Borna Boschunjak
Solar technology has long been in the realm of several brands, but it has not yet become widely available to consider how rich quartz watches are. But these days, solar quartz watches recognize the value more brands bring given the autonomy that watches can achieve (selfishly including the fantastic Tag Heuer solar graph here). Tissot does exactly the same with the new PRC 100 Solar, introducing sporty everyday wearers to what they call the Lightmaster Solar Tech. However, unlike other brands that primarily use solar cells integrated into dial designs, Tissot takes a different approach. How does this work?
Dial
With the Silver, Blue and Black colorway options, the PRC 100 Solar is versatile in a variety of environments. The index is a simple ingot doubled with cardinal points, with black and white wheels at 3am. Branding is also fairly minimal, but I think I prefer the general choice of typeface.
If you look closely at the dial, you will notice the fine, lattice-like texture of honeycomb just below the sapphire crystal. These are the solar cells you are looking at, transferring energy into movement through elastomeric connectors. Also known as Zebra Connectors, it is often used to connect LCD displays to PCBs. This is because it is much better at conducting electricity in a single direction. However, looking at the dial from afar will hardly notice any additional layers. Think of it like an advertisement placed on a bus or tram window. But I think you can still see.
case
Continuing its trend to create the ideal GADA watch, Tissot equipped the PRC 100 solar with a water-resistant 39mm steel case up to 100 meters. It is brushed throughout and has polished facets on 12 bezels that signify the PRC 100 collection. Just like the dial, there are no bells or whistles here. Instead, you can opt for a black PVD coating if you prefer a more modern and urban aesthetic, although it is designed enough to avoid a too-common look.
There is a 34mm variant fired along the 39mm, but the latter I got is actually the volume seller. Sizing is the right thing for everyday sweet spots, with just 9.2mm thick what you’d expect from a quartz watch that doesn’t have to fight mechanical movements.
Bracelet and strap
The new PRC 100 Solar is available in either case-finished matching, a 3-link steel bracelet or a simple leather strap. If the difference in price between leather and bracelets is not that big on such an affordable watch, the latter usually shows better value. And in fact, it matches very well with the office, Gada aesthetics, with an overall finish and butterfly clasp. Of course, you can always pick up a high quality, affordable leather strap after the PRC 100 Solar’s 20mm lug width.
Movement
This movement is a major novelty of the PRC 100 solar, but is hidden behind the solid caseback, as you would expect. The ETA F06.615 is the movement in question, offering a power reserve of up to 14 months on a full charge. Solar cells also draw power from artificial light, so the sun is not the only one who can move it. Tissot quotes a day of charging from a 10 minute exposure under normal daytime conditions. F06.615 itself appears to be a new derivative of the movement of the F06.115 trendline. This is heading towards the affordable edge of ETA quartz products and can be found in something like the Tissot PRX Quartz.
verdict
The new PRC 100 Solar aims to be a developing spot in the market. This is from the $500 Quartz Gada Watch, which has previously been primarily occupied by Japanese competitors such as citizens. We offer Swiss made labels. This adds constant perceived value to those who are likely to try and buy a watch like this.
Tissot PRC 100 Solar 39mm Price and Availability
Tissot PRC 100 Solar 39mm is now available. Price: £410 (steel, leather), £430 (PVD, leather), £450 (steel, bracelet), £535 (PVD, bracelet)
Brand Tissot Model PRC 100 Solar 39mm Reference T151.422.11.031.00
T151.422.11.041.00
T151.422.33.051.00
T151.422.16.031.00
T151.422.36.051.00Case dimensions 39mm(d) x 9.2mm
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