Tissot recently introduced a new automatic version of its pricey PR516 Chronograph.

The PR516 Automatic Chronograph has the same 41 mm diameter as the PR516 Mechanical Chronograph, however, due to its automatic winding mechanism, the Automatic Chronograph is slightly thicker at 14.19 mm (versus 13.67 mm).

Tissot also gave the PR516 Automatic Chronograph an attractive new white and blue color scheme on the dial, hands, and bezel — easily distinguishing the hand-wound from the automatic version, at a glance.

A 316L stainless steel case and bracelet are still standard, as are sapphire crystals front and back. The bezel is stainless steel, with a mineral crystal insert, similar to what’s found on Zodiac chronographs — certainly a cost-cutting measure compared to using sapphire for the insert.

With the ETA-derived automatic, Tissot managed to maintain the same 68-hour maximum power reserve as with the manually wound PR516 Mechanical Chronograph. There’s a skeleton oscillating weight for the automatic winding funding, and they’ve added perlage (which was not found on the hand-wound version).

The biggest difference between the hand wound and new automatic versions is the dial, movement, and a $200 premium. With the PR516 Chronograph, Tissot delivers the most elevated product within its entire range.

Is the PR516 Automatic Chronograph (Ref. T149.462.11.011.00) worth $2,050?

Learn more at Tissot.

 

Photo by Tissot.