2022 Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph Hands-on review

One of the most anticipated watches in 2022 has just been released, and Watchadvice has been given a chance to do a full in-depth review of it. The Tissot PRX Chronograph is the latest addition to the ever-popular Tissot PRX collection released last year. 

The Tissot PRX was a revamp of the original PRX created in 1978. Back then, Tissot released the PRX in an emblematic design with an integrated case and bracelet. The model stood out for its timeless design and sleek slender appearance. Unlike this modern reinterpretation, the original model came in various dial colours and different case shapes. 

The original Tissot PRX never had a chance to be in the limelight, as the model was released when Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak in 1972 and Patek Philippe released the Nautilus in 1976. Now, however, I feel like the Tissot PRX (40 205) is getting the undivided attention it deserves. 

The latest Tissot PRX is a much-loved timepiece upon its release, with watch fanatics jumping on the bandwagon to get their hands on this piece. While the Tissot PRX is a fantastic watch and well worth the price point, adding a chronograph to the PRX collection is what we’ve been waiting for. 

Design:

The Tissot PRX Chronograph retains the iconic design of the original PRX in its Tonneau shape case and rounded bezel design, along with the stunning Audemar’s Piguet look-a-like integrated bracelet. 

Tissot has given the PRX Chronograph a 42mm case. While this may seem big to some, I think it’s sized nicely so that the sub-counters are large and readable, making the dial less cluttered. The case has the same vertical satin-brushed finish as the PRX (40 205) and the same integrated bracelet design. This means that the case widens as it gets closer to the bracelet, with the edge of the case angled inward to transition into the bracelet seamlessly. Like the standard PRX, the case is rated to a water depth of 100m (330ft). 

Tissot has used rectangular chronograph pushers for the PRX Chronograph, and its great design complements the case while providing a smooth operation. Compared to circular chronograph pushers, the larger surface area of the rectangle means that when you press the pushers, it provides great feedback as you feel it. 

The combination of the case and pusher design resembles the iconic design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph. While the Royal Oak’s pushers are very large, the design of the case and pushers on the PRX carries a similar resemblance. The Tissot has all these details while also carrying the shine and mirror-like finish from the iconic Royal Oak bracelet. 

The dial colours on offer for the PRX Chronograph are blue and white. Honestly, as I got to wear both for an extended period of time, it was hard not to want both. The two dial colours have their own individual characteristics, which make it hard to choose. So it comes down to personal colour choice and what dial colours you may already have in your watch collection. 

Both dial colours come with a vertical brushed finish, but that’s about where the similarities stop. The blue dial has a stunning sunburst finish, and at different angles of light, it becomes almost black in colour. So essentially, you’re getting two dial colours for one! Combine this with the white sub-dial counters, and you have a stand-out appearance.   

The white panda dial variant offers something completely different. While you don’t get the two dial colours in one option, and the vertical grained finish is a bit less in appearance as the colour white absorbs a lot of light, the combination of black, white, and rose gold is hard to look past. This is my favourite out of the two models for this exact reason. The sleek design of the hour indices and baton-style hands being coated in rose-gold finish adds a lot of character to this watch. The hands of the sub-counters are also done in a matching gold finish, which stands out beautifully against the black. During my time with the white model, it was hard to stop myself from constantly gazing at the beautiful dial and wanting to take pictures whenever I had the chance. In saying that, however, I understand the appeal of the blue dial variant too, and if I could have both in my collection, I would jump at the chance. 

While there are certainly a lot of positives to this watch, the elephant in the room needs to be addressed, and that is the watch’s thickness. Measuring at 14.5mm, it’s one of the bigger chronographs out on the market. This thickness is due to the case back being a domed-like shape, similar to the front, which makes the watch sit higher on the wrist. In saying this, there aren’t many automatic chronographs on the market at this price point that have a smaller thickness. While the watch is big, it’s not a deal breaker for me. 

Movement:

The Tissot PRX Chronograph comes with the Valjoux A05.H31 calibre movement. This automatic ETA movement is used by Tissot to power the chronograph and the sub-counter functions of 30-minute at 3 o’clock, 12-hour at 6 o’clock, and the constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock. Operating at a frequency of 4hz (28,800 VpH), the movement has an extended power reserve of approximately 60 hours. 

The movement also allows for a date function, which can be seen between 4 and 5 o’clock on the dial. It should be noted that the date change feature on the PRX chronograph is not done traditionally by pulling out the crown. The date is changed through the quick date set function located outside the case between 9 and 10 o’clock. You will need a toothpick or something similar to change the date.

Another key design feature I like about this PRX Chronograph is the open case back. Much like the normal PRX (non-chronograph), you can see the movement from the case back. However, with this chronograph model, the simple design feature of having a skeletonized or hollowed-out rotor is a great addition, making it luxurious. A watch that looks to be more expensive than it is. 

How does it wear?:

During the few weeks, I was able to wear both versions of the Tissot PRX Chronograph, I was not let down by the anticipation of receiving this watch for review. I do believe that pictures don’t do this watch enough justice. Photos are not able to capture the shine this watch gives off. See here if you want a true reflection of what the watch looks like in person. The bezel ring has a mirror-like finish which shines beautifully, especially in daylight or under lighting conditions. 

This is then complimented by the bracelet, which comes close to the AP bracelet on the Royal Oak in mirror-like shine and finishes. If you are interested in this watch, it’s highly recommended to see it in person, and if you are in the store, ask the staff if possible to take the bracelet stickers off, as only then will you see the true appearance of the watch. 

While the PRX automatic non-chronograph model sits great on the wrist thanks to its 40mm case size, this chronograph version might sit a bit large for some. Although the case size is 42mm, the watch wears a little larger. I have approximately 6.5inch wrists and needed a fair few links taken off from the bracelet. Luckily the bracelet comes with half-links, which allows it to be resized to a snug fit on the wrist. 

If you want to wear this watch daily, I suggest getting the spare leather/rubber strap when it is available for the PRX chronograph. This way, the bracelet can be preserved and used for special occasions/outings. Thanks to the quick strap change mechanism, the straps can be changed instantly, which offers the user the luxury of changing the strap to suit the occasion. 

Of the two dial colour options, choosing the better option will certainly be a head scratch. The blue dial offers a contrasting appearance while at the same time playing beautifully with light. However, the white dial offers a more luxurious appearance, with the rose gold tones throughout the dial adding more character and making it more visually appealing. 

Whichever dial colour you choose, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a timepiece that offers what this latest PRX chronograph does for the money spent. An automatic movement with decent power reserve and visual looks that make the watch look more expensive than it is, the new PRX chronograph model is a winner in our book. 

References: T137.427.11.011.00 (white dial) and T137.427.11.041.00 (blue dial)

Specification:

• Case: 42 mm, Lug-Lug 48mm and thickness 14.5mm
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel Tonneau shape case
• Dial: Vertically brushed white and blue dials
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside
• Water resistance: 100 meters
• Movement: VALJOUX A05.H31
• Power reserve: 60 Hours
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel interchangeable quick-release bracelet, butterfly clasp with push-buttons

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $2775.00

Availability: Available now.