Introducing: The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 38mm In Damascus Steel (Live Pics)

What We Know

It’s been a while since we’ve talked about a Tissot PRX around these parts, but today marks a very interesting new release from the brand, a 38mm PRX in Damascus steel. When I first caught wind of this upcoming release, I was very intrigued, and I’m glad to have gotten it in to see in the (layered) metal. This new model is introduced concurrently with two new 38mm PRXs in titanium, but the Damascus effect at this price point certainly feels the most unique of the trio.

Most specs are the same as any of the trusty 38mm PRX models out there. With a 38mm diameter and a thickness of 10.98mm, the aptly named PRX Powermatic 80 features the Powermatic 80 automatic movement, with a Nivachron balance spring and a power reserve of 80 hours. It is water-resistant to 100 meters, though it is delivered with a black leather strap. Though there is no full bracelet model, I appreciate that even the endlinks and buckle for the integrated-style rubber strap are also in layered Damascus steel.

There is so much Damascus steel going on with this PRX — everything from the case to the bezel, and even the dial is all produced in Damascus steel. As a result, you get an absolutely psychedelic blast of waves and lines throughout the entire watch, with organic, flowing lines at different densities based on the direction you look at the watch. The case sides, with very finely layered lines, are much more subtle than the top.

If you’re familiar with the more traditional steps to produce Damascus steel, that is, to stack different billets of steel together to then weld together piece by piece before eventually etching, the production method of the PRX takes a bit more modern industrial approach, using powders layered in a mold, then pressed at high heat to form a block of layered steel. The block is then CNC’d to produce the cases and dials, then finally finished. It’s certainly a much more cost-effective approach than the traditional method, and makes sense for a product of this price segment.

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Damascus Steel is priced at $1,175 and available now.

What We Think

Tissot has certainly played around with a fair share of PRX designs, but the Damascus steel version just makes so much sense to me. Now that the PRX is sufficiently out of the hype it found itself in a few years ago at launch, I think the Damascus steel goes a long way toward being a proper twist on the format, making something playful without going overboard. On the wrist, it’s a blast with the wild patterns even more pronounced than on the PRX 40.5mm in forged carbon. Plus, from far away, it just looks like a steel PRX.

I appreciate the effort in the execution here, especially with the dial made of Damascus steel. It would have probably been a cost-saving measure to simply laser-engrave the dials instead of milling them out of Damascus steel, but this added complexity takes the dial to a whole different level, adding a unique touch to each piece. Priced similarly to the 40.5mm model in forged carbon, it pushes the PRX price point past one thousand dollars, which may be hard to swallow for some. But the metal is certainly unique at this price point and is just a ton of fun for, in my opinion, a fair markup from the classic models. I’m just begging Tissot to now do a full bracelet in Damascus steel — can you imagine how epic that would be?

The Basics

Brand: Tissot
Model: PRX
Reference Number: T137.807.96.081.00

Diameter: 38mm
Thickness: 10.98mm
Case Material: Damascus Steel
Dial Color: Damascus Steel
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Black leather strap with Damascus steel buckle and endlinks

The Movement

Caliber: Powermatic 80
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 VpH
Jewels: 23
Chronometer Certified: No

Pricing & Availability

Price: $1,175
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

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