Tissot PR 516: owner reviews and feedback

The Tissot PR 516, launched in 1965, is one of Tissot’s most important historical sports watches and one of the models that helped establish a lasting connection between the Swiss brand and the automotive world. In the nomenclature used at the time, Tissot explains that the letters PR can mean “Particularly Robust” or “Precision and Resistance”, while 516 designates the sixteenth model in the fifth series, which was dedicated to water-resistant watches.

The first PR 516 was designed as a robust automatic watch, protected against shocks and suitable for active everyday use. Its association with motor racing quickly became essential to its identity, notably through a perforated metal bracelet whose openings evoked the steering wheels of contemporary racing cars.

The family subsequently expanded into numerous configurations: three-hand watches, date, day-date, GL versions, models with sporting bezels and chronographs. After several decades of evolution and a Heritage reissue in 2012, Tissot strongly revived the PR516 in 2024 with a new generation of mechanical and quartz chronographs, followed in 2025 by an automatic chronograph.

Design & legibility: from the perforated bracelet to the automotive chronograph

The PR 516 is not tied to a single dial because its design has evolved considerably since the 1960s. Early generations generally use comparatively compact stainless-steel cases, highly legible dials, raised applied hour markers and, on certain references, a peripheral bezel giving the watch a sportier appearance. One of its most recognisable historical elements remains the metal bracelet known as the 707, designed with large circular perforations inspired by the lightweight steering wheels of competition cars. The PR 516 GL models of the early 1970s add even more dial depth with hour markers appearing to float above the surface. Chronographs naturally add counters and measurement scales. The visual connection with motor racing is therefore created by shapes, colours and bracelets rather than by a simple racing logo. The 2024 and 2025 generations continue this approach with black, blue or white dials, contrasting counters, Super-LumiNova hands and markers, and bezels featuring indications including tachymeter scales. The glassbox-style sapphire crystals on mechanical versions visually recall the domed acrylic crystals of older watches while improving scratch resistance. The modern PR 516 therefore retains an identifiable retro appearance without reproducing one historical reference exactly.

Case, bracelet and comfort: from vintage 36 mm to modern 41 mm

The dimensions of the PR 516 directly reflect the evolution of watchmaking tastes. Several references from the 1960s and 1970s measure approximately 36 to 37 mm, with relatively short cases giving them a compact presence today. Certain chronograph versions are larger without reaching the dimensions common among contemporary chronographs. The 2012 Heritage reissue increases to 40 mm with approximately 13.1 mm thickness and 50 mm overall length, while the 2024 mechanical chronograph measures 41 mm and 13.67 mm thick. Modern quartz versions are slightly smaller at 40 mm and 12.16 mm thick, whereas the 2025 automatic chronograph remains at 41 mm but reaches approximately 14.19 mm because of its automatic movement. Choosing between a vintage PR 516 and a contemporary version therefore radically changes the sensation of volume on the wrist. Modern models use 316L stainless steel, a 20 mm lug width, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and stated water resistance of 100 metres. The steel bracelet revisits the automotive idea of the original without necessarily copying the historical large perforations exactly, and Tissot now uses a quick-release system making it easy to switch to leather or rubber. On vintage models, the condition and length of the original bracelet deserve particular attention because some specific bracelets have become difficult to complete.

Movement: a history from calibre 781 to modern Valjoux movements

Mechanical diversity is one of the characteristics of the PR 516. Early generations notably use Tissot automatic movements from the 781 family, followed by different developments such as the 784, 784-2, 794 or 796 depending on functions and references. Historical chronographs also use manually wound movements resulting from cooperation between Tissot and Lemania, with certain calibres closely related to architectures known from Omega. The 2012 Heritage reissue adopts an automatic ETA 2836-2 with day and date and approximately 42 hours of power reserve. In 2024, Tissot takes a more distinctive approach for its flagship chronograph with the manually wound A05.291 calibre, offering approximately 67 hours of autonomy, while more accessible variants use the G10.212 Powerdrive quartz movement. In 2025, the automatic chronograph receives the ETA Valjoux A05.231 with 68 hours of power reserve. The modern PR 516 therefore allows a choice between manual winding, automatic and quartz while retaining the same automotive design language. Current mechanical calibres use a Nivachron hairspring intended to improve their behaviour in relation to magnetic fields encountered in everyday life. On vintage models, component availability varies considerably according to calibre and reference, so the actual condition of the movement and its servicing history should be assessed before purchase.

Chronological milestones and main models (1965–2025)

(1968) Tissot PR 516 Visodate Black:

This generation belongs to the earliest PR 516 watches clearly documented in catalogues from the second half of the 1960s. The Tissot PR 516 44544 uses a compact stainless-steel case, a sporting presentation and, depending on production period, different dial inscriptions. Certain examples notably carry the Visodate designation beneath the Tissot logo, while later variants display PR 516 towards 6 o’clock. The peripheral bezel can use a metal insert and the dial receives large hour markers intended to facilitate reading. The family at this stage uses Tissot automatic mechanical movements and follows the philosophy of durability that gives the collection its name. The perforated bracelet is its most emblematic accessory, with openings recalling lightweight competition steering wheels. On a vintage example, the dial, bezel, crown, crystal and bracelet should be examined separately because the numerous variants produced and repairs carried out across several decades can make identification complex.

