Hands-On With The Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz 34mm
Last month, we introduced the new Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz in 39mm. The watch was met with near-resounding praise for its design, approachable pricing, and ease of use. For those of us with smaller wrists, though, the size was on the edge of wearability. That’s where the new 34mm version comes into play.
My colleague Lex provided a detailed synopsis of the 39mm PRC 100 Solar Quartz and explained how its technology works. To recap, the key advantage is that the watches don’t need to sacrifice dial design due to the presence of an underlying solar cell. Instead, the functionality is integrated into the sapphire crystal and connects to an internal case-mounted zebra connector. This sends power to the highly efficient movement. But enough of that for now, let’s get our hands on the smaller PRC.
The Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz 34mm
As the name suggests, the smaller Solar Quartz is 34mm in diameter, but it avoids true miniature status with a lug-to-lug measurement of 44.6mm. The thickness is a touch slimmer than its larger sibling at 9.14mm. Otherwise, the specifications, like the water resistance, are consistent at 100 meters.
Four versions for now
The PRC 100 34mm is available in four distinct references. All of them are equipped with bracelets, a difference from the 39mm models, which offer straps on some models. Each bracelet includes a push-button folding clasp. Tissot sent us the sunburst light blue dial, but a silver version is also available. Perhaps in an effort to address the ladies’ market, there is an example with a rose gold PVD and stainless steel bracelet with a mother-of-pearl dial. Finally, a yellow gold PVD version is for sale as the flagship piece.
A movement that won’t quit
The magic inside the PRC 100 Solar Quartz is called the “Lightmaster.” The aforementioned technology within the crystal pairs with an ETA F06.615 base to provide 14 months of power on a full charge. If, for some reason, the watch is kept in the dark for this period, it has an end-of-life indicator. This is noticeable when the second hand jumps four seconds. Overall, it’s a fuss-free movement that eliminates the need for battery changes every two to three years.
The PRC 100 34mm on the wrist
Many folks will back away from a 34mm watch without trying it on for size. That’s a shame because the PRC 100 34mm fits like a comfortable pair of jeans. It’s there, but it’s not an annoyance in any way. The 12-sided bezel adds a level of mass to the design, making it appear larger. Plus, the relatively long lugs do a nice job of helping the watch feel larger on the wrist. Regarding the bracelet, while it isn’t fancy, Tissot has created a thin, nicely articulating accompaniment that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
A clean dial with excellent legibility
Sometimes, a watch design doesn’t translate well across different sizes. The 34mm keeps the larger version’s good looks and pleasantly clean dial layout. Applied indices are adorned with white strips of Super-LumiNova. The hands follow suit and are nicely tapered. A slightly raised minute track with black printing matches the rest of the font on the dial. Finally, a beveled date window contains a white-on-black date wheel. Again, the design is simple, but it’s the type of watch that can take part in every environment, from casual to dressy. Plus, it’s perfectly suitable for light sporting endeavors. In fact, it’s all the better if those activities are in the sun!
The solar cell grid is nearly invisible
It’s worth noting that the PRC 100 Solar Quartz’s party trick does show its hand on the crystal. Our macro shots reveal the solar cell grid on the sapphire crystal. Is it overly noticeable or annoying? Hardly! While the watch is on the wrist, it’s basically imperceptible. Of course, it’s worth trying it at your local Tissot authorized dealer to see if your eyes are sharper than mine.
A complete package that’s hard to ignore at this price
When Tissot dropped the PRX several years ago, watch fans went nuts. The brand changed the integrated bracelet watch market by offering a bona fide high-quality option. While the design of the PRC 100 is less edgy and more traditional, its simple design and elegant technology arguably make it the better package. The fact that it’s now available in a smaller 34mm size is the topping on what is already a very tempting sundae. Best of all, the pricing is incredibly competitive. The watch we had on hand is priced at €495, which represents serious value for money. For reference, the two-tone reference is €575 and the gold PVD model is €595. If you’ve been waiting for a classy watch in a smaller size, Tissot’s latest is definitely worth a look.
This is a partnership post. Read about our transparency here.
