Like the green Tissot PRX Chronograph, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Carbon was a revelation. As I write this, my eyes keep darting back to the PRX. I stop typing, hold the watch, turn it over in my hands, put it on my wrist, take it off, put it back down on my desk. Attempt to decipher, to process what's sitting in my peripheral vision. I pick it up again. Put it back down. Again and again. A process that happened more times than I would like to admit.
And each time I'm faced with the question, how is this watch so effing good?!
Take a look at the hands on review of the stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon.
This is the PRX coming into its own. As good as the tapisserie dial models are, this carbon reference is the PRX at its best. And I don't say that lightly. I'm a huge fan of the PRX, especially the green chronograph which I reviewed back in July, but this model beats it. And then some.
Let's start with the obvious -- the case. Measuring 40mm by 11.23mm, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Carbon wears beautifully. Even a touch smaller, thanks to the rubber strap, the way the strap articulates with the case and the lug design. The case is made out of forged carbon, which means it's super light, has incredible tensile strength, has improved corrosion resistance and is surprisingly rather strong, especially considering how light it feels on the wrist.
The case finishing is incredible, too. I love the rugged, almost raw look of forged carbon. And in the instance of the PRX's very contemporary look, it works beautifully well. The distinct carbon patterns extend from the case to the bezel in different directions, but there is still a really lovely fluidity to the sweeping lines that seem to intersect each other across all of the watch's surfaces.
Moving on from the case, the dial features the same forged carbon. And where the case had longer, more elongated lines, the dial looks far more industrial, with the carbon look boasting an almost smudged look. And it is just incredible. The contrast between the softer, more natural lines of the case versus the very abrupt and very intentional pattern of the dial is phenomenal. And it lends itself to one of the key reasons why the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Carbon is as good as it is -- it all just works.
Ergonomically, you really couldn't ask for more from a watch that you could potentially wear every day. It sits really well on the wrist, wears true to its size and there is no case overhang on either side of my wrist. The flat case which leads to an angled lug design lets the case wear fairly flush to the wrist, where the tapered rubber strap plays its part to ensure a very comfortable fit.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Carbon is powered by the Powermatic 80 Si, which is based on the ETA 2824 via the ETA C07.811. The difference here is the use of a silicon hairspring, à la "Si", which improves chronometry performance and increases servicing periods -- dependent on how often you wear your watch, of course. It boasts an 80 hour power reserve with a beating frequency of 3 Hz. Two things, though. Drop the power reserve and up the frequency. And close the caseback. Otherwise, solid stuff.
When I look at watches I like to look at them in totality. Is it wearable, is it practical, is it comfortable, does it look good, does it do what it says it will do, is it well made, finished well respective to its price, does its price accurately reflect the quality I'm getting, can it fit my lifestyle, would it fit other people's lifestyles, does it deliver, does it go above and beyond (the tried and true adage of under promise, over deliver). The short answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Carbon is utterly brilliant, and on all fronts, absolutely delivers.
Brand: Tissot
Model: PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Carbon
Reference: T137.907.97.201.00
Case: 40mm x 11.23mm
Case Material: Carbon
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Powermatic 80 Si
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Price: AUD1,635
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