Choose the Tissot PRX Quartz if you want accurate timekeeping, a typically lower purchase price and a watch that keeps running when left unworn. Choose the PRX Powermatic 80 automatic if you want the experience of a mechanical watch, its textured dial and a view of the movement through the caseback. It can be your first mechanical watch or an addition to a collection.
The comparison at a glance
These are two specific blue-dial, stainless-steel, 40 mm references. Other PRX sizes, materials and special editions can have different specifications.
| Detail | Tissot PRX Quartz | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | T137.410.11.041.00 | T137.407.11.041.00 |
| Movement | Battery-powered quartz | Self-winding mechanical |
| Case diameter | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Thickness | 10.40 mm | 10.93 mm |
| Published weight | 130 g | 138 g |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with an underside antireflective coating |
| Power | Replaceable battery | Up to 80 hours of power reserve |
| Water-resistance rating | 10 bar / 100 m | 10 bar / 100 m |
| Dial | Blue, without the waffle texture | Blue, textured waffle pattern |
| Caseback | Closed | See-through |
| Current price and availability | View the quartz model | View the automatic model |
Technical specifications come from Tissot's pages for the quartz reference and automatic reference. Follow the product links for current prices and availability.
T137.410.11.041.00
T137.407.11.041.00
Catalogue photos of the two references compared here; images are not a sizing guide.
What does the Powermatic 80 add?
Quartz is usually the less expensive option when comparing similar PRX models, though finishes and offers can change the price gap. Both references already have a steel case, sapphire crystal and the integrated-bracelet design. The automatic adds a mechanical movement and several visible details.
The blue Powermatic 80 has the textured dial often called a waffle dial. Its transparent back lets you see the movement. The quartz has a cleaner-looking blue dial and a closed back. You may prefer either appearance; liking the quartz dial is a good reason to choose it, even if your budget stretches to the automatic.
Accuracy: quartz is the practical choice
Quartz is the better choice if you want accurate timekeeping with less frequent correction. A mechanical movement's accuracy depends more on wearing habits and the positions in which you leave it. The automatic's higher price buys mechanical construction and different design details, rather than greater accuracy.
An individual Powermatic 80 may keep very good time, but another owner's result cannot tell you exactly how yours will perform. Expect occasional time correction as part of mechanical ownership.
Daily wear, weekends and a stopped watch
The quartz PRX keeps running on its battery while it sits in a drawer. That suits someone who switches between watches or wears a watch only for work, dinners or particular occasions. You will still need to adjust the time when appropriate and correct the date after shorter months.
The Powermatic 80 stores energy in a mainspring, with wrist movement operating its automatic winding system. Tissot specifies up to 80 hours of power reserve. Starting fully wound, that can cover a weekend off the wrist. A brief wear on Friday may not build up a full reserve.
If the automatic runs out of energy, wind it and reset the time and date following Tissot's instructions for your watch. Running down after time off the wrist is normal. If it stops despite adequate winding, ask a service centre to check it.
A watch winder is optional. You can let the automatic stop between wears and set it again when you need it.
Battery replacement and servicing
What to expect from the quartz PRX
Battery life varies. The quartz reference compared here has an end-of-life indicator: when its seconds hand starts making four-second jumps, arrange a battery replacement promptly through an authorised service centre.
Ask whether the quote includes checking the seals and testing water resistance. A battery-only replacement and a service that includes those checks may cover different work, so compare what is included as well as the cost.
What to expect from the Powermatic 80
The automatic has no battery to replace, but its movement still needs periodic servicing. Ask an authorised Tissot service centre when your particular watch should be checked, using its full reference number, condition and service history.
Get a written quote showing the work included. Tissot notes that service prices vary by country and provider. Allow for maintenance when setting your budget; having no battery does not make an automatic maintenance-free.
Size and comfort: choose these separately from the movement
According to Tissot's specifications, the quartz example is 0.53 mm thinner and 8 g lighter than the automatic. Neither number tells you whether the bracelet will fit comfortably.
Try the size you are considering, especially if you are used to a conventional round watch on a leather strap. Look at how the case and bracelet sit across your wrist, whether the bracelet can be adjusted comfortably, and whether the watch suits the way you like to wear it. A photograph taken close to the wrist can be misleading.
If you are deciding between a compact fit and more wrist coverage, our Tissot PRX 35 mm guide explores the smaller version. Keep the movement decision separate: there is little value in buying the movement you prefer inside a size you find uncomfortable.
Which PRX would we recommend for you?
Our pick for a buyer who mainly wants the PRX design, accuracy and little day-to-day effort is quartz. That applies whether it is their first watch or their tenth.
Choose the Powermatic 80 if the movement and textured dial are part of what you want to own. It is a reasonable first mechanical watch for someone happy to learn winding and setting, and to budget for servicing. You do not need an existing collection to appreciate it.
For a gift, ask which kind of watch the recipient wants before deciding that the more expensive model is the better present. Check their preferred case size and dial as well.
Other questions before you buy
Can you swim with either version?
Both references carry a 10 bar / 100 m rating. Tissot's water-resistance guidance includes swimming at that rating and recommends annual water-resistance checks. Seals age and damage can affect resistance, so it should not be treated as a permanent guarantee or as permission to dive to 100 metres.
Will an automatic PRX last longer than a quartz PRX?
Movement type alone does not establish which watch will last longer. Condition, maintenance and access to suitable repairs matter for both. Replacing a depleted battery is normal quartz upkeep, not the end of the watch's life.
Compare the two watches
View the 40 mm blue Tissot PRX Quartz, T137.410.11.041.00, or the 40 mm blue PRX Powermatic 80, T137.407.11.041.00. For other colours and sizes, browse the Tissot PRX collection.
Based on Tissot's published specifications and care guidance. Our recommendations are editorial judgements; this comparison does not include hands-on accuracy, water-resistance or long-term durability testing.