Sunday Morning Showdown: Tissot PRX Quartz Vs. Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz

Last week, we organized a sophisticated confrontation between two platinum dress watches. This week, we decided to keep it a little more low-key. Recently, Tissot introduced its new PRC 100 Solar Quartz with the state-of-the-art Lightmaster technology integrated into the watch’s crystal. The demand for this new watch is already higher than the supply, so why not put it up against that other very popular quartz watch from Tissot, the integrated-bracelet PRX?

Surprisingly, Tissot introduced its new technology in a revamped model hailing from the 2000s. The original 12-sided bezel makes a comeback, but the H-link bracelet is new. Wouldn’t it have been more logical to introduce this technology in an already popular model, like the PRX? We will probably never know why Tissot decided not to, but let’s see how Mike and Daan defend their picks.

Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

But first, let’s take a look at last week’s installment of our Sunday Morning Showdown. It was Stern vs. Scheufele, smooth salmon vs. grainy ice blue, and Patek Philippe vs. L.U. Chopard. Up front, we thought it could be quite a good matchup, but we never thought the Chopard L.U.C Quattro Mark IV could come as close to the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P as it did. Admittedly, we expected the classically understated Calatrava to win. But with 55% of the votes, it did so without crushing the Quattro. The Chopard lured many voters in with its more daring design and impressive four-barrel architecture with a laudable 216-hour (nine-day) power reserve. The result shows that both of these watches earned a lot of respect. Let’s see how this week’s opponents will do.

Daan: Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz

I’ll admit it right away: I’m not such a big fan of the Tissot PRX, but I am a fan of solar-powered watches. That makes me the perfect defender of the newly introduced PRC 100 Solar Quartz. Of course, the PRX has that suave ’70s integrated-bracelet design that’s so trendy these days. I also like that style, but for some reason, I’ve never truly connected with the PRX. I think the most important reason is the fact that I can’t find the right size.

The 40mm size is the go-to for most men, but I feel it’s a bit too big for my 17cm wrist. The case is just a bit too long and thick, and it just doesn’t sit nicely on my wrist. That’s why I was excited when the 35mm models came out. However, the smaller case is also thinner and looks a bit too petite on my wrist. It might be a fun bonus watch in gold, but I don’t think I’d wear it very often. Besides, a simple battery-powered quartz watch doesn’t leave much to the imagination, right? In comes the new Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz.

Precise, Robust, and Classic

PRC stands for “Precise,” “Robust,” and “Classic.” While adjectives like that may sound fine but not super exciting, when I first picked up the new PRC 100 Solar Quartz, it did excite me quite a bit. Its brushed and polished case has a strong character with the 12-sided bezel. But the best part of the story is its dimensions. The 39mm case fits my wrist perfectly, and that’s also because it’s only 9.2mm thick. Yes, it’s 1.2mm thinner than the PRX. That makes it a very comfortable watch to wear and one that doesn’t ever get in the way.

You can indeed notice the honeycomb pattern in the crystal when you look at the PRC 100 close up. But isn’t that a nice reminder of the cool technology that powers the watch? As Lex said in his behind-the-scenes article: “[It’s] harnessing the power of the star around which we revolve to make time visible.” In addition, putting the solar cells in the crystal allows for more options in terms of dial finishes. That’s why Tissot could launch the PRC 100 with such a nice sunburst finish, and the possibilities are endless for future releases.

More stamina

Do you know what PRX stands for? It’s “Precise,” “Robust,” and the “X” is the Roman numeral for 10. That last one refers to the 10-bar (100m) water resistance rating. The funny thing is that the PRC 100 is just as capable and robust as the PRX. They’re both proper stainless steel sports watches, but the solar-powered PRC 100 has much more stamina.

The battery life of the regular quartz PRX is between two and three years. The PRC 100 Solar Quartz, on the other hand, will keep ticking for 15 years as long as you make sure it’s not tucked away in a dark drawer. That makes it a real worry-free watch, at least for the next decade and a half.

At €495, the PRC 100 on the bracelet is €100 more expensive than the quartz PRX. But it also costs about €50 to get a battery changed by an authorized Tissot service point. In 15 years, you’ll likely need at least five battery changes for the PRX, so in the end, the watch will end up costing more if you go through the official channels.

Considering that and the better fit of the PRC 100 Solar Quartz, I’d go for this watch over the PRX in the end. I’m sure Mike has a different opinion, though, so let’s hear it.

Mike: Tissot PRX Quartz

With the PRX Quartz, Tissot solidified its position as a leader in the affordable yet classy segment of watches. In a world full of Apple Watches, the PRX is one of the few decent pieces I see everywhere. Yes, the PRX is a bona fide hit, so when Tissot recently announced its new PRC 100 Solar Quartz, I was pretty excited. Frankly, I still am, but I wonder if it will have the same appeal as the PRX due to its lack of an integrated bracelet…

A master stroke

When Tissot dropped the PRX Quartz in 2021, it was done with expert timing. The market was abuzz with demand for integrated-bracelet sports watches, such as the Nautilus and Royal Oak. Tissot, with its credible name, offered a bargain-basement option for those who wanted to get in on the trend without remortgaging a home. Since 2021, we’ve been treated to a deluge of PRX models, including a chronograph, Powermatic 80, and more, but in this showdown, we’re keeping it to the quartz models.

Easy and relatively worry-free watches

Today, Tissot offers the PRX Quartz in 25mm, 35mm, and 40mm diameters. With those options, I understand Daan’s comment about failing to connect with a given case size. The 40mm version is large, and its 35mm sibling can feel small for someone with medium-sized wrists. Frankly, it’s a curious decision not to offer a 37mm option. Still, it doesn’t stop the bulk of folks who wear the 40mm versions without a problem.

Inside, the watches use a straightforward ETA quartz movement with HeavyDrive technology (shock management for the ticking seconds hand). These movements have a quick-setting date and an end-of-life indicator (the seconds hand skips). It’s estimated that the batteries last between two and three years. Is that an annoyance compared to the Solar Quartz? It’s a slight one, but any local watch shop should be able to change it quickly and cheaply while ensuring the watch keeps its 100m depth rating.

A sweet, edgy case

The PRX Quartz is roughly 10mm thick, depending on the diameter, which makes it thin enough to work under a shirt but sturdy enough to feel like an everyday watch. In the metal, Tissot presents a well-defined case with sharp edges and consistently brushed surfaces. The bracelet, with its slim push-button clasp, is also comfortable and sports a nice taper.

The PRX Quartz is too good a deal to pass up

At just €395, the PRX Quartz is a screaming deal. In fact, when compared to some recent Swatch collaboration releases that come alarmingly close in price, the PRX shows its value even more. Also, with nearly five years of production under its belt, the watch is available in a plethora of colors, finishes, and size options. Again, as a dyed-in-the-wool Eco-Drive wearer, I can’t deny the practicality of the solar quartz movements, but I wouldn’t choose the PRC over the PRX based on movement alone. For me, the PRX is more distinctive and desirable. Let’s hope that Tissot adds a solar movement to this platform.

Time to vote!

It’s now time to vote for the non-mechanical Tissot watch of your choice. Would you go for the PRC Solar Quartz or PRX Quartz? Both offer insanely good value and should provide the wearer a lifetime of trouble-free ownership. Of course, one needs a touch of service along the way. Cast your vote, and let us know why you voted the way you did. Thanks for playing!