Tissot's "PRC 100 Solar" takes on the solar watch market with newly developed technology!

The Tissot PRC 100 Solar is a groundbreaking solar watch equipped with the newly developed "Lightmaster Solar Technology." We take a closer look at its innovation and the hidden charm of its iconic exterior.

Tissot has released a new solar watch, the PRC 100 Solar!

　Tissot has led the development of the watch industry by releasing a series of innovative products, including what is said to be the world's first antimagnetic wristwatch and a watch with a touchscreen. Today, as a representative brand of the Swatch Group, the company produces high-quality timepieces at affordable prices. The company has now announced a new model, the PRC 100 Solar, incorporating new technology.

The "PRC 100" collection was introduced in 2005. As the collection name, which is an acronym for Precise, Robust, and Classic, suggests, the PRC 100 offers sufficient functionality and a simple design, and has been loved by a wide range of people, spawning several derivative models. The newly announced "PRC 100 Solar" is a quartz watch equipped with a solar-powered function, while following the design codes of the PRC 100, including its dodecagonal bezel.

　There are several brands that produce solar watches, but Japanese brands are particularly prominent. Tissot's entry into the market has brought a new option to consumers. We will explain why this is the case, taking a closer look at the revolutionary mechanism that Tissot has equipped the PRC 100 Solar.

The highlight is the solar cell pressed onto the sapphire crystal.

　Solar watches generally generate electricity by shining light from the dial onto a solar cell, which then stores the electricity in a secondary battery. This means that the solar cell must either be exposed or placed underneath the dial, and the dial itself must be made of a material that allows light to pass through. This mechanism is why there are so few solar watches with metal dials. As can be seen from the various innovations that various manufacturers have made to give plastic dials a luxurious feel, light penetration to the solar cell has been a major constraint on solar watches.

　The PRC 100 Solar overcomes this limitation with a revolutionary approach. This model features "Lightmaster Solar Technology," which places the solar cell directly under the sapphire crystal, successfully eliminating the constraints on the dial. The key to this technology is a special solar cell developed by CSEM, the same company that also conducted research on the alloy material used in Nivachron. By arranging layers of transparent, microscopic solar cells in a honeycomb structure, it is possible to generate electricity without impairing visibility.

　Its outstanding performance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It can generate electricity not only from bright natural light but also from dim indoor lighting. Its high efficiency is also appealing: it can store 24 hours' worth of power with just 10 minutes of exposure to light of around 5000 lux (such as outdoors on a cloudy day). Of course, these performance figures are actual specifications, not theoretical values, and have been verified through testing in research and development facilities as well as field tests in various locations across Switzerland, including cities and mountainous regions. It also features an End of Energy (EOE) indicator, which visually notifies you by jumping the second hand every four seconds when the charge is low. This consideration ensures that the watch will not stop working without you realizing it.

　This solar watch does not require regular battery changes. However, this is only "regular" and secondary batteries also have a lifespan. While a typical battery life is said to be 7 to 8 years, the secondary battery in this watch, a cobalt-titanium lithium accumulator, is said to operate for 10 to 15 years with normal daily exposure to light. Being able to use it for a longer period of time is kind to both the user and the environment.

What "PRC 100 Solar" has achieved

　The PRC 100 Solar overturns conventional wisdom about solar watches with the introduction of a revolutionary solar cell. We will explain each of the charms of this watch, from its metal dial to its high-quality exterior that is typical of Tissot, and the wide variety of options available.

The same dial as the previous model

　The PRC 100 Solar is freed from the major design constraints of solar watches. As a result, it features a brass dial that is no different from previous models. The sunray finish that radiates from the center changes appearance depending on the amount of light it receives, giving the simple dial a sense of dynamism. Because it is a model with a simple three-hand display with limited elements, the luxury of the dial directly translates into a sense of satisfaction when you own it.

　The three-dimensional applied indexes are also noteworthy. The sharp edges create a bold impression, while the convex steps on the top and the luminous paint ensure high visibility. Another key point is that the indexes are doubled only at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, improving readability without cluttering the dial.

　The hour and minute hands are dauphine-shaped. The truncated tips give the watch a subtle sense of strength. What is noteworthy is that each hand reaches the index and scale firmly. Generally, quartz movements have weaker torque than mechanical movements, making it difficult to turn thick, large hands. The fact that a watch with hands like this one can still be turned firmly is sure to satisfy even the most discerning luxury watch enthusiast.

　The date display is located at the 3 o'clock position, a practical feature that comes in handy precisely because this watch has a design and specifications suitable for daily use.

High quality as a watch

　Like previous Tissot watches, this one also comes with an excellent exterior.

　The basic design inherits the characteristics of the model released in 2005 and its predecessor, the PR100 from the 1980s. While the design is orthodox, the dodecagonal bezel gives it the distinctive character of the PRC 100. The overall hairline finish and short, trimmed lugs give it a sporty impression. The curved case form, combined with the powerful straight lines of the bow lugs and bezel, truly embodies robustness and classicism. The bezel's slopes are polished, adding an elegance that matches a suit style.

　Like most quartz watches, the case back is closed, and the surface that comes into contact with the skin has a hairline finish, so it won't feel sticky even if you sweat.

　The stainless steel bracelet is a sporty H-shaped type. It is equipped with a double-sided clasp that opens and closes with a push button, and also features a quick-release mechanism that allows it to be removed from the case without the need for tools. Because it is a model with a simple design, you can have fun changing the look by changing the strap.

Wide variety

　The PRC 100 Solar was released in five different models. They all share a 39mm stainless steel case and come in three dial colors: silver, black, and blue. The silver and black dial models are available with either a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap. The black dial model features a stainless steel exterior with a black PVD coating, giving it a bold look. In today's world where watches are recognized as an expression of individuality, it's nice to be able to choose the model that best suits your taste.

　There's also good news for men and women who prefer smaller watches. A model with a compact 34mm case is scheduled to be released in 2025. The dials are available in four colors: silver, ice blue, mother-of-pearl, and gold. The mother-of-pearl dial features a pink gold PVD exterior in some areas, while the gold dial features a yellow gold PVD exterior in all areas. These more glamorous models will bring out the new appeal of the PRC 100 Solar.

Tissot PRC 100 Solar: A new solar watch

　Tissot has come up with an amazing solution to a problem that has plagued many other brands. The PRC 100 Solar will go down in the company's history as a milestone that has opened up a new world of solar watches. Behind this is the company's commitment to research and development and its contribution to the advancement of the watch industry since its founding. This passion will no doubt continue to amaze us. To see, touch, and wear the PRC 100 Solar is to experience the cutting edge of technology.

　The appeal of this watch is not limited to its technical aspects. By adopting the iconic design inherited from past models and using modern processing techniques, the exterior is imbued with a high-quality feel that will impress even luxury watch enthusiasts. What's more, the price starts from the mid-6 yen range, making it an affordable watch.

　Solar watches are easy to use for those who are not familiar with watches, and for those who prefer mechanical watches, they are the perfect choice for a quick and easy-to-use daily watch.The PRC 100 Solar is a new solar watch that combines luxury and convenience to a high degree.