Tissot PRS 516

Tissot's Classic Racing Watch

Tissot's PRS 516 series stretches back to the 1960s. Tissot introduced a new PRS 516 quartz chronograph in 2016, which was then followed up with an entire collection. Today, you can choose from a wide variety of different chronographs with automatic or quartz calibers, as well as automatic three-hand watches.

As reflected in their retro designs, current Tissot PRS 516 models have their roots in the 1960s. Stainless steel bracelets and perforated leather straps alluding to the steering wheels of sports cars from that era are just a few of the prominent features defining this collection. The original dial designs of some chronographs in the line are equally eye-catching.

These watches are powered by automatic or quartz calibers from the Swiss movement manufacturer ETA. While the automatic chronographs offer a power reserve of 60 hours, the three-hand variants can keep ticking for up to 80 hours. The quartz movements boast a practical end-of-life indicator that tells you when you need to replace the battery of your PRS 516. The display case backs on select automatic versions feature a steering wheel with three spokes.

Reasons to Buy a Tissot PRS 516

• Racetrack-inspired retro design
• Origins going back to the 1960s
• Rally strap with large holes for better breathability
• Three-hand watches or chronographs
• Power reserve lasting up to 60 (chronographs) or 80 hours (three-hand models)

Prices for the Tissot PRS 516

How much does a Tissot PRS 516 cost?

One especially affordable Tissot PRS 516 model is the ref. T131.617.36.052.00. This quartz chronograph has a black case, matching black dial, and changes hands for around 380 USD in mint condition. If you want a stainless steel, three-hand watch with the automatic Powermatic 80 caliber, expect prices around the 700 USD mark. This amount will also get you the ref. T100.430.11.051.00 with a black dial. Prices for automatic PRS 516 chronographs like the ref. T100.427.11.051.00 demand around 1,100 USD.

Prices & Details: PRS 516 Quartz Chronographs

The 2022 PRS collection is home to six quartz chronographs with case diameters of either 42 or 45 mm. All versions are outfitted with the quartz caliber G10.212 from ETA. In addition to the standard time display, this movement offers subdials for the 30-minute and 1/10th-of-a-second counter, as well as an ADD and SPLIT function. What's more, the end-of-life indicator will let you know when you need to replace the battery. The date window is found at either 5 or 6 o'clock, depending on the model you choose.

The stainless steel case, push-pieces, and crown of the 42-mm ref. T100.417.36.051.00 have a gold PVD coating. The golden color pallet is continued on the dial with the hands and indices, as well as on the bezel with the tachymeter scale. The horizontal pattern on the black dial gives a nice sense of depth. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the movement and dial from the outside elements. Another distinctive feature on this reference is the black perforated racing strap made of cowhide, which is kept securely on the wrist by a deployant buckle. The watch offers water resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and costs around 590 USD on Chrono24.

If you're looking for something a bit sportier, check out the ref. T100.417.11.051.01. The stainless steel case of this model has polished and brushed surfaces and comes on a three-piece link stainless steel bracelet. Noticeable details include the red accents on the push-pieces, subdials, and some of the hands. The hour markers, tachymeter scale, and remaining central hands are white. You can buy this model for around 590 USD. The ref. T100.417.11.051.00 has yellow details and changes hands for around 640 USD.

Fans of quartz chronographs will enjoy the PRS 516 ref. T131.617.36.052.00. This 45-mm stainless steel watch has a black coating. The dial features white Arabic numerals with the familiar subdial configuration at 2, 6, and 10 o'clock and date window at 6. The stop second hand and the hands of the subdials at 2 and 10 add a splash of red to the overall design, while the indices, hour and minute hands, and tachymeter scale are white. This PRS 516 reference is paired with a black cowhide strap and costs roughly 380 USD.

The dial on the ref. T131.617.11.042.00 is blue with silver subdials. The case, bezel, and bracelet complete with interchangeable strap system are crafted from stainless steel. Expect an investment of around 390 USD.

PRS 516 Automatic Chronographs

Tissot offers two automatic chronographs in their PRS 516 collection, both of which are powered by the A05.H31 from ETA. These watches sport a red central second hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9. The date display is found at 6 o'clock. Both models are made of stainless steel and have a diameter of 45 mm, making them a great choice for more sizeable wrists. Other shared features include a domed sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and a display case back that allows you to watch the movement at work. The bands are equipped with Tissot's interchangeable strap system, meaning you can swap them out with ease. These chronographs have a depth rating of 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

The dial and bezel on the ref. T131.627.11.052.00 are black, while the Arabic numerals, hands, and tachymeter scale are white. The model comes on a three-piece link stainless steel bracelet. There weren't many listings for this timepiece on Chrono24 at the time of writing. Tissot's official list price is 1,895 USD.

The ref. T131.627.16.042.00 boasts a blue dial with a subtle sunburst motif. It is paired with a black perforated leather strap. Tissot lists this model for 1,825 USD.

PRS 516: Automatic Three-Hand Watches

The three-hand watches in the PRS 516 collection are made of stainless steel and measure 42 mm across. Inside the case, you'll find the ETA Powermatic 80. This movement has an 80-hour power reserve and a day and date display at 3 o'clock. The printed Arabic numerals are coated in luminous material, so you can even read the time in low lighting conditions. All variants feature a bezel complete with a diving scale. What's more, the watches are outfitted with a sapphire crystal, a display case back, and are water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

The T131.430.11.042.00 has a blue dial, brushed bezel, and comes on a three-piece link bracelet made of brushed stainless steel. The MRSP is 695 USD. If you would prefer a watch with a silver dial, the ref. T131.430.16.032.00 is a fantastic choice. Tissot lists this timepiece for 625 USD.

The ref. T131.430.36.052.00, on the other hand, has a black case, dial, and bezel, and comes on a black leather strap. The official list price for this version is 650 USD.