Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Review: The People’s Champ of Integrated Automatics
If you’ve been anywhere near a watch forum, Instagram explore page or even your local high street jeweller, chances are you’ve seen the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 doing the rounds. It’s sleek, it’s Swiss, and it’s caused quite the stir over the past few years since it’s launch in 2020. But is it all hype, or is this truly the integrated automatic to beat under £1,000?
Let’s get into the nitty gritty and see why this retro reissue has won the hearts (and wrists) of watch nerds and style heads alike.
The Specs
Case Size: 40mm
Lug-to-lug: ~45mm (but the integrated bracelet makes it wear flatter and snug)
Movement: Powermatic 80.111 (based on the ETA 2824-2)
Power Reserve: A frankly ludicrous 80 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire front and back
Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel, quick-release
The History Lesson (Short and Sweet)
The original PRX dropped in the late '70s, just as the quartz revolution was shaking things up. That first model was a quartz piece, but its design? Chef’s kiss. Slim profile, waffle dial, brushed integrated bracelet. Fast forward to 2021, and Tissot brought it back, first with quartz, then — praise be — with an automatic version powered by the Powermatic 80. And that’s when things properly kicked off.
The Looks
Let’s not beat around the bush — this watch is cool. The brushed surfaces are clean and modern, but with a strong late-70s vibe. It’s giving "vintage sports chic" without trying too hard. The waffle dial (particularly in blue or green) plays beautifully with the light, and the slim indices and baton hands keep things tidy.
That integrated bracelet? Yeah, it’s not just for show. It gives off strong Royal Oak-lite energy (without the eye-watering price tag or 7-year waitlist), and it’s proper comfy thanks to a great taper and solid build.
On the Wrist
Despite being 40mm, the PRX Powermatic wears like a dream. It’s thin (only 10.9mm thick), light on the wrist, and slips under a cuff no bother. The integrated design hugs the wrist nicely, making it feel more like a piece of jewellery than just a timepiece.
It’s smart enough for work, dressy enough for a dinner out, and casual enough to wear with jeans and a tee. Basically, it’s the Swiss Army Knife of your watch box.
The Movement
The Powermatic 80 movement is the same one you’ll find in some of Tissot’s higher-end stablemates and even a few watches costing a fair bit more. It’s not a high-horology marvel, but it’s a rock-solid, low-maintenance calibre with (as the name suggests) a whacking great 80-hour power reserve.
And for the eagle-eyed? Yes, the seconds hand does have a slightly less snappy sweep than a traditional ETA 2824, thanks to the reduced beat rate — but honestly, it’s a trade-off worth making for the weekend-proof power.
Minor Niggles
No watch is perfect, so let’s be fair.
Bracelet adjustment: Butterfly clasp is elegant, but micro-adjustments are non-existent. You'll need to rely on link removal to get a good fit.
Lume: It’s... fine. Nothing more. Don’t expect Seiko diver levels of glow.
Date window: It’s neatly tucked in, but if you're a symmetry purist, you might grumble.
Still, these are more “slightly annoying cousin” than “dealbreaker ex” vibes.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for something that has 90% of the looks of the PRX but is even cheaper, take a look at the Citizen Tsuyosa. It’s 40mm, Jap automatic, integrated bracelet (nowhere near as nice but still) and can be found for. under £300.00. Whilst it’s no PRX, it is however a very nice watch for a very tempting price point.
Another option that comes in just over the grand mark is the Christopher Ward Twelve. Another 40mm case (also available in 38mm) that has a lovely finish, automatic movement and a very nicely milled integrated bracelet. They come in a variety of colours too. Lovely!
The Verdict: Still the King
Let’s be honest — the sub-£1,000 integrated sports watch category is stacked right now. But even with all the competition, the PRX Powermatic 80 still reigns supreme. It nails the sweet spot between vintage inspiration, modern specs, and incredible value.
This is a watch that looks like it costs three times the price, wears like a dream, and runs all weekend even if you don’t. Whether you’re new to the hobby or looking for a versatile daily beater with serious wrist presence, the PRX remains the one to beat.
It’s stylish, Swiss, and surprisingly affordable. If you’re hunting for an integrated automatic watch without torching your overdraft, the PRX Powermatic 80 is still your safest (and slickest) bet.