(1970) Tissot PR 516 Blue Bakelite:

This variant is now one of the most recognisable vintage PR 516 watches. The Tissot PR 516 44622 uses a stainless-steel case measuring approximately 36 mm, a deep blue-green dial, broad luminous hands and a red seconds hand providing particularly strong contrast. Certain series receive a substantial black synthetic bezel of the Bakelite type, while others are documented with metal or aluminium bezels. The automatic movement found in several examples is the Tissot 784-2, with a date display. This reference has also become well known among film enthusiasts because a very similar PR 516 can be seen on Roger Moore’s wrist in certain scenes of “Live and Let Die”. The watch should not, however, be considered an official James Bond product from Tissot. Its bezel is now a vulnerable component: ageing materials can crack or disappear, making complete examples significantly more difficult to find.

(1970) Tissot PR 516 Chronograph Black:

The development of chronographs naturally strengthens the connection between the PR 516 and motor racing. The Tissot PR 516 Chronograph 40528-2X belongs to the manually wound versions appearing around the transition between the 1960s and 1970s. Its stainless-steel case approaches 39 mm including the crown on documented examples, a comparatively substantial dimension for the period. The three-counter dial receives three subdials, contrasting indications and coloured elements intended to make short-time measurement more intuitive. Inside is the Tissot 873 calibre, related to the Lemania 1873 and to the same broad mechanical architecture from which certain movements used in Omega chronographs of the period were derived. Winding is manual, requiring regular use of the crown but allowing a relatively controlled construction. A perforated steel bracelet or leather rally strap naturally completes the automotive aesthetic. On the vintage market, the authenticity of hands, pushers, dial and bracelet strongly affects the appeal of an individual example.

(1971) Tissot PR 516 GL Blue Day-Date:

The GL variation gives the PR 516 a personality particularly characteristic of the early 1970s. The Tissot PR 516 GL 46672-2X uses a stainless-steel case measuring approximately 37 mm whose lines naturally continue towards a visually integrated metal bracelet. The blue dial sits beneath a raised hour-marker structure, creating the impression that the markers float above its surface. This construction provides considerable depth despite the relatively compact dimensions. The model notably combines day and date displays and, depending on the example, uses an automatic Tissot movement from the 794 family or a closely related development. The GL designation means “Grand Luxe” in documentation associated with this generation and distinguishes versions with a more elaborate presentation. Dials and bracelets existed in several colours and finishes. For today’s collector, the specific bracelet, the raised structure supporting the hour markers and the crystal are important components to check because they can be far more difficult to replace than a standard mechanical part.

(2012) Tissot Heritage PR 516 Automatic Blue:

Presented at Baselworld in 2012, this reissue clearly returns the automotive heritage of the PR 516 to the centre of the Tissot catalogue. The Tissot Heritage PR 516 Automatic T071.430.11.041.00 uses a 40 mm stainless-steel case measuring approximately 13.12 mm thick and 50.05 mm from lug tip to lug tip. Its blue dial reproduces the Visodate, Automatic, Seastar and PR 516 GL inscriptions and retains the large raised markers associated with models from the 1970s. The automatic ETA 2836-2 movement displays hours, minutes, seconds, day and date and provides approximately 42 hours of power reserve. The crystal is sapphire, the transparent back provides a view of the movement and stated water resistance reaches 100 metres. The steel bracelet with large perforations is a very direct tribute to the historical bracelet inspired by automotive steering wheels. A leather version was also offered, together with different case finishes. This generation provides a vintage appearance without the servicing and parts constraints of a watch genuinely forty years old.

(2024) Tissot PR516 Chronograph Mechanical Black:

The major return of the PR516 in 2024 is embodied by a mechanical chronograph that revisits several elements of 1970s racing watches while using modern construction. The Tissot PR516 Chronograph Mechanical T149.459.21.051.00 receives a 41 mm 316L stainless-steel case measuring 13.67 mm thick, a 20 mm lug width and stated water resistance of 100 metres. Its glassbox-style domed sapphire crystal receives anti-reflective treatment and the transparent caseback reveals the movement. The A05.291 calibre is a manually wound mechanical chronograph offering approximately 67 hours of power reserve. The black dial accommodates three counters, coloured accents and Super-LumiNova markers, while the bezel carries a tachymeter scale useful for calculating average speed over a known distance. The domed steel bracelet revisits the historical sporting spirit and uses a quick-release system. This version prioritises mechanical interaction and therefore needs to be manually wound when its stored energy is insufficient.

