![]() ![]() ![]() The hands emerge from the center of the dial as narrow polished sticks, before abruptly jutting wider at a 90-degree angle that subtly forms the Tissot “T.” It’s a bit of clever branding on Tissot’s part, and not something that registers right away.Ī steep, white chapter ring flanks the outer edge of the dial, breaking up the flow of black and adding some dramatic contrast. The handset is a squared-off duo of blunted rectangles. These are seemingly small additions, but they go a long way toward visual harmony. The date window at four is mirrored by a PRS 516 emblem at eight, even nearly matching in cutout depth. Dial text is restrained here, with the “Tissot 1853” script at 12 weighted against the “Automatic” script at six and the markings at four and eight. The cutouts also divide the main dial into three spokes, finished with a striking effect that’s halfway between Côtes de Genève and woven carbon fiber.Įven more striking is that even with this much going on, the dial remains relatively balanced. The only other watch that I can think of that is like this is the TAG Heuer Grand Carrera. It’s not exactly practical, but it is a ton of fun, and it gives a tachometer sweep effect that adds to the watch’s automotive chops. Each sub-dial has a 20-second sweep, and as the red seconds hand disappears out of one cutout it appears in the next. The first thing that jumps out, of course, are the three cutaways/sub-seconds dials that give this watch its name. The PRS 516 Triple Seconds is a textbook example of this. The watch community loves to extol the virtues of minimalism, but there’s definitely something to be said about a busy, yet balanced, design. While the case of the PRS 516 Triple Seconds is admirable enough, the dial is absolutely where this watch comes into its own. ![]() Likewise, the signed pillbox crown is perfectly unobtrusive. One final benefit of the case back is its low profile-the watch doesn’t dig into the wrist, and makes this solidly sized modern sport watch extremely comfortable to wear. The rest of the movement, though lacking in decoration, is still handsome enough, and overall the view is impressive. Unfortunately, that PRS 516 wheel obscures the rotor to the degree that the signature can never be fully read, but that’s a minor gripe. ![]() The rotor is impressively decorated, with a Tissot signature, diagonal brushing, and Côtes de Genève. Turning our attention to the case back, there’s a display window with the trademark PRS 516 steering wheel front and center, suspended above the 2825-2 power plant. It’s not goofy or cartoonish, but a seamless natural addition to an already attractive watch that now offers something extra for those in the know. This is a master class in automotive inspired design. Look closely as it plays in the light and it comes into view-the uniquely patterned brushing on the top surface of the bezel, which is similar to the pattern found on a carbon ceramic brake rotor. For as much blatant racing inspiration as the PRS 516 Triple Seconds has, however, there’s an easy-to-miss detail that puts this bezel over the top. A ceramic bezel on a $1000 watch is impressive enough, but Tissot takes it several steps further with engraved numerals and a contrasting red under layer that really pops when observed from an angle. The undercut also adds to the personality of the side profile.įrom the top down, the case is dominated by the black ceramic bezel. The latter mitigates the considerable 50.8mm length, so the watch wears smaller than the figures suggest. The case of the Tissot PRS 516 Triple Seconds is pure modern sports watch, with slab case sides and downturned lugs featuring a sharp undercut. ![]()
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