At first of 2024, Tissot launched 4 watches below the title PR516. They had been all chronographs, three of which had quartz actions whereas the final one housed a hand-wound mechanical caliber. Identical to the brand new time-and-date fashions we’re taking a look at right this moment, they had been impressed by Tissot watches from the ’60s. Nonetheless, these new Powermatic 80 variations have a smaller 38mm diameter and have a distinct bracelet. Let’s take a better take a look at the 4 variations of the brand new Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80.
In his article on the Tissot PR516 chronographs, Thomas already reviewed the historical past of those watches. A enjoyable reality is that the three-hand fashions date again to 1965, and the chronographs got here out three years later. Within the case of those re-editions, it looks like Tissot has swapped the order.
Thomas additionally talked about one other noteworthy factor in his article: “The Tissot PR-516 (with a hyphen this time) had a specific second of glory on the silver display screen in 1973. Roger Moore might be seen sporting a version with a date and dive bezel in Stay and Let Die. It’s believed to be his personal watch in an period when James Bond wasn’t claimed by Omega but.” All proper, sufficient with the historical past classes and on to the current.
The brand new Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80
The brand new Powermatic 80 variations of Tissot’s PR516 are barely greater than that James Bond mannequin. The stainless-steel case has a 38mm diameter, an 11.2mm thickness, and a 45mm lug-to-lug. Though the unique PR 516 wasn’t a dive watch, the case form jogs my memory of a traditional pores and skin diver. Aside from the polished bevel alongside every flank, the remainder of the case has a brushed end. The fastened bezel has a metal outer ring, which is both black or plated with gold relying on the model you go for. This encircles an insert product of mineral crystal with a 60-minute scale beneath it.
A flat sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating covers the marginally domed and matte dial. The minute monitor has a concave form, and there are 12 utilized indexes. The one at 3 o’clock is barely smaller to make room for the date window. Relying on the model, the date wheel is both black or white. That is additionally true of the printing on the dial, which exhibits the Tissot brand at 12 and the mannequin title at 6 o’clock. As on the classic PR-516 chronographs, the baton hour and minute fingers are black at their bases and have a naked metal or gold-colored end for the remaining. On the two-tone mannequin, the seconds hand is black. On the opposite three fashions, it stands out a bit extra in both pink or yellow.
Powered by the Swatch Group’s workhorse
With the pretty massive however well-proportioned push-pull crown, you possibly can wind and set the Powermatic 80 motion inside. This automated Swatch Group workhorse caliber is a modified ETA 2824, and it runs at a frequency of 21,600vph. It options 23 jewels and holds an influence reserve of 80 hours when totally wound. It additionally features a Nivachron stability spring, which makes the motion proof against magnetic fields you would possibly encounter throughout your day. Via the sapphire crystal on the again, you will get a superb take a look at the motion’s fundamental ending. The screw-in case again additionally helps make the PR516 Powermatic 80 water-proof to 100 meters.
4 variations to select from
At launch, there are 4 colorways for the Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80. The one which stands out probably the most is the two-tone model. The polished heart hyperlinks of its Jubilee-style bracelet have a yellow gold plating, identical to the fingers, hour markers, and bezel rim. Its dial is matte off-white, and the printing on it’s black.
The all-steel fashions all include darker dials. There are two variations with a matte black dial. One has a pink seconds hand and a Jubilee-style bracelet. That bracelet, which is similar because the one on the two-tone mannequin (minus the gold plating), feels strong and closes with a butterfly clasp. Fortunately, there’s no overlap on both aspect, so you possibly can shut it whichever manner you favor. There aren’t any micro-adjustment settings for the clasp, however the included half hyperlinks ought to enable you to seek out the suitable dimension.
The opposite matte black model comes on a perforated brown leather-based strap and with a yellow seconds hand.
The ultimate model has a matte blue dial and bezel insert, a pink seconds hand, and a perforated darkish blue leather-based strap. It’s essential to notice right here that the concave chapter ring has a brushed end and is a bit shinier than the remainder of the dial.
Preliminary impressions
In my quick time with the Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80, I acquired fairly enthusiastic about this launch. It won’t be as iconic because the model’s ultra-popular PRX, however it’s definitely in the identical league with regards to nice proportions and a superb degree of ending. Its 38mm diameter and 6mm midcase make it put on comfortably whereas additionally trying very modern. The Jubilee-style bracelet makes it a bit extra elegant than the sportier three-row bracelet on the chronograph. My favourite is the metal model with the matte black dial, pink seconds hand, and the Jubilee-style bracelet. I can think about that it might additionally look nice on a pleasant Tropic-style rubber strap.
What I don’t love is the shiny concave chapter ring. I believe it ought to’ve been matte like the remainder of the dial. Apart from that, the PR516 lives as much as its “Notably Resistant” title with its antimagnetic stability spring and waterproof case, and it appears nice whereas doing so.
And identical to the favored Tissot PRX, this all comes at a terrific worth. The metal Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80 variations value €675 on a leather-based strap and €745 on the bracelet. The 2-tone mannequin on the bracelet is a little more costly at €825. Yow will discover further info on the official Tissot website.
What do you consider these three-hand PR516 fashions? Do you favor them over the chronograph variations or vice versa? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
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