The Tissot PRC 100 Solar Embraces the Sun - Men's Folio

The Tissot PRC 100 Solar Embraces the Sun

Tissot harnesses the sun and light’s power in its next-generation solar-powered watch, the Tissot PRC 100 Solar.

Light has always been a symbol of possibility — a new dawn, a fresh horizon — a force that shapes the way forward. In Tissot’s universe of watchmaking, it represents something more: an infinite reservoir of power and testament to innovation. The Le Locle watch brand embraces this brilliance where light is transformed into energy and sustainability into precision. With each passing day, the sun fuels not just time itself but the pursuit of progress, where the harmonious tango of craftsmanship and technology illuminates the future.

For almost a decade, Tissot has embraced the sun and light in its solar-powered Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar. This year, the brand embarks on a new adventure as the next-generation innovation, dubbed the Lightmaster Solar Quartz movement, finds its way into another watch family, the Tissot PRC 100 Solar. The Tissot PRC collection was first introduced in the mid-2000s, with its namesake abbreviated by Precise, Robust, and Classic.

This year’s iteration doubles down on the three hallmarks first quantified by precision thanks to the Lightmaster Solar Quartz movement. Unlike traditional visible photovoltaic panels on watch dials, Tissot integrated a matrix of microscopic honeycomb-structured solar cells beneath the sapphire crystal for a clean, uninterrupted design. As natural or artificial light passes through the crystal, the solar cells convert and store the power in a rechargeable accumulator. Tissot’s quartz calibre F06.615 is tasked with emitting highly consistent and precise pulses of electric current that power and drive the watch.

The next pillar, robustness, is ensured with a two-pronged approach that ensures the autonomy of energy and the integrity of the movement. On a full charge, the accumulator stores up to 14 months’ worth of power. In the unfortunate situation where the power reserve is severely depleted, an End of Energy (EOE) indicator activates and shifts the second hand to four-second intervals as a reminder to recharge. Tissot’s efficient charging components provide 24 hours of battery life with a mere 10 minutes of daylight exposure. Once sufficient power has been generated, the movement restores its one-second rhythm. Given the presence of electrical components in the watch, waterproofness is an important quality for the Tissot PRC 100 Solar. As such, the stainless steel case is rated to 100m of water resistance, adequate for the rigours of daily adventures. An extended warranty, up from two to three years, gives wearers extra peace of mind and confidence in the Tissot PRC 100 Solar’s long-term reliability.

Stylistically, the Tissot PRC 100 Solar adopts a classic analogue display with a clean dial, distinct handsets, and hour indices. Given the recent appeal of mid-sized watches, Tissot sized the watch in a 39mm case to ensure greater versatility and wearing comfort across an even wider range of wrist sizes. There are five versions of the watch in total, each offering a distinct expression of Tissot’s vision. Stainless steel models include a sleek silver dial that plays with light and a deep blue option with striking depth. A full-black rendition makes a bold statement, while two leather-strap variations add contrast — one pairing brown leather with steel for a timeless appeal and the other embracing an all-black aesthetic for understated sophistication. With the Tissot PRC 100 Solar, Tissot channels the power of light into a watch for today, built with a bright future in mind.

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