Powermatic 80: Tissot’s new mechanical heart
As Tissot’s true mechanical signature, the calibre Powermatic 80 embodies the groundbreaking spirit that has been powering the house for more than 170 years. With a power reserve of 80 hours and an antimagnetic Nivachron™ balance spring, this liable movement has become the beating heart of the company. From classic outlines and bolder creations, like the PRX Goldorak 50th Anniversary, to titanium and Damascus steel editions, Tissot CEO Sylvain Dolla unlocks for us all the secrets of a well-oiled mechanism with 3 finishing levels. Impressive!
Powermatic 80, Tissot’s true beating heart
Since its release in 2013, the calibre Powermatic 80 has been considered as the embodiment of Tissot’s know-how, and even Swatch Group’s, to a greater extent. The name is pretty self-explanatory: it’s an automatic movement, made of 143 components. Renowned for its sturdiness, it vibrates at a 3Hz frequency (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offers a power reserve of 80 hours. The hairspring is made of Nivachron™, a titanium-based alloy remarkably durable and liable: it is anti-magnetic, shockproof and can resist wear and temperature variations.
Three collections are available, each featuring a special finishing for the calibre it integrates. The Classic Dream version is powered by a standard version of the calibre, with a precision of ±7 seconds per day, regulated to +3 second for a daily gap that varies between -4 and +10 seconds. It displays a sanded solid oscillating weight printed with Tissot’s logo.
In the upper range, this oscillating weight can be pierced or decorated with a wave pattern, and is available on more complex references such as PRX’s and Le Locle’s. These models offer a precision of ±5 seconds per day, regulated to +3 seconds, thus providing a daily gap of -2 to +8 seconds.
The variation integrated into the Ballade model features both the same precision of ±5 seconds per day, this time regulated to +1 second (-4 to +6 seconds per day) and a chronometer status, as it is COSC certified. The power reserve and the anti-magnetic properties remain the same for all 3 editions.
Calibre Powermatic 80 thus illustrates the democratisation of the high mechanical watchmaking industry that combines cutting-edge technology to Swiss quality.
Collection Classic Dream Powermatic 80
From now on, the self-winding Powermatic 80 movement cadences the latest Classic Dream novelties. This integration sets a milestone for Tissot, making Swiss precision mechanics more accessible than ever. The Classic Dream Powermartic 80 has thus become the intermediary between traditional watchmaking and technological modernity without losing the signature timeless elegance of the line. Balanced design and mastered functions are the watchwords of these models.
These 7 references have a 316L stainless-steel case with a 40mm diameter. Some display a steel bezel covered in yellow gold PVD or rose gold PVD, matching the Dauphine hands and the faceted indices. Besides, a variety of dials is available. Whether blue, silver, black or golden, they display a discreet date aperture at 3 o’clock.
These models are also delivered either on leather straps or on five-link metallic bracelets. The latter are available with a monochromatic or a bicolor finishing. With these pieces, Tissot keep following their creed: proposing liable, elegant and accessible watches that respect the Swiss watchmaking spirit.
This Classic Dream Powermatic 80 is meant for those who want to take the plunge towards self-winding movements, while preserving the pure simplicity of a classic design. More than a timepiece, it’s a door open to the precision mechanics world.
See all the technical specifications sheets of the Classic Dream Powermatic 80 models.
PRX UFO Robot Grendizer 50th Anniversary Special Edition
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of UFO Robot Grendizer, this emblematic mecha created by Go Nagai in 1975, Tissot unveils an out-of-this-world creation that pays a tribute to a Japanese masterpiece: the PRX UFO Robot Grendizer 50th Anniversary Special Edition.
As the winner of the €1,001 to €2,000 category of the La Montre de l’Année competition, this watch proves to be a technical and aesthetic victory approved by the public, and is now sold-out. But this isn’t Tissot’s first attempt: indeed, last year, the company launched their first PRX Goldorak, which was a huge success.
The 316L steel watch, entirely coated in black PVD, evokes the cosmic dimension of the character. The dial pictures the Grendizer striking a dynamic pose, with complex engravements and a layering of textures that add depth to the piece, making it almost sculpture-like. The eyes of the robot glow bright yellow in the dark, thanks to 2 dots of Super-LumiNova, while the seconds hand, made of 18ct gold, evokes the shape of the Double-Harkens scythe.
The PRX UFO Robot Grendizer 50th Anniversary is also equipped with the Powermatic 80 movement. Water-resistant to 100 meters, offering a power reserve of 80 hours, this movement features a Nivachron hairspring, an anti-magnetic alloy that can resist temperature variations. The transparent case back reveals the rotor engraved with the Grendizer’s portrait. Every copy is numbered and engraved “Limited Edition 1 of 1975”, a nod to the year the character was created. Delivered in a jewel box evoking the Grendizer’s spaceship, the Spazer, this edition includes an exclusive packaging: a gold and black outer box with original drawings hand-signed by Go Nagai himself. Please note the attention to details.
€1,095
PRX Powermatic 80 Titanium and PRX Powermatic 80 Damascus
Tissot moves onto the next stage of the PRX collection by introducing avant-garde materials. First, titanium, with its undeniable sturdiness and lightness. The case and the bracelet are both made of this high-technology metal. Two dial versions are available: a deep blue edition with nickel-plated baton hands and applied indices, and an anthracite reference to titanium with rose gold hands and indices.
Machining a case and a dial in modern Damascus steel is a true metallurgical feat that sets a new milestone in Tissot’s quest for innovation. Stem from a thousand-year-old know-how, this legendary material is now reborn under a scientifically accurate form. It all begins with 2 carefully-selected stainless-steel powders, each with its own properties. They are spread in a mould into thin layers that shape the future Damascus pattern.
Then, they undergo a hot isostatic pressing – an extreme operation where metal is almost brought to its melting point, all the while under a staggering pressure of 1,000 bars. At this stage, the particles get linked to an atomical level, which results in a compact block of metal, whose 70 layers are exceptionally dense and homogenous. It then becomes a playground for CNC machine-tools that extract each case and each dial with surgical accuracy.
Then comes the moment of truth: alternating satin-finished and polished finishing finally reveals the famous Damascus motif: a mesmerizing interlacing of metallic waves that catches and returns the light in a dazzling ballet. What’s more, the baton hands, the black seconds hand, the nickel-plated indices and the date aperture at 3 o’clock add structure to the dial. As for the integrated bracelet, it is made of black grained leather and is interchangeable.
See the technical specifications sheet of the latest PRX Powermatic 80: Titanium – Grey Dial and Titanium – Blue Dial – €875
See the technical specifications sheet of the PRX Powermatic Damascus – €1,075
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