In any serious watch collection, one often finds a need for a “go-anywhere, do-anything” timepiece—something versatile, durable, and stylish enough to handle diverse settings. To me, that category is best embodied by the integrated steel sports watch: it’s an aesthetic statement, yet it carries functional legitimacy. And in the realm of accessible integrated steel sport pieces, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Green stands out as a compelling option.
Heritage + Revival
The integrated steel sports watch owes much of its lineage to groundbreaking designs of the 1970s—most notably Gérald Genta’s Royal Oak, which redefined expectations around form, finish, and fluidity. Inspired by that avant-garde shift, Tissot originally launched its “PRX” line in 1978. Though the quartz era curtailed its early run, Tissot brought back the PRX in 2021 with renewed energy—this time as a serious mechanical contender rather than merely a stylistic nod.
The modern PRX series has become a beloved favorite among enthusiasts, largely because it offers that integrated-sport aesthetic at a price point few others can match.
Design & Build
Case & Bracelet
The case and bracelet are the stars of the show—especially on the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Green. Available in 40 mm and 35 mm sizes, both versions have short lug-to-lug dimensions (around 44 mm and 39 mm, respectively), which translates to a comfortable, compact wrist presence regardless of size. The finishing is well executed: brushed surfaces dominate, with polished chamfered edges adding contrast and visual interest.
Though the PRX doesn’t use a screw-down crown, it still delivers a robust 100 m of water resistance—and the crown is tastefully signed with the Tissot “T.” On the back, a sapphire exhibition window reveals the internal movement.
Dial
One of the PRX’s most appealing features is its “waffle” or textured dial, and this is no different for the green version. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Green uses that textured finish to give depth to its dial—light dancing across the ridges enhances its visual dynamism. Baton indices, filled with Super-LumiNova, mark the hours, while similarly lumed baton hands ensure legibility in low light. A date window at 3 o’clock is standard, although it doesn’t always match the dial color—something purists might notice.
Alternative models drop the waffle texture (especially on versions with fluted bezels or forged carbon cases), but for the green model, that textured look adds to the character.
Movement
Under the exhibition caseback lies the heart of the watch: the Powermatic 80. Derived from an ETA 2824-2 platform but heavily optimized, this movement offers an eight-decade power reserve (80 hours). It’s not the most decorated movement seen through a display back, but it’s robust, precise (approx. ±15 seconds per day), and well-suited for a watch that balances everyday usability with mechanical credibility.
Wearing Experience
To say wearing the PRX is enjoyable is an understatement. For many integrated steel sports watches, one expects some compromise in comfort or finish—especially at lower price points. But the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Green defies that expectation: it feels refined, proportionate, and comfortable. I tested a 40 mm example over a week—wearing it while swimming, hiking, working, and going about daily life—and saw consistent performance (around +6 seconds/day). Over time, it stopped feeling like a watch on my wrist and started feeling like part of it.
Even the 35 mm version makes for a surprisingly wearable experience, even on wrists around 6.5 in (though larger‐wristed wearers might still prefer the 40 mm).
Strap Options
While the PRX is offered with rubber or leather strap options, the integrated stainless-steel bracelet is the true centerpiece. Because of the design, standard aftermarket straps don’t work—the watch uses proprietary attachments. The bracelet’s articulation and finishing make it a key part of the watch’s appeal, and skipping it in favor of straps often means forfeiting much of what makes the PRX special.
Pricing & Availability
As of now, the 40 mm PRX Powermatic 80 (on bracelet) is priced around USD 725, while the 35 mm version runs closer to USD 695. Models on leather or rubber may cost slightly less, but many collectors find the bracelet version more appealing. For those wanting a more premium look, versions with fluted 18k gold bezels exist (sans waffle texture) around USD 1,850. The forged carbon variant, meanwhile, sits at roughly USD 995—all with the 80-hour movement, sapphire crystal, and 100 m water resistance.
Because Tissot is well distributed globally, purchasing from an authorized dealer is often your best bet—ensuring warranty, authenticity, and full service support.
Imagine that you could get a Swiss-made watch under USD 1,000, equipped with an exclusive movement offering 80 hours of autonomy, a robust 100 m of water resistance, legible dial, and all wrapped in a beautifully finished integrated steel package. That is exactly what the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Green manages to deliver. It’s arguably a modern horological marvel at this price range—and remains very much deserving of the “people’s watch” moniker.
