The moment we saw the new Tissot PRX, we knew we had to do a review of the watch. While we’ve only published a handful of budget watches here at WCL and we’ve never published any watch with such a price tag, for under $400 USD, —yes, it is not a typo— the reissue of the 1978 PRX 40 205 brings a level of finishing and Swiss craftsmanship that is rarely seen in this price range. Somewhat or perhaps very Rolex Oysterquartz looking, the new 2021 Tissot PRX features an integrated bracelet and a case that is near to identical —at least from the top— to that of the now-defunct Rolex Oysterquartz. You can see the similarities below.
Things to Know About the Watch
Equipped with a 40 mm case that is relatively slender at only 10.4 mm in thickness, the Tissot PRX is available with three different dials that include a vertically-satin-brushed silver-grey dial, a solid black one, and our favorite which we have here the blue sunburst dial. Powered by a slim quartz movement much like the Rolex Oysterquartz —although not very thin on the latter—, the Tissot PRX is such a good-looking watch that we would’ve wished it had an automatic mechanical movement.
What makes this watch such a great option for its price is the overall finishing of its case, bracelet, and dial. Without attempting to commit sacrilege here, the satin-brushed finish of the case and the chamfers are literally at Rolex or Audemars Piguet level considering that this watch is made of 316L stainless steel. Where in the world can you find a Swiss watch priced under $400 USD that gives you this much?
As hard as we tried to find flaws in the finishing of the watch —considering the price tag—, we really couldn’t. For instance, the bracelet is thin in design, yet extremely solid, well made, and not flimsy at all like we’ve seen on some $15,000 USD + timepieces. The satin-brushed finish of the case is way above its price tag and the bracelet features a deployant double-folding clasp very well done. The crown, while not a screw-down crown is well finished with matte and polished areas. The anglage on the bezel is in line with a watch in a much superior price range —in the thousands of dollars— and the dial is simply gorgeous.
The blue sunburst dial is exquisitely finished with a very nice hue that plays with the light remarkably. The applied markers on it are extremely well crafted and the hands have no rough edges or visible flaws under the loupe. We’ve actually seen hands in other Swatch Group watches like Omega, where they could’ve been better finished. Not here, ladies and gentlemen.
We dare to say that this watch is really excellent from top to bottom, and the superluminova on its dial is nice and bright. Fitted with a solid case back protecting the Swiss Quartz 3-jewel movement, the Tissot PRX is water-resistant to 100 meters.
On the Wrist & Price
If you were born in the 1970s like the Tissot PRX, this watch ticks all the boxes as far as that seventies look with the integrated bracelet that many are looking for nowadays. A modern iteration of a vintage classic. In terms of size, the watch wears true to its 40 mm diameter and with great wrist presence.
Do yourself a favor and skip tonight’s steak dinner and order one of these watches now that they are back in stock. The first-round sold out within hours and most likely the second round will be gone before you know it. At $375 USD, we see no flaws in terms of design nor finish.
A great-looking watch that goes totally against any type of watch snobbery and that we had to have no matter what.
Sticker Price $375 USD. For more info on Tissot click here.
