Introducing: The New Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80 In Four Fun Variations
At the beginning of 2024, Tissot introduced four watches under the name PR516. They were all chronographs, three of which had quartz movements while the last one housed a hand-wound mechanical caliber. Just like the new time-and-date models we’re looking at today, they were inspired by Tissot watches from the ’60s. However, these new Powermatic 80 versions have a smaller 38mm diameter and feature a different bracelet. Let’s take a closer look at the four variations of the new Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80.
In his article on the Tissot PR516 chronographs, Thomas already reviewed the history of these watches. A fun fact is that the three-hand models date back to 1965, and the chronographs came out three years later. In the case of these re-editions, it seems like Tissot has swapped the order.
Thomas also mentioned another noteworthy thing in his article: “The Tissot PR-516 (with a hyphen this time) had a particular moment of glory on the silver screen in 1973. Roger Moore can be seen wearing a version with a date and dive bezel in Live and Let Die. It is believed to be his private watch in an era when James Bond wasn’t claimed by Omega yet.” All right, enough with the history lessons and on to the present.
The new Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80
The new Powermatic 80 versions of Tissot’s PR516 are slightly bigger than that James Bond model. The stainless steel case has a 38mm diameter, an 11.2mm thickness, and a 45mm lug-to-lug. Although the original PR 516 wasn’t a dive watch, the case shape reminds me of a classic skin diver. Except for the polished bevel along each flank, the rest of the case has a brushed finish. The fixed bezel has a steel outer ring, which is either black or plated with gold depending on the version you go for. This encircles an insert made of mineral crystal with a 60-minute scale underneath it.
A flat sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating covers the slightly domed and matte dial. The minute track has a concave shape, and there are 12 applied indexes. The one at 3 o’clock is slightly smaller to make room for the date window. Depending on the version, the date wheel is either black or white. This is also true of the printing on the dial, which shows the Tissot logo at 12 and the model name at 6 o’clock. As on the vintage PR-516 chronographs, the baton hour and minute hands are black at their bases and have a bare steel or gold-colored finish for the rest. On the two-tone model, the seconds hand is black. On the other three models, it stands out a bit more in either red or yellow.
Powered by the Swatch Group’s workhorse
With the fairly big but well-proportioned push-pull crown, you can wind and set the Powermatic 80 movement inside. This automatic Swatch Group workhorse caliber is a modified ETA 2824, and it runs at a frequency of 21,600vph. It features 23 jewels and holds a power reserve of 80 hours when fully wound. It also includes a Nivachron balance spring, which makes the movement resistant to magnetic fields you might encounter during your day. Through the sapphire crystal on the back, you can get a good look at the movement’s basic finishing. The screw-in case back also helps make the PR516 Powermatic 80 water resistant to 100 meters.
Four versions to choose from
At launch, there are four colorways for the Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80. The one that stands out the most is the two-tone version. The polished center links of its Jubilee-style bracelet have a yellow gold plating, just like the hands, hour markers, and bezel rim. Its dial is matte off-white, and the printing on it is black.
The all-steel models all come with darker dials. There are two versions with a matte black dial. One has a red seconds hand and a Jubilee-style bracelet. That bracelet, which is the same as the one on the two-tone model (minus the gold plating), feels solid and closes with a butterfly clasp. Luckily, there’s no overlap on either side, so you can close it whichever way you prefer. There are no micro-adjustment settings for the clasp, but the included half links should help you to find the right size.
The other matte black version comes on a perforated brown leather strap and with a yellow seconds hand.
The final version has a matte blue dial and bezel insert, a red seconds hand, and a perforated dark blue leather strap. It’s important to note here that the concave chapter ring has a brushed finish and is a bit shinier than the rest of the dial.
Initial impressions
In my short time with the Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80, I got quite excited about this release. It might not be as iconic as the brand’s ultra-popular PRX, but it’s certainly in the same league when it comes to great proportions and a good level of finishing. Its 38mm diameter and 6mm midcase make it wear comfortably while also looking very sleek. The Jubilee-style bracelet makes it a bit more elegant than the sportier three-row bracelet on the chronograph. My favorite is the steel version with the matte black dial, red seconds hand, and the Jubilee-style bracelet. I can imagine that it would also look great on a nice Tropic-style rubber strap.
What I don’t love is the shiny concave chapter ring. I think it should’ve been matte like the rest of the dial. Other than that, the PR516 lives up to its “Particularly Resistant” name with its antimagnetic balance spring and water-resistant case, and it looks great while doing so.
And just like the popular Tissot PRX, this all comes at a great price. The steel Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80 versions cost €675 on a leather strap and €745 on the bracelet. The two-tone model on the bracelet is a bit more expensive at €825. You can find additional information on the official Tissot website.
What do you think of these three-hand PR516 models? Do you prefer them over the chronograph versions or vice versa? Let us know in the comments below.
