About two months ago, Tissot introduced its first 35mm PRX using the Powermatic 80 movement (a modified ETA 2824-2). Now, Tissot has expanded its mid-sized automatic PRX collection with the introduction of two new references: one featuring an ice-blue dial and another with a gold PVD-coated case and bracelet. If you're familiar with the existing options at 40mm, these probably aren't a surprise – the ice-blue especially has been a hit – but they're exciting additions for those of us who might prefer a slightly smaller sports watch or can't quite handle the larger PRX.
When Tissot first announced the PRX Powermatic 80 in 35mm in June, it came in four dial colors: blue, black, green, and white mother of pearl. Now, it's adding the fan-favorite ice blue to the mid-sized PRX. It's a natural addition to the mid-sized collection, coming a few months after Tissot added the ice-blue dial to the 40mm lineup. Other than that, it's the same stamped tapisserie dial, with Super-LumiNova hands and indices, and a date window at three o'clock. Inside, of course, is the Tissot Powermatic 80, an ETA movement that's modified by Tissot to beat at a lower frequency with a longer power reserve.
Beside the ice-blue PRX 35mm, Tissot also announced a gold PVD-coated version, paired with a matching gold-colored tapisserie dial. Like the non-coated stainless steel version, this gold PVD version features a mostly brushed case and bracelet, with polished bevels and details.
The ice-blue dial joins the existing PRX Powermatic 35mm collection at RM 3,100, while the gold version has an MSRP of RM 3,600.
I'm excited about the Tissot PRX 35mm. The original 40mm is a bit too large for my wrist, with the lug-to-lug measurement essentially stretching to the first non-articulating link of the integrated bracelet, measuring about 51mm (the lug-to-lug is listed as 39.5mm). I haven't tried on these new mid-sized versions yet, but the 35mm diameter and 45mm lug-to-lug measurements are promising. The spec that does worry me is thickness: it's actually increased compared to the PRX 40mm (10.9mm vs. 11.3mm).
I've noticed a lot of Tissot PRXs walking around (and I've recommended it to at least a few non-watch friends of my own). That's the beauty of the PRX: it's something that's easy for nerds and normies to love. The integrated steel sports watch is still the most popular aesthetic around, and the PRX is probably the least expensive way to get a legitimate '70s-inspired sports watch that's a ton of fun.
The gold version especially looks like something you'd see at my parents' retirement community, but on one of those cool grandparents. Meanwhile, the ice-blue dial is a nice addition to fill out the existing options for the stainless steel PRX 35mm; it adds another light color option the to lineup (alongside the white mother of pearl), a welcome addition for a mid-size sports watch that should work for a lot of wrists.
The Basics
Brand: Tissot
Model: PRX
Reference Number: T137.207.11.351.00 (ice blue); T137.207.33.021.00 (gold PVD)
Diameter: 35mm (35mm lug-to-lug, 45mm to first bracelet link)
Thickness: 11.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel; gold PVD-coated stainless steel
Dial Color: ice blue or gold with stamped tapisserie pattern
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel (or PVD-coated) with triple folding clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Powermatic 80 (modified ETA 2824-2)
Functions: Time and date
Diameter: 25.6mm
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour
Jewels: 23
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Nivachron hairspring