Last year, Tissot introduced the PR516 mechanical chronograph, a modern successor to the original chronograph model from 1968. (>>Go to the related Time Forum news) Since then, the PR516 lineup has been enriched with a quartz chronograph and a three-hand model equipped with the Powermatic 80. Today, we introduce a new automatic chronograph and quartz chronograph model along with the Powermatic 80 model.
The three-hand version of the PR516 was released in 1965, before the chronograph version. At that time, starting with the manual version Ref. 41554, the automatic version Ref. 44554, and even the aluminum bezel changed to Bakelite Ref. 44622 and the Ref. 46622 with an additional day of the week, all based on the same 36mm case, it was released. The PR516, which gained popularity for its unique design, became a hot topic when a model presumed to be Ref. 44622 appeared on the wrist of Roger Moore (1927-2017), who played the third James Bond in the movie ‘Live and Let Die (1973)’. The PR516 Powermatic 80 is a reinterpretation of the PR516 worn by James Bond.
The design is inspired by the PR516 released in 1965. The Tissot logo and product name are printed in a modern font on a matte black dial. All indexes are applique type, and the white painted hands have been changed to polished needles. The result is a modern change while preserving the original design.
The case diameter is 38mm, which is closer to the vintage model. The case has a brushed finish similar to the original model overall, but the edges are polished. In addition, the original model had a thin bezel and thick case back, so the middle case protruded somewhat. The new product, on the other hand, has increased the thickness of the bezel and reduced the thickness of the case back, improving the stability and wearing comfort of the design. The bezel is made of mineral glass, reproducing the feel of the bakelite bezel of Ref. 44622. It is 11.18mm thick and has a water resistance of 100m.
The movement is Tissot’s flagship movement, the Powermatic 80 (3Hz). It has a Nivachron™ balance spring made of titanium alloy, making it resistant to magnetism. The power reserve is approximately 80 hours, which is still an unrivaled power reserve compared to competing models.
The strap configuration varies depending on the dial. The model with the white dial and PVD gold indexes has a steel bracelet with a PVD gold-coated center link. The black dial model with the red second hand is paired with a steel bracelet with a polished center, the black dial model with the yellow second hand is paired with a brown perforated leather strap, and the blue dial model is paired with a navy perforated leather strap. All straps feature a quick-release system.
Tissot’s PR516 Powermatic 80 is priced at 1.1 million won for the PVD gold-coated bracelet version, 1.01 million won for the steel bracelet version, and 910,000 won for the leather strap version.
The quartz chronograph model also presents a new color combination. The hands and indexes on the dial, sub-counter rings, and the bezel frame have been changed to rose gold. The text on the dial and bezel are printed in the same color to match. The case is available in two types: stainless steel and steel with a full rose gold PVD coating. The bracelet varies accordingly. The stainless steel model has only the central link in rose gold, while the rose gold-coated model has all the links in rose gold to match the case.
The PR516 quartz chronograph is priced at 770,000 won for the combination model (T149.417.22.051.01) and 830,000 won for the rose gold-coated model (T149.417.33.051.00).
The PR516 chronograph (Ref. T149.459.21.051.00) released last year was a faithful reproduction of the original design. This year, it has returned with a refreshing color combination that makes you forget for a moment that it is a reproduction of a vintage model. The dial is matte white. On top of it is a navy-colored minute track and a ring indicating the sub-counter. The hands have also been changed to navy to match the navy points here and there, and only the hour and minute hands have had their paint around the luminous parts removed and polished.best replica watches
The case is identical to its predecessor, up to the domed sapphire crystal. The thickness is slightly increased from its predecessor at 14.19mm, and the water resistance is 100m. The bezel insert is navy colored to match the dial, and the frame is made of polished stainless steel. The bracelet has the same design as the PR516 Powermatic 80 introduced earlier.
Looking at this, you might be surprised at the change in thickness when it is just a simple color change model. The secret lies in the movement. It has the same Valjoux 7753 base as its predecessor, but it has been changed to a more popular automatic chronograph (A05.231) configuration. It is equipped with a Nivachron™ hairspring and the power reserve has been increased to approximately 68 hours. In addition, the car wheel-shaped rotor that could be seen on the caseback of the predecessor PRS516 has been added.
