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But that's not the only surprise Embiid received. As he was getting ready for game two against the Boston Celtics last night, his fellow star, James Harden, met him in the tunnel and surprised him with a very recognizable green box – A Rolex box. The shock and joy on his face as captured in a video from the 76ers on social media was palpable. He opened it up to find a 40mm Everose Day-Date. But it didn't end there.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["730bf3d4-c45d-445a-b41e-b1edddac0a8d"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Harden was quick to tell Embiid to turn the watch over and read the caseback, which he had engraved. It read 23 MVP. Embiid then proceeded to ask how to put the watch on. \"Left hand, left hand!\" someone screamed to him. But it wasn't a Cinderella moment. As you might expect for a 7'2\" NBA center, the watch wasn't quite wrist-ready. \"We'll get you more links,\" Harden said to him.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"The Rolex Day-Date is a watch we have covered in detail here on Hodinkee, especially its relevance to NBA players. We once deemed it the \"<a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-day-date-president-nba-starter-watch/" target=\"_blank\">NBA Starter Watch.</a>\" And that name couldn't be more fitting here.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["51bdc663-6050-46b2-9d3f-962e698fc715"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Embiid was seen the rest of his pregame routine yesterday sharing the news of his new watch both in press conferences and general media availability. \"It's my first watch, my first Rolex,\" he told Malika Andrews of ESPN. 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","hero_media_type":"video","hero_video_id":"6326568718112","hero_video_type":"brightcove","hero_homepage_image":null,"gallery_view":false,"legacy_url":null,"multiple_authors":false,"pinned_related_article_id":null,"hero_image_url":null,"hero_homepage_image_url":null,"view_count":36515,"public_token":null,"notification_sent":true,"keyword_targeting":null,"apple_news_id":null,"display_template":"package_video","exclude_from_related":false,"comments_state":"comments_enabled","article_type":"default_article","shopify_id":null,"featured_comment_id":null,"noindex":false,"sponsored_by":null,"advertising_enabled":true,"redirect_url":"","automatic_related_articles":true,"show_promotional_frame":true,"show_related_articles":true,"show_editors_picks":true,"sponsor_image_url":"","display_theme":"light","custom_props":{},"content_chunks":[{"data":{"alignment":"interscrollerV2"},"type":"Block::Advertisement"},{"data":{"copy":"After spending my formative years in front of a television every morning before school catching up on highlights on SportsCenter (cue the music), I was quite shocked to learn we'd be heading to ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, to talk to one of the most diehard watch enthusiasts I've yet had the pleasure to encounter. Oh, and he just happens to be a host of SportsCenter. There are a few pinch-me moments in this job, and folks, this was one of them.","dropcap":true},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["0f6fef14-be63-4e65-9139-e1546a07706a"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Gary Striewski is one of ESPN's rising stars, having started for the network as a host for social media content before quickly rising up the ranks to host, at the desk, for its flagship property (cue the music again). 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He was ready for the Sub with the cyclops and really loves the contrast of the green bezel against the black dial. This is Striewski's vacation watch.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"alignment":"interscrollerV2"},"type":"Block::Advertisement"},{"data":{"size":"h2","headline":"MoonSwatch Mission To Uranus"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["2c2fc1da-b7cc-4c4a-8e4a-3d3fd8b5f0e5"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Here we have another birthday watch, but it's a MoonSwatch! Striewski was in France for his birthday, and made his way over to the Swatch store and asked what we all ask: \"Do you have any MoonSwatches?\" He was presented with a few options and decided on the Mission to Uranus because he thought it would be the coolest on a NATO. 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You can always expect a star-studded turnout to the games, and as the tip-off between the Miami Heat and the Knicks was set to take place, the broadcast made sure to spotlight some of those celebs. You had Dwyane Wade repping his old team, and of course, Spike Lee decked out in Knicks gear. But just before the camera cut back to center court, we got a glimpse of New York's newest star quarterback, and recent Wisconsin transplant, Aaron Rodgers, sitting courtside.","dropcap":true},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"He made an appearance at Madison Square Garden the night prior for the Rangers game and was back the following afternoon to cheer on the local basketball squad as he looks to cement himself as one of New York's cornerstone athletes.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["fb45d671-fdcd-4a4a-a05f-f8e3c468abc0"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"I'm no Jets fan, so while I wasn't necessarily jazzed to see Rodgers in that context, I was curious about which watch he chose for the occasion. Given that he's a Zenith ambassador, I could narrow the brand down quite easily. And while he's been <a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/nfl-star-aaron-rodgers-personal-zenith/" target=\"_blank\">known to wear Chronomaster Sport</a>, yesterday he opted for something much newer.