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Final week, we organized a complicated confrontation between two platinum gown watches. This week, we determined to maintain it somewhat extra low-key. Lately, Tissot launched its new PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz with the state-of-the-art Lightmaster expertise built-in into the watch’s crystal. The demand for this new watch is already greater than the availability, so why not put it up towards that different extremely popular quartz watch from Tissot, the integrated-bracelet PRX?
Surprisingly, Tissot launched its new expertise in a revamped mannequin hailing from the 2000s. The unique 12-sided bezel makes a comeback, however the H-link bracelet is new. Wouldn’t it have been extra logical to introduce this expertise in an already fashionable mannequin, just like the PRX? We are going to most likely by no means know why Tissot determined to not, however let’s see how Mike and Daan defend their picks.
Final week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…
However first, let’s check out final week’s installment of our Sunday Morning Showdown. It was Stern vs. Scheufele, clean salmon vs. grainy ice blue, and Patek Philippe vs. L.U. Chopard. Up entrance, we thought it might be fairly a very good matchup, however we by no means thought the Chopard L.U.C Quattro Mark IV might come as near the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P because it did. Admittedly, we anticipated the classically understated Calatrava to win. However with 55% of the votes, it did so with out crushing the Quattro. The Chopard lured many citizens in with its extra daring design and spectacular four-barrel structure with a laudable 216-hour (nine-day) energy reserve. The outcome reveals that each of those watches earned numerous respect. Let’s see how this week’s opponents will do.
Daan: Tissot PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz
I’ll admit it instantly: I’m not such a giant fan of the Tissot PRX, however I am a fan of solar-powered watches. That makes me the proper defender of the newly launched PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz. In fact, the PRX has that suave ’70s integrated-bracelet design that’s so fashionable nowadays. I additionally like that model, however for some cause, I’ve by no means really related with the PRX. I believe an important cause is the truth that I can’t discover the best dimension.
The 40mm dimension is the go-to for many males, however I really feel it’s a bit too huge for my 17cm wrist. The case is only a bit too lengthy and thick, and it simply doesn’t sit properly on my wrist. That’s why I used to be excited when the 35mm fashions got here out. Nonetheless, the smaller case can be thinner and appears a bit too petite on my wrist. It is likely to be a enjoyable bonus watch in gold, however I don’t suppose I’d put on it fairly often. Apart from, a easy battery-powered quartz watch doesn’t go away a lot to the creativeness, proper? In comes the brand new Tissot PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz.
Exact, Sturdy, and Basic
PRC stands for “Exact,” “Sturdy,” and “Basic.” Whereas adjectives like that will sound wonderful however not tremendous thrilling, once I first picked up the brand new PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz, it did excite me fairly a bit. Its brushed and polished case has a powerful character with the 12-sided bezel. However the perfect a part of the story is its dimensions. The 39mm case suits my wrist completely, and that’s additionally as a result of it’s solely 9.2mm thick. Sure, it’s 1.2mm thinner than the PRX. That makes it a really snug watch to put on and one which doesn’t ever get in the best way.
You’ll be able to certainly discover the honeycomb sample within the crystal whenever you take a look at the PRC 100 shut up. However isn’t {that a} good reminder of the cool expertise that powers the watch? As Lex mentioned in his behind-the-scenes article: “[It’s] harnessing the facility of the star round which we revolve to make time seen.” As well as, placing the photo voltaic cells within the crystal permits for extra choices by way of dial finishes. That’s why Tissot might launch the PRC 100 with such a pleasant sunburst end, and the probabilities are limitless for future releases.
Extra stamina
Have you learnt what PRX stands for? It’s “Exact,” “Sturdy,” and the “X” is the Roman numeral for 10. That final one refers back to the 10-bar (100m) water resistance score. The humorous factor is that the PRC 100 is simply as succesful and strong because the PRX. They’re each correct stainless-steel sports activities watches, however the solar-powered PRC 100 has rather more stamina.
