Tissot PRX Review

Ah, the 1970s. The era of Star Wars, Space Invaders, Saturday Night Fever, and bell-bottoms.

It was also the era of the original Tissot PRX, a luxurious yet affordable watch line that captured the effortless cool of the decade. With the PRX line, Tissot lived up to its motto of “gold quality at silver prices.”

In 2021 the PRX made an unexpected comeback that established the line as a force to be reckoned with. With heritage good looks and smooth modern features, the PRX range has a place in every watch lovers’ collection.

Overview

It was the era of the quartz crisis. Quartz watches were quickly catching on, and Swiss watchmakers were in danger of losing business as a result.

For some watch enthusiasts, nothing could replace a Swiss mechanical movement. But for those wanting a great looking watch at a lower price, quartz movements were a boon.

Instead of shying away from quartz, Tissot innovated. They incorporated quartz movements into slender, sporty, highly wearable timepieces. One such beauty was the original PRX. Its name stands for exactly what it is: Precise and Robust. The X stands for the Roman numeral for ten. In this case ten atmospheres, or 100m water resistance.

The modern Tissot range includes both quartz and mechanical movements. With both movements featuring in the PRX range there’s something for everyone. And because all Tissot watches are subject to rigorous testing for water resistance, gas and dust penetration, and withstanding pressure and impact, you have a watch you can rely on.

History

Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot founded Tissot in 1853, in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. Dad made the cases, while the son made the watch movements, and before long their house was a small factory.

They found success early, with the younger Tissot leaving their home to travel the world and sell watches. And in 1930, they merged with the Omega watch company to form SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère).

In 1938 they became the official timekeeper for a series of ski races. These days the company is an official timekeeper for ice hockey, fencing, motorcycle racing, cycling and more.

But it wasn’t just the precision of the Tissot brand that caught people’s attention. Tissot also became known for designing watches with flair and personality. From bright oversized pop-art designs to their classic integrated bracelet look, Tissot watches score highly for both form and function.

Their PRX range was popular in the 1970s, perfectly capturing the mood of that era with their clean lines and fun, fresh look.

The newly refreshed PRX range comes in four unique styles. And if that wasn’t enough, Tissot offers a range of interchangeable easy-swap straps, so if any of the ones here don’t float your boat, you can customise them to suit your unique style. Let’s take a closer look. 

Tissot PRX 40 205 

A reboot of the original 1970s model, the brand new Tissot PRX is a brilliantly vintage watch. Featuring similar dimensions and the same integrated stainless steel case and bracelet as the original, this watch has instant personality. It features a reliable quartz movement. Now we know not everyone appreciates a quartz. But for those that do, the quartz movement on this beauty gives you a watch you can rely on, at a significantly lower price than many luxury watches.

Appearance

The PRX 40 205 comes in three elegant colourways:

• Black sunburst dial with nickel-plated hour markers and hands
• Blue sunburst dial with nickel-plated hour markers and hands
• Vertical satin-finish silver-grey dial with rose gold markers and hands

The blue and black dials with nickel markers stand out with a bold, clean look. The satin grey with rose gold is more subtle but no less eye-catching.

We like the outline of this one. It’s got a slight barrel shape to it, and at 40mm is chunky enough to mean business without being overbearing on the average wrist. The hands have faceted details that add interest without taking away from the clean vintage lines. With a date window at 3 o’clock and minute markers around the dial, the Tissot PRX 40 205 is unfussy. And everything is enclosed under sapphire glass.

The hands and baton markers are treated with Super-LumiNova for legibility in any light. The hands are tightly stacked for a raised effect, while the appliqued indexes add texture.

Tissot have finished the look with a push-pull crown at 3 o’clock. The bead blasted finish and grip detail make it easy to use with not a crown wobble in sight.

Features and Specs 

• Stainless steel with brushed satin finish
• Engraved crown with grip detailing
• 40 mm case 
• Single link bracelet with triple-blade folding steel clasp
• Water resistant to 100 metres
• Powered by a Swiss made quartz movement

Wearability

Vintage enough to have personality, but modern enough to look smooth, this is a solid go-anywhere watch. It’s sporty yet dressy, and uncluttered enough to work with most outfits. With its lower price point this works as an entry-level luxury watch, but we think it has plenty to offer seasoned collectors too.

Cost

The Tissot PRX 40 205 retails from £295 – £405

Tissot PRX 40 205 Powermatic 80 

The success of the PRX 40 205 took even Tissot by surprise, with people waiting weeks to get their hands on one. Buoyed by the way the watch community took their 70s vintage relaunch to heart, Tissot released the PRX 40 205 Powermatic 80. The Powermatic 80 retains the heritage vibe and clean lines of its predecessor, and adds a powerful automatic movement.

Appearance

The PRX 40 205 Powermatic 80 features the same 40mm width, brushed integrated bracelet, and uncluttered dial as its quartz-driven sibling. The faceted Super-LumiNova treated stacked hands and appliqued indexes are back, too. We also noticed a bezel effect around the date window that draws the eye.