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"That would be <a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/zenith-launches-a-new-pilot-collection-with-the-pilot-automatic-and-pilot-big-date-flyback-live-pics/" target=\"_blank\">the Pilot Automatic</a> in matte ceramic, one of Zenith's Watches & Wonders novelties that we had a chance to see and get some hands-on time with in Geneva. It's a modern-meets-vintage release for the brand which brings tinges of throwback design via the Pilot wordmark and modern flourishes from the 40mm case construction to the dial texture to the numeral set.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["1a29bf6e-058a-49f1-a9a3-27982697d7e3"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"It's a watch so legible (as a pilot's watch should be) that it wasn't hard to spot on Rodgers' wrist. In fact, he wore the same watch a few days earlier in a Jets press conference while being introduced as the new franchise quarterback.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"Of course, given his ambassadorship, you would expect Rodgers to wear a Zenith, but it's still cool to see him wearing a piece so new that most people haven't even seen it in the metal yet.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["e2ce29b2-bb16-41ab-a6b5-65dfd253df76"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"The Rangers head into game seven versus the local rival New Jersey Devils tonight – we'll see if Rodgers makes another appearance with this new Pilot Automatic.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"disclosure":"The Hodinkee Shop is an authorized retailer of Zenith; to view our collection, <a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/zenith?utm_source=hodinkee&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=disclosure-box\%22 target=\"_blank\">click here</a><a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/tag-heuer/" target=\"\">.</a>\n\nZenith is part of the LVMH group. 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Something in the vein of \"the first watch you buy when you're just getting into the hobby.\" I'm talking pieces like the <a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-seiko-skx007-divers-watch/" target=\"_blank\">Seiko SKX007</a>, or the <a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/hamilton-khaki-field-mechanical-gets-a-bracelet-hands-on/" target=\"_blank\">Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical</a>. Two years ago, Tissot unveiled a throwback watch that pays homage to a quartz model from the 1970s. It was called the Tissot PRX – an integrated bracelet steel sports watch for under $400. While cool (very cool), its lack of pure mechanics kept it on the other side of the room from the aforementioned models. All that changed with the introduction of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80.","dropcap":true},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"alignment":"interscrollerV2"},"type":"Block::Advertisement"},{"data":{"copy":"Effectively, this was a mechanical variation on the PRX theme. It maintained the 40mm integrated design but added a patterned dial in a variety of colors. The most popular is the blue dial version which (we have to say it) is quite reminiscent of a certain similarly styled watch that costs many multiples more than this one. But hey, no one brand owns the steel sports watch design, and no one brand owns the ability to add a little depth and visual interest to a dial.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["b705fb2d-06c4-4baa-90ff-f3e2a6012916"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"And with that, we are left with the subject of today's review – the blue dial PRX Powermatic 80. It's a watch that has entered the cultural conversation both in an out of the small niche world of watches. I recall seeing a television commercial for this watch during NBA All-Star weekend last year. I've seen it on wrists from colleagues here at Hodinkee to complete strangers on the New York subway.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"To say that the PRX is popular would be an understatement. Now, the quartz version presents incredible value at $395, but I will argue that the $675 price tag of the Powermatic is even more value-packed. With it, you are getting a watch with heritage from a historic brand fitted with an ETA-based caliber (on the ETA 2824, via the ETA CO7.111). On top of that, you get a seriously great bracelet and clasp system.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["eb3db1e5-ac29-4f60-8c0a-c7432fc2525f"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["4a9227b8-68b1-45a0-947d-88fb84503326","26cc3d51-af25-4607-b5f5-ec7030a5a43b"],"enforce_aspect_ratio":true},"type":"Block::TwoUpImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"A lot of the quality and value inherent to this watch is a byproduct of an often-maligned element of the industry, the watch group conglomerate structure. In this case, the Swatch Group which owns Tissot. Through this system, Tissot is able to achieve lower costs and receive higher quality movement through Swatch's ownership of ETA. We see the same sort of thing when it comes to Hamilton (also part of the Swatch Group). To me, this allows a better product to reach a wider audience at a lower price. It's all upside really.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"I've long been intrigued by the Tissot PRX. I realize that it is based on a '70s quartz Seastar so it has heritage in that respect. But I also know that it looks very much like certain watches from AP and Patek. What I was most interested in while spending a week with this Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is whether it would feel like a budget luxury or its own thing. There was only one way to find out.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"h2","headline":"A Week on the Wrist"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"fullbleed","images":["38b8a9d3-ac8b-4e43-a876-bf261d717fef"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Handling the Tissot PRX for the first time, what initially struck me was the heft and overall quality of the watch. It's not like I was expecting it to feel like plastic or something, but somehow I anticipated a lightness or a sense that Tissot had cut corners somewhere. None of that was true. From the dial to the hands to the angles of the case to the flexibility of the bracelet to the clasp, everything on this watch felt well constructed, thoughtful, and of a piece.