It is probably not the most well-known watch in Tissot’s heritage. Yet, the PR516 had its moment of glory in the 1970s, greatly appreciated by men in search of a robust and sporty chronograph.
After having a huge success in reinterpreting its iconic PRX, the Locle brand has thus chosen to give a new chance to its PR516, with a new model of mechanical chronograph and three quartz variants.
The Tissot PR516, particularly robust, precise and resistant
When we talk about chronographs inspired by the world of automobiles, it is hard not to think first of the Daytona from Rolex. But, as iconic as it is, the Cosmograph is not the only one to excite lovers of fine mechanics and big engines; one could just as well mention the TAG Heuer Carrera or Monaco, the Mille Miglia of Chopard or even the LIP Rallye! Among all these models, there is one that may not be hugely popular, but that enjoyed a real love affair in the 1960s-70s: the PR 516 from Tissot.
His story begins in 1965, with the brand’s desire to offer a model comfortable “on the track, in the air, under the water, everywhere!” Moreover, its PR designation stands for “Particularly Robust” or “Precision and Resistance”, testifying to Tissot’s promise of durability and reliability. The number 516, on the other hand, refers to its place as the 16th model of the brand’s 5th series of waterproof watches.
Its exceptional robustness was guaranteed by a new “floating” movement and flexible joints made of synthetic materials, acting as shock absorbers to offer increased resistance. The PR516 also stands out with its innovative GT bracelet or the classic perforated 707 steel bracelet, designed by Swiss designer Lucien Gurtner, marking a revolution in the watch design of the time.
Three years after the first release of the PR516, in 1968, Tissot unveils a new, even sportier version. An ideal chronograph for “timing a speech, a race, measuring performance or indicating the exact time”. In addition to the addition of push buttons on the case, the dial is enriched with new indications, with a tachymeter scale around the edge. It’s indeed this version that inspired the creative teams at Tissot to breathe new life into the PR516 today.
Mechanical or quartz, what does the new PR516 from Tissot look like?
With the PRS 516 chronograph, released in 2021, Tissot had already (re)highlighted its model inspired by the automotive universe. But today, the brand wants to go even further by reinterpreting this highly appreciated model: a mechanical chronograph and three quartz watches are reigniting the PR516 collection.
Since we don’t alter a formula that works, the design of these new references remains very close to that of yesteryear. The vintage sports spirit is on point, with this steel case (41 mm in diameter for the mechanical chronograph, 40 mm for the quartz), topped by a sapphire crystal of glassbox type.
On the dial (black or blue), the three counters allow for a classic timing, but their placement varies between the mechanical model and the quartz model, in order to clearly differentiate them. Just like in the 1970s, the tachymeter and the pulsometer are displayed on the bicolor bezel covered in Super-LumiNova to ensure better readability in the dark.
To animate these different versions, the PR516 carries, optionally, a G10.212 Powerdrive quartz movement or a revised and corrected manual winding Valjoux A05 mechanical chronograph movement, which offers a 68-hour power reserve. The latter can be admired through the transparent case back, while the quartz models boast a back engraved with a sports car steering wheel.
Without great originality, but with real effectiveness, Tissot brings a model back to life that will appeal to fans of sports watches. Offered between 545 and 595€, the quartz variants are a nice gateway, but purists will undoubtedly only have eyes for the mechanical chronograph, sold at a price of 1975€.