Perhaps the situation in the solar-powered quartz watch market, which has been dominated by Japanese manufacturers for a long time, could change. Tissot's "PRC 100 Solar" gives us a glimpse of this possibility. We spoke to CEO Sylvain Dorat himself about what led to its development.
Photograph by Yu Mitamura
Interview and writing by Hosoda Yuto (this magazine)
Text by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
Technology shouldn't interfere with the aesthetics of the watch
CEO of Tissot. Born in France in 1972. After earning a master's degree from Toulouse Business School, he worked in the telecommunications industry before joining the watch industry in 2004 as head of Swatch's High Tech & Access division. He was involved in projects such as the Swatch Paparazzi, a joint project with Microsoft. He served as head of Hamilton's international sales division and CEO before assuming his current position on July 1, 2020. Since assuming his current position, he has been working on products that utilize his experience from his previous job, such as the T-Touch Connect Sport and PRC 100 Solar.
"Currently, Tissot products start at around 40,000 yen for quartz movements and 90,000 yen for mechanical movements. I wanted to create something that filled that gap. So I approached the development team and asked them if we could create something using the T-Touch development and manufacturing factory that we established four years ago. That's when the idea of making a more modern version of the previous model, the PRC 100, was born."
With the T-Touch development team involved, the project inevitably proceeded with a light-powered quartz movement. However, Dora had one point he couldn't compromise on when it came to creating a solar-powered watch. "Technology must not interfere with aesthetics. However, there are limits to how beautiful a watch can be with a conventional polycarbonate dial. Above all, I wanted to use old-fashioned techniques like sunray finishing on the dial. So, I utilized the semiconductor know-how that was within my team and developed a solar cell that would not detract from the aesthetics of the dial."
This led to the creation of the "Litemaster Solar Technology," which places a honeycomb-structured solar cell directly under the crystal. The solar cell beneath the crystal absorbs light and generates electricity, and a zebra-shaped connector located under the dial sends the power to the movement. This method certainly makes it possible to use a metal dial. However, if the solar cell is exposed, doesn't that take away from the aesthetic appeal that Dora is talking about? Dora stepped out onto the balcony of the interview venue wearing the watch and made the following statement:
"No problem. The PRC 100 Solar is available in three colors: black, blue, and silver. The silver color makes the solar cell stand out the most. But when you actually hold it in your hand indoors or in sunlight, it's not very noticeable, is it?"
This model features a metal dial thanks to the placement of the solar cell directly under the crystal. It offers excellent power generation efficiency, and 10 minutes of exposure to 5000 lux (equivalent to a cloudy sky) can store 24 hours of power. Another innovative feature is that it can be charged using artificial light as well as natural light. Nivarox Fahr, a manufacturer of balance springs that manages the fine parts, also participated in the development of the solar cell. Light-powered quartz movement (Cal. F06.615). Approximately 14 months of battery life on a full charge. Stainless steel case (39mm diameter, 9.22mm thick). 100m water resistance. 72,050 yen (tax included).
Indeed, when you hold the actual watch in your hand and look at it from a distance of 30cm, the solar cell is not noticeable. Even when you change the angle of the light, the only thing that stands out is the sunray finish on the dial. Of course, if you look closely, you can see its presence on the tips of the hands, but considering that it is the price you pay for this dial, the quality is well worth it.
"Japan is the only country that can be considered a trendsetter in design that is struggling. In that sense, the Japanese market is extremely important for Tissot. Starting with this model, we would like to establish a solid position in Japan as well."
