Aside from a one-off Heritage Edition in 2012, Tissot’s PR516 line didn’t really see the light of day for the better part of four decades. Revived in 2024, the sports watch has an interesting history, dating back to 1965 with the time-only version, itself inspired by a 1958 fan letter and signed photograph by Swiss race car driver Harry Zweifel who praised the brand for its reliability. The watch had a bit of a heyday. A chronograph model followed in ’68, and a three-hand blue version was featured in 007’s Live and Let Die in 1973. But lo, the PR516 eventually discontinued, like many watches, during the quartz crisis.
Since its revival, the Valjoux-powered PR516 has been one of the most popular sub-$2,000 chronographs on the market, but we feel like the time-only iterations deserve some love too. Perhaps fans were waiting for the mysterious “Bond” version to reappear in the lineup. Well, this week, Tissot came out with two fresh new dial colorways for the affordable sports watches — one of which holds a close resemblance to 007.
The Bond Connection
Roger Moore’s first outing (out of 7) as James Bond came in the 1973 classic, wherein which he donned three timepieces: the Rolex Submariner 5513, Hamilton Pulsar P2 LED digital watch, and Tissot PR-516 Visodate. While the first two were more front-and-center in the film (the Rolex was even gadgetized as a magnet), the Tissot flew by inconspicuously. In other words, Moore simply wore the timepiece as a casual affair. Fans have surmised throughout the years that this must’ve been Moore’s personal watch, explaining why it just appears halfway through the movie.
Fresh Dials, Same Formula
Just to be clear, the new gradient blue version of the PR516 is not an official reissue of the Bond watch, but it does offer enthusiasts the chance to wear a very similar one that Moore put on in his speedboat chase sequence. For one, it’s larger at 38mm (up from 36mm), to match the proportions of the 2024 revival. Also, the dial on the original isn’t gradient like it is here.
Both new variants stick with the stainless steel case that’s been used since 2024 as well, featuring brushed surfaces with polished bevels, 100m of water resistance, and an 11.18mm thickness. Same goes with the Powermatic 80 movement inside, which, for those who don’t know, is an evolved ETA 2824 with a Nivachron hairspring delivering 80 hours of reserve and improved magnetic resistance. It helps keep the cost low, which sees these automatic watches still under $900.
Two New Options
First off, the gradient aqua blue dial is getting all the buzz. It transitions from deeper blue at the edges to lighter tones toward the center, with silver-toned markers and hands. We also get a white date window like the Bond version. Unlike the movie piece, however, the second hand here is silver to match the other two. Moore’s PR-516 sported a bright orange ticker. Likewise, the hour markers were off-white instead of the white ones you see here. As we said, this isn’t an official reissue.
Along with the gradient blue is the the matte white dial variant, which gives plenty of versatility and simplicity to the desk diver. It’s paired with dark grey-coated hands and markers for a clean and legible look, as well as a black second hand for contrast.
Both come on a five-link Jubilee-style bracelet with a butterfly clasp and Tissot’s quick-release system for easy strap swaps.
Spec Sheet
Model: Tissot PR516 38mm Powermatic 80
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Case Size: 38mm
Case Thickness: 11.18mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire with AR coating
Movement: Powermatic 80 automatic (ETA base)
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Bracelet: Five-link stainless steel
Price: $825
Pricing & Availability
Both colorways are available now through Tissot boutiques and authorized retailers at $825. With 13 compatible strap options available through Tissot’s quick-release system, there’s plenty of room for personalization beyond the stock bracelet.
Recap
Tissot PR516 38mm Powermatic 80 Gradient Blue & White
Tissot just dropped two new dial colors for its revived PR516 38mm three-hander — a clean white and a gradient aqua blue, the latter of which resembles the mysterious PR-516 worn by Roger Moore in the 1973 Bond film Live and Let Die.