This time though, Tissot has added a chequered effect to the dial. The pattern is printed into the metal for a tactile appearance that’s interesting without being overwhelming. The Powermatic 80 is available in deep blue or black stainless steel, grey with rose gold accents, or steel with 18K gold bezel.

Features and Specs

• Stainless steel with brushed satin finish or steel with rose gold
• Engraved crown with grip detailing
• 40 mm case 
• Single link bracelet with triple-blade folding steel clasp
• Water resistant to 100 metres
• Mechanical self-winding movement
• 80 hour power reserve
• Transparent mineral glass back

The PRX Powermatic 80 has an impressive 80 hour power reserve thanks to its 21,600 bph mechanical movement. And with a titanium alloy-based magnetic resistant balance spring, you can rely on it to keep accurate time.

Wearability

The integrated bracelet and large links give the Powermatic 80 a solid yet flexible feel. It sits well on most wrist sizes and is comfortable enough for day to day wear.

The attention to detail on the chequered face and the thoughtful styling of the hands and indexes elevate this above an average sports watch. Like its quartz powered predecessor, the PRX 40 205 Powermatic 80 strikes a fantastic balance between dressy and daily wear. And with its impressive 80 hour power reserve and 100m waterproof depth, the PRX 40 205 Powermatic 80 is robust enough for most adventures. 

Cost 

The Tissot PRX 40 205 Powermatic 80 retails for £580 – £1730

Tissot PRX 35mm

If you love the look of the Tissot PRX models but are hankering for something a bit more slender, or a watch that suits a lady’s wrist as well as a man’s, the PRX 35mm could be the watch for you.

Appearance

The 35mm models feature the same stacked hands, Super-LumiNova treatment, and barrel-shaped vintage look, but all neatly contained in a smaller case.

The 35mm comes in five beautiful colourways:

• Silver sunburst dial
• Blue sunburst dial
• Green sunburst dial
• Light blue sunburst dial
• Yellow dial with yellow gold plated case and bracelet

Features and Specs

• Stainless steel with brushed satin finish
• Engraved crown with grip detailing
• 35 mm case 
• Single link bracelet with triple-blade folding steel clasp
• Water resistant to 100 metres
• Powered by a Swiss made quartz movement

Need a little more luxury? Tissot also has a 35mm steel and gold model, complete with automatic movement. With a grey dial, gold detail on the bezel, and 44 diamonds placed on the indexes, this watch is not shy.

Wearability

The 35mm model is just that little bit more slender, perfect for the smaller wrist, or for a lady. With five different colourways in the quartz model plus the gold and diamond automatic model, there’s a 35mm PRX for most wearers. The quartz versions make a fantastic, affordable yet luxurious watch for daily wear. Meanwhile if you want something dressier, the gold and diamonds model is ideal for adding a little shine (and packing a powerful automatic movement punch too.)

Cost 

The Tissot PRX 35mm retails for £320 – £405 (£1730 for the automatic movement model) 

Tissot PRX Chronograph

Sometimes you don’t just need a watch, you need a chronograph. Tissot recognised that for some people, merely telling time isn’t enough. They need more advanced calculations, especially if timing sports, flying, or diving. That’s why they introduced an updated PRX model complete with chronograph features.

Appearance

The PRX Chronograph is by necessity a bit chunkier than the rest of the range, with a 42mm case. The look is pure vintage 70s sports watch, with a “panda” appearance consisting of three sub-dials against a contrasting background.

We love the two striking colourways on this one. The blue brushed dial with silver counters has a true heritage look about it, while the silver dial with black counters and rose gold indexes offers a modern twist.

The face features three dials: A 30 minute track at 3 o’clock, a twelve hour dial at 6 o’clock, and a running seconds dial at 9 o’clock.

This is a solid, confident watch with nicely brushed steel surface areas. The familiar barrel shape and integrated bracelet give it a heavy, reassuring feel. The chronograph pushers are large, adding to the vintage vibe. 

Features and Specs

• Stainless steel with brushed satin finish
• Engraved crown with grip detailing
• 42 mm case 
• Single link bracelet with triple-blade folding steel clasp
• Water resistant to 100 metres
• Automatic movement
• 60 hours power reserve

Wearability

The chronograph model wears a bit heavier on the wrist than its slimmer siblings, but for all that it’s a comfortable watch. With its classic good looks, 60 hour power reserve, and precision chronograph features you can take this watch on almost any adventure you can think of.

The Tissot PRX Chronograph retails for £1620

Which Tissot classic should you be wearing?

All of the Tissot classic PRX models are likeable, good looking, and versatile. If you’re looking for a watch with classic style but a lower price point, you’ll love the original PRX 40 205 classic model. But if you’re after a bit more power and prefer an automatic movement, the Powermatic is for you. The chronograph is a watch that means business, giving you a long power reserve and the chronograph features you need to go beyond everyday timekeeping.

And finally, if a more slender look is your thing, you’ll want to try out a 35mm model, available in quartz or automatic movements.

Honestly? With the addictive vintage vibes, reasonable price points, and attention to detail, we’re not sure you’ll be able to stop at one.