A Day At The Races With The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 “Ice Blue”

Whether it’s the scream of an Italian-made V4 or the howl of an inline-four Japanese engine, nothing disturbs the cool and collected look of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 with its soothing ice-blue dial. It’s like being so deeply in love that even an endless stream of flirty text messages from Eva Mendes doesn’t make an impact. Tissot quietly released the light blue PRX automatic watch, but that didn’t go unnoticed. That’s why I had a very personal rendezvous with the watch at the famous Assen TT circuit.

It was during an afternoon at Fratello HQ that we were all of a sudden confronted with the existence of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 “Ice Blue.” The editorial team present that day reacted with a unison “Wow!” while looking at RJ’s computer screen. RJ immediately started writing a Hot Take featuring the cool new watch, and I was left wanting one. And that put me in a bit of a pickle.

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 “Ice Blue” and the moral dilemma it presents me with

At the beginning of 2023, I kicked off a series of Watch Resolutions For The New Year. I solemnly declared that my 2023 budget was set at €7,500 and that on my list carved in stone were both a Girard-Perregaux chronograph and a Breitling Spatiograph. But then, out of the blue, comes the €745 Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 “Ice Blue” (T137.407.11.351.00), and I am hit with an instant moral dilemma. The heart says “yes,” and the mind also says “yes” because, if we’re talking bang for the buck, the PRX is your “guy” and it’s mine as well. By the way, I gifted the black-dialed PRX Powermatic 80 to my son for his birthday, so it’s my “little” guy’s “guy” too. But shattering your New Year’s resolution to pieces after just four months is not a good look. Now what?

It’s all your fault, Fratello commenters

So, RJ wrote his article, and I decided to read it…and the comments. Like the one from Cru Jones, who wrote, “I keep coming back to this article and the photos. The ice-blue dial looks wonderful with the rest of the watch. Cool and cohesive.” Right on, Cru; those are very wise words. And then there was Veliero, who commented, “Have now revisited this article for the umpteenth time, and for those discussing the size, I tried the dark blue, and the 40mm wears sublimely. It is really very nice indeed.”

I couldn’t agree more because I know how my son’s black version with its 40 × 10.9mm case sits on the wrist, and it’s just right. I was sure that the light blue version would do the same and then some. That’s because the dial, which looks like a clear spring sky — don’t you dare call it a “Tiffany” dial! — gives the watch a completely different look. It’s lighter, fresher, and, to some degree, richer — is that because it makes me think of the dial color in platinum watches by a certain Geneva-based brand? Anyway, the comments and another look at the pictures won me over. I wanted the watch.

Perfect timing

After letting Tissot know that I wanted to buy the PRX in its new light blue attire that would perfectly match my denim-heavy wardrobe, a clear example of synchronicity happened. You see, Tissot sponsors and times the World Superbike (WSBK) championship, and the third round was going to take place at the iconic Assen TT circuit. Tissot invited Nacho — it’s his fab pictures you’re looking at — and me to the races on Saturday and also happened to have a light blue PRX in stock. So while enjoying some spectacular, high-octane motorbike racing up close, the handover of the watch would take place on the racetrack. Talk about perfect timing in a perfect setting.

Instant joy

What can I say? The watch didn’t disappoint in the metal. Not at all. And because Nacho also brought his sizing kit, I could adjust and wear my new watch right away. Two words — instant joy. The sun was out, spectacular motorcycles sped past, a glass of chilled Prosecco was never out of reach, and the watch not only reflected the color of the sky but also perfectly embodied the light, jovial mood.

Go with the watch flow

There’s not much more to say or write, really. In my humble opinion, the watch looks stunning, and the pics are living proof. You don’t need my words to see that. I will now start wearing it intensively, and maybe I will write a long-term review later. But before that, I also have to quickly come back to my watch resolutions. After I went rogue with the PRX, another watch crossed my path. I will let you know once everything is finalized, but it’s highly likely that the fabulous Omega Speedmaster 3594.50 Replica is making its way to my wrist pretty soon. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, please don’t think of me as irresolute or overly persuadable. Sometimes you have to go with the watch flow. And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

For more information about the PRX Powermatic 80 “Ice Blue,” please visit Tissot’s official website.

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