Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Review: The Best Affordable Luxury Watch of 2025?

In the realm of affordable luxury watches, few timepieces have generated as much buzz in recent years as the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Originally revived in 2021 and continuously refined since, the PRX line has become a darling among enthusiasts and first-time buyers alike. But does it still hold its ground in 2025? And more importantly—is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 truly the best affordable luxury watch of 2025?

Let’s dive deep into the design, performance, features, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against the competition.

🔍 Design & Aesthetic

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a perfect homage to its 1978 predecessor. Featuring a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet, the design feels both vintage and modern.

• Case Size: 40mm (perfect for most wrists)

• Thickness: Just under 11mm—sleek enough to slide under a cuff

• Dial Options: Sunburst blue, black, green, ice blue, and even some limited editions with textured dials

• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating

• Bracelet: Integrated steel bracelet with quick-release system

The watch feels far more premium than its price tag would suggest, and the attention to detail is evident in the polished bevels, brushed case, and sturdy butterfly clasp.

🕰 Movement & Performance

At the heart of this watch lies the Powermatic 80 movement—an 80-hour power reserve automatic movement that outshines most competitors in the same price range.

Key Features:

• 80-hour power reserve

• Nivachron™ balance spring (resistant to magnetic fields)

• Smooth 21,600 bph beat rate

• Hacking and hand-winding capabilities

For a watch under $1,000, this level of movement tech is astonishing. You can leave the watch over the weekend, and it’ll still be ticking by Monday.

✅ Pros of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

• 💎 Premium Design: Integrated bracelet and polished finishing rival much more expensive watches

• 🧠 Superior Movement: The Powermatic 80 is reliable, accurate, and offers exceptional power reserve

• 🔁 Versatile Styling: Looks great in formal, business, or casual settings

• 💰 Value for Money: Swiss-made automatic movement + iconic design at a sub-$1000 price point

• 👓 Exhibition Caseback: A great touch for watch enthusiasts

• 🌊 Water Resistance: 100 meters, enough for everyday water exposure

❌ Cons of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

• ⚙️ No Screw-Down Crown: Despite 100m water resistance, the push/pull crown may limit some water activities

• ⛓ Integrated Bracelet Limits Strap Choices: Although there are quick-release options, it’s not as easy to change straps as with traditional lugs

• 🧼 Fingerprint Magnet: The polished bezel and bracelet tend to attract smudges

🆚 Tissot PRX vs. Competitors (2025)