HANDS-ON: The Tissot PRX represents the best of ’70s watch design at a great price

Nick Kenyon

The decade of the disco ball was a good one for watch design, both in terms of the creativity and breadth of designs that were released in the 1970s. It was 1978 when Tissot released their first PRX watches, that followed the same blend of angular case shapes and integrated bracelets that had already become so popular across the Swiss watch industry after icons such as the Royal Oak, Nautilus and Laureato. There is also clear inspiration from the Rolex Oysterquartz reference 17000 that was released the year before, with the beautifully sharp lugs and prominent bezel that rose to meet the crystal covering the dial. This year the revitalised Tissot PRX has been relaunched, with the same classic ’70s design cues, packaged with a case and bracelet that are eminently wearable in 2021.

The case

Measuring 40mm in diameter and standing an impressively svelte 10.4mm tall, this is a case that will sit more than comfortably on most wrists. This Tissot PRX reissue also maintains the same case lines that are emphasised by the vertically brushed top and sides of the case and the polished bevels that interrupt this brush work. Just like the original from 1978 and the Oysterquartz ref. 17000 from the year prior, the finely polished bezel almost erupts from the landscape of otherwise flat and brushed surfaces, which makes the case both look and feel thinner.

The integrated bracelet meets the case nicely with each link, almost jagged in shape, flowing into each other seamlessly. The bracelet is also vertically brushed in the same way as the case, creating the sense of a single piece of metal as it integrates with the case.

The dial

The Tissot PRX is available in three different dial types: black, blue and white. The black and blue variants feature hands and hour markers in the same steel tone as the case, while the white dial offers a little more two-tone flair with gold-coloured hands and hour markers.

The black and white dials have a very subtle vertical brushing that is in line with the rest of the case and bracelet, but is almost imperceptible without the right light. The blue dial is finished with a more traditional sunburst brushing. The hands and hour markers are also filled with lume, an appropriate touch for what was one of the original sports watches before the category was even properly defined.

The dial text is sparse, with PRX at 6 o’clock and the printed Tissot logo above in pride of place. All three variations also feature a recessed date window for a little day-to-day practicality.

The movement

All three references are powered by the same quartz ETA F06.115 caliber, that both evokes the mood of the late ’70s and is also a large factor in why the case is so slim. While a relatively simple caliber, it does feature an End-Of-Life function, where the seconds hand slow to move just 20 times per minute, skipping every three seconds to save energy and to indicate the battery needs changing.

The bracelet 

As mentioned earlier, the stainless-steel bracelet is entirely brushed in the same way as the case, making for a very consistent visual impression. It is secured with a double-folding clasp that features the Tissot logo and founding year. While there isn’t any micro-adjustment function, the links are smaller the closer you get to the clasp, making smaller adjustments possible to size it perfectly to your wrist.

The verdict

This year we’ve seen at least one other example of the more recent past being looked at as a source of inspiration for heritage reissues, with the Cartier Tank Must inspired by the same late-70s and early-80s period. This is exciting, not only because the reissues of watches from the early and middle parts of the 20th century have enjoyed a fairly long run, but because of the playful creativity that defined the ’70s and 80’s. Hard angles, integrated bracelets and quartz movements are a triple-threat of ingredients we’re likely to see more of in the coming years.

These three new references from Tissot are well considered in their design, accessibly priced and, most importantly, highly wearable as everyday watches.

Tissot PRX price and availability: 

The Tissot PRX is AUD$550 and is currently available in limited numbers. For more details, visit the Time+Tide Shop right here.

Made in partnership with Tissot. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.