Tissot knows all about good timing. Case in point: the Swiss brand has managed to launch a new solar-powered watch on the sunniest week of 2025.
So, while we dust off our lawnmowers and pack away the thermals, what has Tissot been hiding under its sleeve? The new PRC 100 Solar – and it’s quite the piece of kit.
Solar watches as a concept are nothing new; the world's first solar-powered watch was developed by an American engineer named Roger W Riehl back in 1972. Several innovative designs emerged, though they were somewhat limited by the need for large photovoltaic solar cells to generate sufficient power. As a result, solar-powered watches remained a niche offering for years.
However, advancements in solar technology have since enabled manufacturers to integrate photovoltaic receptors in less obtrusive ways, primarily by positioning more discreet solar panels beneath the dial. Some manufacturers, for example, would hide them beneath sub-dials, while others used semi-transparent materials like paper for the dial material.
But with the new PRC 100, Tissot takes solar watchmaking to the next level.
Tissot already has form in this arena. It was the first brand to create a touch-screen watch powered by solar energy – the Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar in 2014. (It’s worth noting it was also the first brand to present a touch-screen watch full stop – back in 1999, way before the Apple Watch was even a glimmer in Tim Cook’s eye.)
The PRC 100 is the first watch to showcase Tissot’s innovative Lightmaster Solar technology – a breakthrough that harnesses both natural and artificial light to power the watch, all without the need for visible photovoltaic panels.
Instead, it integrates microscopic honeycomb structured solar cells directly beneath the sapphire crystal. These transfer the light energy through the ‘zebra’ connector – a specialised flexible conductive strip – integrated within the case to the F06.615 Quartz movement, renowned for its precision.
Surplus energy is stored in a rechargeable accumulator, ensuring an impressive 14-month autonomy in the dark on a full charge.
Just 10 minutes of daylight generates 24 hours of power, allowing the watch to run indefinitely with only a few minutes of daily exposure to light.
The PRC 100 is the first watch to showcase Tissot’s innovative Lightmaster Solar technology
There’s also a handy End of Energy (EOE) indicator which signals when the battery is running low, shifting the second hand to four-second intervals as a reminder to recharge. Once exposed to light, the movement restores its rhythm.
All of this highly intelligent design is wrapped up in one handsome 39mm package. Well, five different packages, to be more accurate.
There are two stainless steel variants – with either a silver or deep blue sunray dial; a full-black model, also with integrated bracelet; and two leather-strap editions – one stainless steel with brown leather, the other all black including a smooth leather strap.
The PRC collection was first introduced in the mid-2000s – and like the original launches, the new PRC 100 Solar is framed by a distinctive dodecagonal bezel.
In an increasingly popular market sector, Tissot is proving to be a leading light.
See more at tissotwatches.com
