Tissot PR 100 Tour de France Special Edition: A Tribute to Cycling’s Greatest Race
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Time to read 3 min
The Official Timepiece of Cycling’s Biggest Tour
The Tour de France isn’t just a race — it’s a global showcase of endurance, precision, and raw determination. Winding through grueling mountain climbs and high-speed sprints across scenic countrysides, it’s one of the most legendary athletic events on the planet. So when a watch brand like Tissot —the official timekeeper of the Tour—releases a special edition timepiece, you can expect it to carry the same DNA: performance, reliability, and striking design.
Today, we’re diving into the Tissot PR 100 Tour de France Special Edition (ref. T150.417.11.051.00)—a watch that doesn’t just measure time, it celebrates the legacy of champions. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast, a collector of sport-driven watches, or just someone who appreciates a solid chronograph with a story, this model deserves a closer look.
A Dynamic Duo
The synergy between Tissot and the Tour de France is not a fleeting affair, but a deep-rooted collaboration built on shared values of precision and performance. Since 2016, Tissot has proudly served as the official timing partner of the iconic cycling race. However, their connection stretches back even further, with an initial partnership spanning from 1988 to 1992. This longstanding association isn't merely for show; it reflects Tissot's commitment to the demanding accuracy required for professional sports. In recent years, this partnership has yielded a delightful tradition: Tissot has released a special edition watch for every edition of the race, each a horological tribute to the Grand Tour.
Swatch/Hamilton
A Standout Amongst the Crowd
The particular reference we are going to discuss today is, the Tissot PR 100 Tour De France T150.417.11.051.00. This reference, stands out as arguably "the most refined and elegant" iteration among Tissot's recent Tour de France offerings.
The watch boasts a 40mm diameter and 11.3mm thickness case crafted from 316L stainless steel. Unlike the black PVD-coated versions from 2022 and 2023 that sported a sportier appearance, this edition features a bright steel case with a smooth polished bezel, enhancing its elegance. The dial itself is features an asphalt-grained black texture, designed to evoke the very roads cyclists conquer and the second hand is in the iconic yellow of the Tour de France, ingeniously shaped like a bicycle. The black disc of the date window seamlessly integrates into the dial's overall aesthetic.
Functional and Fashionable
Functionally, this timepiece is powered by Swiss quartz G10.212 movement G10.212 chrono quartz movement. This movement provides chronograph functionality with three subdials: a 30-minute timer, a 1/10th second timer, and small seconds. One notable design choice that contributes to its cleaner look is the absence of a tachymeter, which differentiates it from previous models and allows the baton hour markers more room, improving legibility. The watch also offers robust water resistance up to 100 meters, making it suitable for daily wear and splashes. To protect this intricate dial, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is employed, which also works to reduce glare, and the case back of this Grand Tour PR100 model is proudly engraved with the official Tour de France logo.
The Tour's Home Stretch
If you're a fan of cycling or the Tour de France, this watch is a direct, yet elegant, homage. The yellow bicycle second hand, asphalt-textured dial, and engraved case back make it a true special edition collectible. Its 40mm stainless steel case with a polished bezel is considered elegant and versatile, fitting most wrists perfectly. The absence of a tachymeter creates a cleaner, less cluttered dial, enhancing legibility and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, for some seasoned collectors, a quartz movement, while practical, might not carry the same horological prestige or intricate appeal as a mechanical movement. Also, while the lack of a tachymeter streamlines the dial, it does mean the watch lacks the specific function for calculating average speed. Which is kind of the whole point of a racing watch.
In conclusion, the Tissot PR 100 Tour De France T150.417.11.051.00 stands as a compelling timepiece that masterfully blends sporting heritage with refined design. Its robust construction, thoughtful aesthetic details paying homage to the cycling world, and practical quartz movement make it an attractive option for both beginner collectors looking for a reliable and distinctive piece, and seasoned enthusiasts appreciative of its unique story. If you're ready to strap on a piece of history and celebrate the spirit of the Grand Tour, this Tissot special edition might just be the perfect companion for your wrist.