Tissot brings two 1970s legends together with the PRX UFO Robot Grendizer
Zach BlassWhereas live-action films and series are limited to an extent, the world of anime is uninhibited – if you can dream and draw it, it can come to life. I often find most movies and TV shows rather predictable, but really appreciate how anime can be so imaginative that I often cannot anticipate what will come next. And it’s this imagination and world-building that has grown such a cult following for manga and anime series. The new Tissot PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer may seem like an unexpected team-up, but it’s more fitting than you might expect, and stands to entice a whole new audience to one of the strongest entry-level mechanical watches in the game.
A shared element of the PRX and UFO Robot Grendizer is that they were both born in the 1970s, but this collaboration is timely now as the anime was recently rebooted in a new series called Grendizer U. I’m not super familiar with its universe, but interestingly, the original UFO Grendizer anime’s success, while contested in Japan, found more success in Europe and the Middle East. The French dub was the first-ever anime series to be telecast in France, and its theme song even achieved platinum status in the region – perhaps why UFO Grendizer was on the radar of this Swiss watchmaker. With anime unrightfully construed as childish at times, such a mashup has to be careful, as you don’t want to make a quality Swiss watch seem like a toy.
The case
From an external standpoint, the PRX Grendizer Special Edition largely remains what we already know and love – a primarily brushed, stainless steel, 40mm PRX, 10.9mm thick and 44.9mm lug-to-lug, with a Powermatic 80 automatic movement exhibited beneath a mineral crystal. It’s important to know that with the fixed flare created by the first few links, the design has an effective lug-to-lug of 51mm, though average and below-average wrists should be able to find their desired fit thanks to the bracelet’s camber. Ultimately, the novelty of this release is found under the frontside sapphire crystal: its special UFO Grendizer blue dial.
The dial
A rich sunburst blue dial is certainly a common occurrence, but its distinction is its incorporation of the bust of UFO Robot Grendizer. And this is not just printed on the dial. Though it is a 2D illustration, it’s actually engraved into the dial, the depth stemming from the SuperLuminova filling. So, the hands, indices, and the Grendizer bust all glow – though it appears the hands and indices glow a bit more strongly.
I actually think it was very wise Tissot moved its branding towards the 6 o’clock position, almost like an emblem in the centre of the bust – like Superman’s signature S. The dial also has a few more Easter eggs, like the Harken-style second hand modelled after a weapon used in the anime, and an inner-bezel engraving at 12 with the name of the anime in Japanese. An distinct feature unrelated to anime that purists will love is that it is the first-ever PRX Powermatic 40mm model to omit a date from the dial. That being said, it has not necessarily been omitted from the movement itself, as you’ll notice a ghost position as you operate the crown – but that’s not a big deal.
The bracelet and straps
Like the case, the Tissot PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer uses the familiar integrated stainless steel bracelet with “Y” or “field goal post”-shaped links that are entirely brushed. While no micro-adjustment is offered, the links are somewhat compact and in a higher quantity, so you should be able to find your desired fit – especially with the pair of included half links. With its butterfly-style clasp, I personally enjoy that, once sized, the watch feels very centred on the wrist. And with its quick-release system, you can easily switch between the bracelet or Tissot’s rubber and leather straps with ease.
The movement
Beneath a mineral crystal, which, while not sapphire, is hardly vulnerable while worn, you also have the familiar Powermatic 80 automatic movement, based on the ETA C07.11, with 80 hours of power reserve. While not super glamorous in its finish, the rotor has been specially engraved with a motif of UFO Robot Grendizer. Keep in mind, this is a US$825 watch that offers 10 more hours of power reserve than watches ten times the price from the Crown.
The verdict
The PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Special Edition, as its name suggests, also features special packaging – with a box modelled after the Spazer, Grendizer’s UFO, and its box sleeve features Go-Nagai’s original drawings. For those who don’t know, Nagai is credited with birthing the wildly popular super-robot genre. Looking at the watch, I think Tissot struck a great balance between keeping what already made the PRX a fan-favourite while tastefully incorporating Grendizer in a manner that will spark excitement amongst those fond of the universe, while not excluding those less familiar from the party.
Tissot PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer pricing and availability
The Tissot PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer is available now as a special edition. Price: US$825, A$1,335
| Brand | Tissot |
| Model | PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer Special Edition |
| Reference | T137.407.11.041.02 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.9mm (T) x 44.9mm (LTL), 51mm (ELTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front, mineral crystal back |
| Dial | Blue, Super-LumiNova Grendizer bust |
| Strap and bracelet | Steel bracelet, butterfly clasp, interchangeable |
| Movement | Powermatic 80, ETA C07.11 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$825 A$1,335 |