The battery lifetime of the common quartz PRX is between two and three years. The PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz, alternatively, will maintain ticking for 15 years so long as you be sure it’s not tucked away in a darkish drawer. That makes it an actual worry-free watch, at the very least for the following decade and a half.
At €495, the PRC 100 on the bracelet is €100 dearer than the quartz PRX. However it additionally prices about €50 to get a battery modified by a licensed Tissot service level. In 15 years, you’ll seemingly want at the very least 5 battery modifications for the PRX, so in the long run, the watch will find yourself costing extra when you undergo the official channels.
Contemplating that and the higher match of the PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz, I’d go for this watch over the PRX in the long run. I’m positive Mike has a distinct opinion, although, so let’s hear it.
Mike: Tissot PRX Quartz
With the PRX Quartz, Tissot solidified its place as a pacesetter within the reasonably priced but elegant section of watches. In a world stuffed with Apple Watches, the PRX is among the few respectable items I see in every single place. Sure, the PRX is a bona fide hit, so when Tissot lately introduced its new PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz, I used to be fairly excited. Frankly, I nonetheless am, however I ponder if it is going to have the identical enchantment because the PRX attributable to its lack of an built-in bracelet…
A grasp stroke
When Tissot dropped the PRX Quartz in 2021, it was finished with knowledgeable timing. The market was abuzz with demand for integrated-bracelet sports activities watches, such because the Nautilus and Royal Oak. Tissot, with its credible title, provided a bargain-basement possibility for individuals who wished to get in on the pattern with out remortgaging a house. Since 2021, we’ve been handled to a deluge of PRX fashions, together with a chronograph, Powermatic 80, and extra, however on this showdown, we’re protecting it to the quartz fashions.
Straightforward and comparatively worry-free watches
Immediately, Tissot provides the PRX Quartz in 25mm, 35mm, and 40mm diameters. With these choices, I perceive Daan’s remark about failing to attach with a given case dimension. The 40mm model is massive, and its 35mm sibling can really feel small for somebody with medium-sized wrists. Frankly, it’s a curious determination to not provide a 37mm possibility. Nonetheless, it doesn’t cease the majority of oldsters who put on the 40mm variations with no drawback.
Inside, the watches use a simple ETA quartz motion with HeavyDrive expertise (shock administration for the ticking seconds hand). These actions have a quick-setting date and an end-of-life indicator (the seconds hand skips). It’s estimated that the batteries final between two and three years. Is that an annoyance in comparison with the Photo voltaic Quartz? It’s a slight one, however any native watch store ought to be capable to change it shortly and cheaply whereas guaranteeing the watch retains its 100m depth score.
A candy, edgy case
The PRX Quartz is roughly 10mm thick, relying on the diameter, which makes it skinny sufficient to work below a shirt however sturdy sufficient to really feel like an on a regular basis watch. Within the steel, Tissot presents a well-defined case with sharp edges and constantly brushed surfaces. The bracelet, with its slim push-button clasp, can be snug and sports activities a pleasant taper.
The PRX Quartz is simply too good a deal to go up
At simply €395, the PRX Quartz is a screaming deal. The truth is, when in comparison with some current Swatch collaboration releases that come alarmingly shut in value, the PRX reveals its worth much more. Additionally, with practically 5 years of manufacturing below its belt, the watch is on the market in a plethora of colours, finishes, and dimension choices. Once more, as a dyed-in-the-wool Eco-Drive wearer, I can’t deny the practicality of the photo voltaic quartz actions, however I wouldn’t select the PRC over the PRX primarily based on motion alone. For me, the PRX is extra distinctive and fascinating. Let’s hope that Tissot provides a photo voltaic motion to this platform.
Time to vote!
It’s now time to vote for the non-mechanical Tissot watch of your selection. Would you go for the PRC Photo voltaic Quartz or PRX Quartz? Each provide insanely good worth and may present the wearer a lifetime of trouble-free possession. In fact, one wants a contact of service alongside the best way. Forged your vote, and tell us why you voted the best way you probably did. Thanks for enjoying!
Tissot PRX Quartz vs. Tissot PRC 100 Photo voltaic Quartz
