Yeah, we know the feeling, no Moonswatch in the collection, and who wants to pay those eBay scalper prices? But Tissot has added some new models to its suave, Seventies style PRX line, including a chronograph which is on the way in July.
Could that be an alternative to a couple of Moonswatch models? Yeah, we think so and here’s why.
Firstly, if you want quartz reliability and Swiss build quality for under £300 then Tissot can help. Not many Swiss brands can say the same. The Genta designed PRX comes in 40mm or a smaller 35mm case for 2022, which taps into that genuine old school 70s watch vibe. That was pretty much the standard case size back then as most collectors of vintage Rotary, Tissot, Montine, Lanco and other brands know.
Price for the entry level quartz is £295 in both sizes by the way. There are new dial colours like a sunray green, champagne and a pale blue as well, plus a gold coloured model, with gold tone on the dial and bracelet – that’s £375.
AUTOMATICS FOR THE PEOPLE
When it comes to Swiss made automatics the Powermatic 80 is a versatile, low maintenance movement that features in Certina and Hamilton watches too. Based on the old ETA 2824, the Powermatic 80 is reliable and relatively cheap to produce which helps keep the prices of Tissot automatics affordable, around £590.
Actually we found a few offers online at £535 or so, which looked genuine UK retailers.
For this year you can choose a waffle dial blue or black PRX auto, which adds a little AP Royal Oak feeling to the watch. That’s a nice Genta crossover reference, which really appeals to watch fans.
There are also a couple of 18K gold plated, fluted bezel PRX autos, which retails at around £1600, should you feel the need to go large on the bling, but stay classic 40mm case size. Very nice dress watch, has that classic Oyster feel to it, interesting rival to a Hamilton Jazzmaster, any Rado pottery watch or perhaps a pre-owned Omega De Ville.
THAT VALJOUX VIBE
The Valjoux 7750 automatic chrono movement remains a popular choice for many watch brands. Easy to see why; reliable, parts supply and repair is a cinch, plus people always want to buy a pre-owned Valjoux 7750 watch.
So the arrival later this year of the PRX chrono will be a sell-out, even at £1500 or so. It just looks spot-on, rather similar to the old Gucci Pantheon gents auto, with those slightly chamfered edge, oblong pushers on the case. That was a great watch by the way, Gucci should revive it.
The PRX Valjoux will come in blue/white or black/white dial options, with the black subs on white dial option having rose gold hands and baton markers. Blue will be the investment choice, it always is the most popular dial colour long term.
100m of depth resistance is handy to have and a 42mm case diameter is great for all seasons. Big enough to get noticed, but not football commentator 45mm plus. See-thru caseback and a bit of alloy petrolhead car wheel look about the rotor.
When you consider some cheeseheads are paying £1500 to own a Monnswatch right now, it makes sense to hold your cash until the summer and choose a PRX chrono instead. Just saying, we aren’t on commission or anything.
More here.