(2024) Tissot PR516 Chronograph Quartz Blue:

The quartz version provides a simpler and more accessible interpretation of the same stylistic revival. The Tissot PR516 Chronograph Quartz T149.417.11.041.00 has a 40 mm 316L stainless-steel case, one millimetre smaller than the mechanical chronograph, and a restrained thickness of approximately 12.16 mm. Its crystal is sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and stated water resistance reaches 100 metres. The G10.212 Powerdrive movement provides a chronograph, 30-minute counter, measurement to one tenth of a second, central chronograph seconds, additional and split-time functions together with an end-of-life battery indicator. The blue dial uses luminous markers and hands and the fixed bezel carries a tachymeter scale. The 20 mm steel bracelet can be interchanged through a quick-release system. Compared with the mechanical model, this reference requires considerably less attention in daily use: it continues to run when left unworn for several days and provides precise chronograph measurement without winding.

(2025) Tissot PR516 Automatic Chronograph White & Blue:

In 2025, Tissot completes the new generation with an automatic chronograph intended for those who appreciate the mechanical PR516 but do not want to wind it regularly by hand. The Tissot PR516 Automatic Chronograph T149.462.11.011.00 retains a 41 mm stainless-steel case but reaches approximately 14.19 mm in thickness. Its white dial is enlivened by blue accents and three counters arranged in a composition recalling historical sports chronographs. The front crystal is sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and the transparent back allows the calibre to be observed. The ETA Valjoux A05.231 winds automatically, uses a Nivachron hairspring, offers approximately 68 hours of power reserve and provides a chronograph with a 12-hour counter, 30-minute counter and small seconds. Water resistance remains stated at 100 metres. The bezel combines tachymeter indications with complementary measurement markings, while the 20 mm stainless-steel bracelet uses a butterfly clasp and quick-release system. The principal compromise compared with the manually wound 2024 model is slightly greater thickness and weight.

Choosing the right version: size, generations, bracelets and use

For an enthusiast attracted by the history of the PR 516, the first decision is whether to choose a genuine vintage watch or a contemporary reinterpretation. References from the 1960s and 1970s measuring around 36 or 37 mm offer proportions that are very discreet by current standards and a particularly authentic presence. An older PR 516 should nevertheless be chosen primarily for its condition and consistency, because original bezels, bracelets, dials and crystals can be difficult to locate. A 2012 Heritage provides an interesting compromise with modern dimensions and an appearance close to the older GL models.

For everyday use, the 2024 and 2025 versions are the easiest to live with. They provide 100 metres of water resistance, sapphire crystal, modern luminous material and quickly interchangeable bracelets. The 40 mm quartz chronograph is also the thinnest of this generation. If comfort and simplicity matter more than attachment to a mechanical movement, quartz is probably the most rational solution. It requires no winding and continues to display the correct time after several days without being worn.

The manually wound mechanical chronograph from 2024 provides a very different experience. The watch must be wound, but this interaction may precisely form part of its appeal. Its 67-hour power reserve allows it to run for more than two days after a full wind. Manual winding is particularly well suited to someone who considers the act of giving energy to a watch part of the pleasure of ownership. It also allows this version to remain slightly thinner than the 2025 automatic despite sharing the same nominal 41 mm diameter.

The 2025 automatic chronograph is preferable if the watch is worn very regularly. Its rotor then replenishes the movement through wrist motion and the 68-hour power reserve provides some flexibility when the watch is set aside. Its 14.19 mm thickness and approximately 172-gram weight on steel are, however, more noticeable. Trying it on is therefore advisable before choosing the automatic purely for the convenience of self-winding. On a slender wrist, the 40 mm quartz version or a compact vintage PR 516 may feel considerably better balanced.

Finally, the bracelet strongly influences the identity of this collection. A perforated steel bracelet or one inspired by the historical versions immediately strengthens the link with motor racing, while a leather rally strap gives a lighter and even more vintage presentation. Rubber makes the modern versions more casual and suitable for warmer periods. The 20 mm lug width of contemporary PR516 models makes changes of style particularly easy, especially because Tissot provides a quick-release system. On a vintage piece, retaining the original bracelet may instead be important for historical consistency and collectability. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Tissot PR 516 is aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate sports watches whose automotive identity is built on genuine history rather than recent marketing decoration. Born in the 1960s as a robust watch, it progressively adopted the perforated bracelet, highly three-dimensional dials and chronographs that built its image as a watch associated with competition. Vintage references appeal through compact dimensions and variety, the 2012 Heritage provides an accessible bridge to the 1970s and the 2024–2025 generations offer a much more contemporary interpretation. Quartz, manual winding and automatic movements now make it possible to choose the mechanical experience best suited to the intended use. Diameter, thickness and above all bracelet type deserve comparison before purchase.

To compare these characteristics with the real experiences of owners in terms of comfort, accuracy, finishing and everyday enjoyment, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated August 2026)