If you long for Gerald Genta’s aesthetic but can’t quite stomach the tear-inducing prices that come with his most notable designs, there’s a high chance that the new Tissot PRX will tickle your fancy. An emblematic design from the late 1970s, the original PRX (Precise and Robust, with “X” representing water resistance to 10 bar) arrived in 1978, capitalising on a trend started by Genta in 1972 with the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – a watch with an integrated case and bracelet.
Sports watches as a category have seen a stratospheric rise in popularity over the past 5 years, making Tissot’s decision to reissue the PRX welcome news for fans of steel sports watches, and the era it hails from. The new PRX retains all the essential characteristics, then refines and affirms them with improved finishing.
Arriving in a slender 40mm case with a smooth rounded bezel, the integrated mid-section combines contemporary vertically-brushed finishes with polished facets that transition seamlessly into the brushed bracelet. Inside the case, an ETA F06.115 quartz movement resides, offering time and date functionality, protected by a snap-on case back and screw-down crown offering up to 100m water resistance.
Baton-shaped hands with SuperLuminova and beveled hour indexes complement a sunburst blue or black dial while a vertically brushed silver-gray dial iteration pays homage to the 70s with contrasting rose gold hour markers and hands. Securing the bracelet to the wrist is a solid butterfly clasp with a handy push-button release, maintaining a streamlined execution.
Initially, only the PRX 40 205 Quartz model will be available, however, an automatic model, featuring the brand’s Powermatic 80 movement will arrive, distinguished by a blue, black, or silver dial with a honeycomb motif.
When I saw the preview of the 2021 Tissot PRX, my first thought was ‘fun’. A nostalgia-driven, on-trend reissue, in a super wearable, slender case – on a bracelet. What’s not to like? Draped perfectly over my wrist with the sunburst dial glistening under the evening sun – my initial thoughts were only confirmed. Complemented by retro-inspired marketing collateral, and now our very own Back To The Future-themed shoot, the PRX channels the vibrant energy of the 70s, for the modern-day wrist.
At $550, the Tissot PRX 40 205 might just be the best way to spend your sub $1k budget.
