Often, a solar-powered watch will have a dial with “unique” cutouts on it in order to allow light to pass through to solar panels to power the movement. Or, they go with a fully digital approach, which again can allow light to pass through. Our friends over at Tissot thought, well, can we create a regular-looking analog watch that still draws power from light? The answer is the Tissot PRC 100 Solar.
Tissot PRC 100 Solar: what it is
As you can tell from the photos, the Tissot PRC 100 Solar looks for all the world like an unassuming three-handed watch. You do have the angular bezel to mix up the design a bit, as well as the H-link bracelet to, again, give you something that looks just a bit different than the norm (and with 20mm lugs, swapping straps will be a cinch).
The key thing here – aside from the aesthetic – is that solar-powered movement inside. Looking at the dial, there’s really nothing to tip you off at how the movement is powered. Pair that with an accurate quartz movement, and you’ve got a watch that is going to stay on time (within tolerances) and just keep running, so long as it’s in the light every now and again.
Who’s it for?
That’s the real question – who is the Tissot PRC 100 Solar meant for? In our book, it really should be just about anyone. I like a good solar-powered watch, especially when it can pull time from satellites or radio time signals. That’s not the case here, but even with a regular quartz movement, it should stay fairly accurate.
Which means, this is a watch for someone who wants a nicer-looking watch that is just going to be running and on-time whenever they grab it. Sure, you can dress it down with a strap change, but I see this is as a watch that is going to live on whatever it came on, as it’s either a daily wear, just for the office, or just for nicer occasions. However you wear it, the watch should serve you well for many years.
Wrapping things up
The Tissot PRC 100 Solar is available in two different sizes (39mm or 34mm) and a variety of dial colors, finishes, and strap options. The larger version ranges from $450 – $550, and as for the smaller 34mm version? Oddly enough, we can’t find it on their site, even when searching for the model number specifically. So, perhaps those are yet to come. You can check out the available models, and even order yours, directly at tissotwatches.com
Tissot PRC 100 Solar Tech Specs
- Case and crystal
- Length (mm): 39.00
- Width (mm): 39.00
- Thickness (mm): 9.22
- Lugs (mm): 20.00
- Water resistance: Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft)
- Case shape: Round
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel case
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Movement
- Energy: Quartz
- Movement: Swiss quartz solar
- Battery: Accumulator type Panasonic CTL920F
- Caliber: 11 1/2”’
- Diameter (mm): 25.6
- COSC: No
