve.

PRX 40 205 trio

The lines of the case extend directly into the bracelet without recourse to the traditional lugs. The most striking feature of the design of this bracelet is the series of large links that occupy its entire width. Its mobility and flexibility make it a true triumph of ergonomic design. It thus hangs exceedingly well. The satin finish on the external faces is as carefully executed as the burnishing on the internal faces. The former adds a masculine matt aspect, and the latter is soft to the touch. The overall look is flattering, and the watch feels good both to handle and to wear.

PRX 40 205 2

The luminescent hands of the PRX 40 205 range are mounted in a very tightly stacked formation. This creates a raised effect and enables the dial to be brought closer to the glass. The visual effect that the Tissot designers have thus succeeded in creating makes the case appear even more slender than it really is. This illusion, in which design conceals dimensions, is a hallmark of successful design, something in which Tissot has decades of experience. The models in the PRX 40 205 range thus take their place in a long line of watches that Tissot has rendered timeless by its creativity, skilful execution and attention to detail.

Tissot PRX 40 205

•      Steel case, burnished and satin-finish details

•      40 mm in diameter

•      Sapphire glass, full case back (quartz calibre) or mineral sapphire glass (automatic calibre)

•      Water-resistant to 100 m (10 ATM)

•      Engraved crown

•      Swiss Made quartz movement, or automatic mechanical movement, Powermatic calibre with 80-hour power reserve

•      Hours, minutes, seconds, date

•      Black or blue sunburst dial or vertically-brushed satin-finish silver-grey dial (quartz calibre), with black, blue or silver honeycomb motif (automatic calibre)

•      Hour and minute baton hands coated with Super-LumiNova®

•      Hour markers in appliqué

•      Steel bracelet, single link

•      Triple-blade folding steel clasp

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