If you have spent even five minutes on Instagram or YouTube searching for watches, you have seen this one.
When Tissot revived the PRX (Precise, Robust, X = 10 bar waterproof) in 2021, it didn’t just release a new model; it started a global trend. It brought the integrated bracelet look—made famous by the ₹25 Lakh Audemars Piguet Royal Oak—to the masses for under ₹65,000.
But that was years ago. In 2025, prices have crept up, and competitors like Citizen and Christopher Ward are circling. The big question for Indian collectors is: Does the Tissot PRX still deserve your hard-earned money today?
After wearing the 40mm Powermatic 80 version for a month, here is the honest truth.
1. The Design: 1970s Disco Funk
The PRX is unapologetically retro. It is based on a Tissot Seastar model from 1978, and it nails that sharp, angular aesthetic.
- The Case: It’s a “tonneau” (barrel) shape with a perfectly round bezel sitting on top. The finishing is shockingly good for the price point. The vertical brushing on the flat surfaces is industrial and sharp, contrasting beautifully with the polished bevels on the side.
- The Bracelet: This is the star of the show. It reflects light like a disco ball. The flat links articulate perfectly, draping over the wrist like liquid metal. It feels significantly more expensive than a sub-₹70k watch usually does.
⚠️ Sizing Warning:
The PRX wears large.
Because the first link of the bracelet doesn’t articulate fully downwards, the “lug-to-lug” distance feels much wider than the specs suggest.
- Wrist under 6.5 inches? Buy the 35mm version.
- Wrist over 6.75 inches? The 40mm will look perfect.
2. The Dial: Waffle vs. Sunburst
You have two choices with the PRX line in India:
- Quartz Version (approx. ₹33,000): Has a flat, sunburst brushed dial. (Cheaper, but simpler).
- Powermatic 80 (Automatic, approx. ₹63,000): Has the “Waffle” (Tapisserie) texture.
Our Advice: Save up for the Automatic. The waffle texture adds a depth and richness that catches the light in mesmerizing ways. The date window at 3 o’clock is framed in steel—a tiny detail that many entry-level brands skip to save money.
3. The Engine: Powermatic 80
Inside beats the Powermatic 80.111 caliber. This is a modified ETA movement that Tissot (and the Swatch Group) has perfected.
- The Good: It has an 80-hour power reserve. Standard watches in this price range (like the Seiko 5 Sports) usually offer 40 hours. You can take the PRX off on Friday evening after work, leave it on your dresser, and pick it up Monday morning—it will still be ticking.
- The Tech: It uses a Nivachron balance spring, which makes it highly resistant to magnetism (phones, laptops, speakers).
- The Controversy: Yes, it has some high-tech synthetic (plastic) parts in the escapement. Purists hate this. Engineers love it because it’s self-lubricating and shock-resistant. Does it matter for daily wear? No. It keeps excellent time.
4. The Competitors (2025 Landscape)
The PRX is no longer the only option in the Indian market.
- Vs. Citizen Tsuyosa (₹35,000 – ₹40,000): The Citizen is significantly cheaper and comes in fun “pop” colors like yellow and turquoise. However, the bracelet feels lighter and cheaper (“jangly”), and the movement lacks the 80-hour reserve. The PRX feels like a tier above in build quality.
- Vs. Christopher Ward “The Twelve” (approx. ₹1.1 Lakh + Customs): The Twelve has better finishing and a more complex 12-sided bezel, but buying it in India is a headache due to customs duties and shipping. The PRX is available at your local Ethos or Helios store today.
The PRX sits in a “Goldilocks” zone—better quality than the budget options, but significantly cheaper than importing premium microbrands.
5. The Cons (What We Hate)
No watch is perfect. Here is what might annoy you:
- The Butterfly Clasp: It looks seamless, but it has zero micro-adjustment. If your wrist swells in the Indian summer heat, you can’t quickly loosen it. You have to add or remove a half-link, which requires a tool.
- The Lume: The Super-LumiNova on the hands is weak. It’s a dressy sports watch, not a diver, so don’t expect it to glow like a torch all night.
Verdict: Is it Still King?
Yes.
In 2025, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 remains the best “one-watch collection” under ₹70,000.
It looks right at home with a t-shirt and jeans, but slides easily under a suit cuff for a wedding. It has the heritage, the “Swiss Made” label on the dial, and a movement that you can rely on for years.
If you are looking to buy your first serious Swiss watch, this is still the one to beat.
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ready to explore more?
- Compare it to a Field Watch: Hamilton Khaki Field vs. Seiko Alpinist: Battle of the Field Watches
- Back to the Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Swiss Automatic Watch