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"There's no denying the pseudo-faux-Tapisserie effect at play on the dial. Somehow it is easy to look past on this watch and I think I know why. Even though the PRX is playing on design motifs that date back to the '70s, there's a styling to the PRX logo that feels like it's pulled from a 1980s movie poster. The dial pattern similarly gives off this sort of effect that feels like square pixels and has me wanting to put my Tron VHS on a tube television. Call me crazy, fair enough, that's just one man's opinion.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["d6c65319-0ef3-43c2-a7e7-96bee68c4116"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"But that effect dictates what it feels like to wear this watch. Walking down the streets of Williamsburg in Brooklyn (for those thinking I meant the colonial variety), I had the urge to throw some Journey songs on my headphones, and I hate Journey unless we're talking the Sopranos finale.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"I digress. What I found most interesting about the wearing experience with the PRX was just how luxe it feels on the wrist. I began to think back to the idea of the perfect first watch, and the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 began to really fit that mold. For way less than $1,000, you're getting a watch that wears like $20k – especially to passersby.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["bfc61ac9-097a-4f7c-99e8-328aa0849f55"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"While I understand that Tissot's target demographic for this watch is the young watch buyer, I can't help but see this thing become an enthusiast darling if it isn't already. Sure, it's two years old but these things take time to really catch on. And I think we are finally starting to see it transition from a niche object to a broader wrist presence.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["55e73875-c4d5-43d4-96dd-2573398aaa6f"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"I'll never forget last year's NBA playoffs when social media thought Klay Thompson was wearing a Vacheron Constantin 222 only to realize it was a gold Tissot PRX. The watch looks and wears like that. It punches way...way above its weight.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"h2","headline":"The Competition"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"h3","headline":"Nivada Grenchen F77 Blue Dial"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["5e7e5ab7-c5b0-41e4-91d4-e0447bf89e1a"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Here we have a quartz-crisis era re-edition that is playing in the same sandbox as the PRX by offering a steel sports watch design with an integrated bracelet. With this watch, you get a blue dial with a detailed pattern and automatic movement. Unlike the PRX, this piece slots in just north of $1,000.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"h3","headline":"Zenith Defy Skyline"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["d19e31c1-dab1-4b51-ac8c-7fa9c5fbbe74"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Clearly, the 1970s were the age of integrated bracelet design. The Zenith Defy Skyline is hardly competition (given the price) unless you are the kind of person that buys a Tissot PRX and gets so enamored with the overall design of it that the only logical next purchase is a more expensive watch with a similar look, and feel.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"h2","headline":"Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 16202"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"small","images":["82ec6738-4638-4cd7-9620-bb69fb647995"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"That line of thinking would logically take you here, the watch most people see when they look at a PRX. This is only competition insofar as we are talking about the general design tenants of the watch: the fact that it's steel, the fact that it has an automatic movement with an exhibition caseback, the fact that it has a blue dial with a pattern, and the fact that it tells the time. Other than that, these pieces belong in entirely different horological universes.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"h2","headline":"Concluding Thoughts"},"type":"Block::Headline"},{"data":{"size":"fullbleed","images":["014fa675-dce3-44b0-89be-b29ca1901bb5"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Continuing on my line of thinking as it pertains to the AP Royal Oak, I think it's really something that we are even having this conversation. It is no mistake that the PRX contains this certain aesthetic. And while I could rail against the watch and the brand for going this route, I think it only does good things for the watch, a potential buyer, and the hobby at large.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"copy":"I enjoyed my time with this watch and imagined myself as someone experiencing mechanical timekeeping throughout my week with it. It was cosplay of sorts, but it put me in the right headspace to enjoy the watch properly. When I came to, I realized I just like the watch full stop.","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"size":"large","images":["a28aea3a-d0b7-42ca-9186-fb73a28ecfa0"]},"type":"Block::InlineImageContainer"},{"data":{"copy":"Aside from the MoonSwatch, it's hard to think of a budget-friendly watch that has broken out of the watch world and into the real one. The Tissot PRX is certainly such a watch and it will be interesting to watch how its influence grows in the years to come. ","dropcap":false},"type":"Block::BodyCopy"},{"data":{"disclosure":"Hodinkee is an authorized retailer of <a href=https://www.hodinkee.com/"https://www.hodinkee.com/admin/articles/12227/shop.hodinkee.com/tissot/" target=\"_blank\">Tissot Watches</a>. 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