A Swiss steel sports watch with integrated bracelet for less than £300?
You probably read one of our recent articles in our new mini-series of “best daily watches”, where Tim put forward the Seiko SARB033 as his best daily watch. Well, I’m here to challenge that choice with a selection of my very own: the newly released Tissot PRX.
In Tim’s SARB article (and video), he shared key points that he believes are crucial for a watch worn day in, day out. Likewise here are my must-have features:
- A daily watch need to be comfortable and adaptable for regular wear
- Size is an important aspect to consider as you don’t want the watch to get in the way
- The colour of both the metal and the dial are very important points as a watch should complement an outfit on both levels
- A high level of clarity and visibility are must-haves
- Much like Tim mentioned with his SARB, the price of the watch should not cause any headaches
- Finally, a watch with an emotional connection is a key aspect of a daily watch as its something that represents you every day so a deeper connection to the item is a huge bonus
The Tissot PRX offers unbeatable dimensions, especially at this price range. the watch has a diameter of 40mm, a thickness of 10.4mm and a lug-to-lug of 44mm.
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
This lends itself to being very understated on my 7-inch wrist. The finish is hugely impressive for a watch at this price point with the vertically brushed surfaces of the stainless steel case not jumping out like a highly polished watch would. There is some polishing around the bezel and bevels on the case, but it's kept to a minimum. The difference in finishes works extremely well to make this watch really stand out.
Now a key part of how this watch wears is of course that integrated bracelet. You won't be changing straps on this watch, but with the integrated bracelet being such a part of the value proposition here we don’t think you’ll mind.
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The 70s personality of the PRX is a huge bonus for me. It’s fantastic proof that even now, during 2021, this design is still so popular and remains looking ultra-modern. It’s super slim and hugs the wrist perfectly. It’s incredibly easy to forget you’re even wearing the watch thanks to this supreme bracelet.
Watch straps for blue watches
Even though you won’t be changing straps on this watch, we wouldn’t be WatchGecko if we didn’t mention at least a couple of strap options. So rather than showing the PRX on straps, we're going to share with you a couple of straps that go perfectly with blue dials watches.
Bell and Ross BR V2-92 Aeronavale on the Dedworth Distresso in Distressed Brown - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The Seiko SKX fitted to the ZULUDIVER 284 Rubber Strap - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The NOMOS Tangente 167 on the Painswick Leather in Distressed Brown - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The Blue Seiko Alpinist on the Contoured Italian Leather in Chocolate Brown - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
More about the PRX...
Speaking of the dial, this variation is the blue sunburst one which is only available on the quartz version of the watch for the time being. There are more dial colour variations and different dial textures available on the automatic versions so there is plenty of choices.
The blue really adds to the understated value of this watch and clearly pushes towards a more sporty appearance.
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
I doubt this is a watch you’d take camping with you, but it does offer some Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers so late-night time telling isn’t a problem. Let's not forget the date window positioned at 3 o'clock. After talking to the team and hearing people’s answers to one of our questions in the ‘15 Questions With’ series on the magazine, date windows are commonly either loved or hated. I’ve found that it doesn’t take anything away from the watch and is actually extremely subtle in the real world.
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
There are probably some purists out there who will be hating on the fact this watch is quartz. Battery-powered watches don’t have the greatest reputation amongst those obsessed with mechanical timekeeping, but when it comes to wearing a watch daily, they’re extremely useful. A quartz movement tends to bring the price down on watches and in this case that is the main difference when compared to the automatic version. The same history, build quality and design is on offer here. The pick-up and go nature of this watch clearly beats Tim’s Seiko SARB in that sense (sorry Tim).
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
To this day I still find it crazy that this watch is available under the £300 price point. It offers a 1970s sporty look while still being perfect for modern everyday use. You have an acceptable level of choice when it comes to dial options, and if you can't wear anything but mechanical, then the automatic is available for less than £600.
Final thoughts on the PRX
The Tissot PRX - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
We all know that it doesn't really matter what watch you love to wear daily as it's a personal decision. Whether you wear it because of the colour, design or emotional connection it's all very personal. My first watch was a gifted quartz Seiko that I wore daily for years. Its value isn’t astronomical, but the meaning it holds makes it an incredibly important part of my collection.
This PRX was also a gift and it acts as a daily reminder of that deep connection. If you want a sports watch that offers a flavour of the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet (or similar models such as the Oysterquartz from Rolex) with a steel integrated bracelet from a Swiss brand with genuine pedigree at an entry-level price point, you’re looking at right here.
What do you think of the PRX from Tissot as a daily watch? Is it better or worse than the Seiko SARB for daily wear? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...
The Tissot PRX is available for £295, to find out more be sure to head over to the Tissot site here.
