Far from being a recently launched collection, Tissot's PR516 represents the brand's racing-focused option. The collection first appeared in 1956 with the PR letters, which originally stood for “Particulièrement Robustes”, and underwent a remarkable transformation in 1965 into what we know today. Over time, the PR516 went through various iterations, returning in 2024 as a mechanical chronograph in excellent condition, followed by an extremely attractive automatic chronograph version. But that wasn't all as the brand also delivered the same flair in a more compact and accessible time and date package with a collection that left a big impression on us. Building on the success of these first models, Tissot is now releasing new editions of the PR516 38mm Powermatic 80 in fresh new colors.
What do we know about the PR516 38mm Powermatic 80? Well, it's a watch that revives the racing spirit of the 1960s with a modernized design and contemporary technology. And yes, as you would expect from Tissot, the watch is available at an affordable price without compromising on quality and specifications. It looks cool, feels good on the wrist and is also technically impressive. But this is nothing new from Tissot. It's actually his specialty. Stylish with just the right retro touch, well proportioned, with a subtle motorsport feel, general robustness and a winning formula of time and date display with automatic movement and a fair price.
The first models, four to be precise, were all based on the same concept: a compact, well-equipped, beautifully designed watch with a racing flair, a mix of retro-inspired design and modern construction, a powerful and economical automatic movement and enough clever features to make it great value for money. As for the case, there is nothing new for this year. The PR516 Powermatic 80 is largely based on the chronograph editions, in a more compact 38mm version with a decent thickness of 11.2mm and a short lug of 44mm. The case is made of steel with predominantly brushed surfaces and beautiful polished side bevels. The top consists of a fixed black coated bezel with a 60-minute scale, protected by a mineral glass insert, mimicking the look of vintage plexiglass bezels. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and the watch is 100 m water resistant.
New this year are the colors. The first is a classic matte white dial that contrasts nicely with the black bezel. The luminous hands and applied markers have been given a dark gray coating for better readability. Secondly, it's an attractive and fresh take on the collection, with an aqua blue gradient dial, here with silver-tone applied markers and hands, and a white date disc (although a matching blue or even black disc would have been better). In contrast to the first versions from 2024, the second hand here is treated identically to the rest of the dial hardware and is no longer in a bright color.
Underneath the transparent caseback is the now familiar Powermatic 80 movement, a further development of the ETA 2824 with a revised 3 Hz frequency, a revised kinetic chain and a Nivachron hairspring. This results in a comfortable 80-hour power reserve and a movement with excellent resistance to magnetism. Both new editions of the PR516 38mm are worn on a cool looking and comfortable 5-link Jubilee-style bracelet with brushed and polished finishes and a butterfly clasp.
These re-editions of the Tissot PR516 38mm Powermatic 80 are now available from the brand and at retailers, maintaining the same affordable price point as before 745 euros, CHF 685 or $825. For more information, visit www.tissotwatches.com.
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