Tissot PR 516 GL Owner Review : Casual, robust and sporty

Following the launch of the new PRX a few years ago, my curiosity was piqued by this watch and its very retro communication. I wanted to know the genesis of the PR story at Tissot. So I came across the PR100, then the PR516, during my research. At the same time, I was able to try on several occasions the PRX automatic blue dial (40mm) of a friend, some aspects displeased me. I found it too imposing on my wrist and too flashy, even bling bling. In addition, following the craze around this watch, we were starting to see them on all wrists. I needed something more original. So I kept in mind the idea of a PR 516, in particular the GL model (grand luxe) with this sunray blue dial, the pop orange second hand and this jubilant integrated bracelet! This model is therefore an automatic with date, (mvt 784-2), it is a precise and reliable watch. What struck me at first glance was the massive side of the case despite its 36mm diameter, it seems cut from a block without details, almost minimalism. Then I noticed the work on the dial, with this blue which contrasts very well with the orange/red of the second hand. And then the minute track with its flying indexes (I had not noticed it in the photo) it creates beautiful shadows on the dial. And it is a relatively unique design in the watch industry. It has been a little over a year now that I have owned this Tissot, I still find it as pretty, I have gotten used to its rather "chunky" side, I even find that it anchors it even more in its time. I also noticed that despite its brushing on the case, it still attracts the eye of a public informed or not. In conclusion, a PR516 GL is a small dose of the 70s at a reasonable price, which says a lot more than a PRX.