Tissot PR 50 Gold-Tone Quartz Wristwatch with Roman Numeral Dial
Jewelry (Watch/Wristwatch) · Tissot (established 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland). Part of the Swatch Group, known for mid-range Swiss precision and luxury craftsmanship.
Pattern: PR 50 Collection (Part of the T-Classic line; PR stands for Particularly Robust). Introduced in the late 1990s/early 2000s; now discontinued and replaced by the PR 100 series.
Type
Jewelry (Watch/Wristwatch)
Maker
Tissot (established 1853 in Le Locle, Switzerland). Part of the Swatch Group, known for mid-range Swiss precision and luxury craftsmanship.
Material
Gold-plated (PVD) Stainless Steel. Case and bracelet are likely 316L surgical grade steel with a titanium-nitride or gold-colored PVD coating. Significant for containing no actual solid silver or troy silver content.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 36mm (unisex/men's standard for era); thickness approx 7mm. Lug width 18mm. Total weight approx 90-100 grams depending on link count.
Description
A classic Tissot PR 50 wristwatch embodying the 'robust yet elegant' philosophy. This gold-tone model features a crisp white dial accented by traditional Roman numerals, providing a timeless aesthetic contrast. Its slim profile allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff, while the Swiss quartz heart ensures reliable timekeeping without the need for manual winding.
Key Features
Swiss Quartz movement; Sapphire crystal; Roman numeral layout; Gold PVD coating which is significantly more durable than traditional electroplating.
Material & Composition
Gold-plated (PVD) Stainless Steel. Case and bracelet are likely 316L surgical grade steel with a titanium-nitride or gold-colored PVD coating. Significant for containing no actual solid silver or troy silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Polished and brushed gold-tone finish. Dial features a white enamel-style background with applied gold-tone Roman numeral indices. Slim pencil hands with a center sweep second hand.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Dial marked 'TISSOT 1853', 'PR 50', and 'SWISS MADE'. Case back typically stamped with model reference (likely J376/476), serial number, water resistance rating (50m/165ft), and sapphire crystal indicator.
Construction Details
Precision-machined stainless steel case with a snap-on or screw-down case back. Fitted with a synthetic sapphire crystal (highly scratch-resistant) and a Swiss Quartz movement (likely ETA G10 or 955 series).
Functional Features
Quick-set date aperture at 3 o'clock; 50-meter water resistance; push-pull crown; folding deployment clasp with safety catch on the multi-link integrated bracelet.
Handle & Grip Details
Gold-plated stainless steel seven-row 'beads of rice' style integrated bracelet. Friction-fit pins for link adjustment; stamped steel clasp signed with the 'T' logo.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with high tolerances. The dial printing is precise with no bleeding; the sapphire crystal is flush-set. While not hand-wrought, it shows excellent industrial Swiss QC.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the 'T' logo; crispness of the Roman numeral printing; presence of the 'Swiss Made' text at 6 o'clock; weight consistent with solid steel construction rather than alloy cast.
Origin & Manufacturing
Swiss Made; manufactured in Le Locle, Switzerland. Tissot follows strict Swissness regulations requiring 60% of manufacturing costs to be Swiss-based.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Era (Late 1990s to Early 2000s). Stylistically a transitional design between late 20th-century neoclassicism and early 21st-century sport-chic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1998–2005. The dial font and 'PR 50' branding are consistent with early Swatch Group era Tissot production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of Swiss watchmaking in the late 20th century, making high-spec materials like sapphire and Swiss movements accessible to a broader middle-market audience.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light scuffing on the bezel at 1 and 5 o'clock positions. Bracelet links show minor 'desk diving' wear. Tarnish is absent due to PVD coating, though some edge wear to the plating is expected with age.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 USD. Value is driven by brand recognition and condition rather than precious metal content, as this is a plated steel item.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth; avoid abrasive silver polishes as they will strip the gold PVD coating. Replace battery every 2-3 years to avoid acid leakage. Check gaskets for water resistance if submerging.
Similar Pieces
Tissot Le Locle (more dressy/automatic); Raymond Weil Tradition (similar aesthetic); Seiko SGE Series (Japanese alternative with similar gold-tone plating).
Interesting Facts
The PR 50 was once Tissot's entry-level standard-setter for durability, often used as a 'graduation' gift or first 'real' Swiss watch for young professionals.