Precise & Robust: The Tissot PRX Auto Chrono
From time to time, there are watches that capture the popular imagination for their aesthetic and their value. The Tissot PRX is one such timepiece. Originally launched in 1978 under the Seastar name, the PRX was first revived in 2021 as a 40mm quartz-powered watch. The new moniker stands for “precise and robust;” to that, we add the Roman numeral for ten, which represents the 10BAR water resistance rating, and voilà: PRX.
Not even Tissot understood the nature of what they were initially releasing. Dealers sold out and product shortages ensued.
Since that time, the brand has produced a mechanical version in the Powermatic 80, a 35mm version in quartz, and even a digital quartz collection—all in increasingly colourful dials, differing metal types, and creative texturing.
Advertisement
Still, amongst this embarrassment of riches, my favourite release must be the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph—now available in three colourways, including the gilt reference featured here.
Key Features of the Tissot PRX Auto Chrono
Unlike the smaller three-hand collections, the PRX Auto Chrono is a beefy offering with a case diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 14.1mm to match. However, due to the square nature of the watch, the lug to lug is a very conservative 41.5mm—making the case much more wearable than the specs might suggest. That being said, the PRX Auto Chrono does remain somewhat top heavy, requiring a properly sized bracelet to ensure a good wrist experience.
But it is the combination of style and value baked into this chronograph that is its real triumph. Take this brushed silver reference with black sub-dials and gold highlights, for example. The classic panda dial is a fashionable choice to begin, but the gilt elements and vertical dial brushing really add an air of distinction. It has the sporty feel of a racing chrono with the elevated detail of dress watch.
And it isn’t overdone. There are no numerals here, no extras in the chapter ring, and no tachymeter either. For a chronograph, it is simple, elegant, and highly legible.
Perhaps the only true controversial element is the date window at 4:30. But if enthusiasts can suck it up on the El Primero, we can do the same here. After all, the PRX Auto Chrono is available for about one fifth the price.
Tissot have really been able to rally the brand around the PRX Collection. While the watches have the cachet of legitimate retro vibes, they also have the benefit of modern engineering. They are watches with character and provenance.
The ETA 7750-based A05.H31
This PRX Automatic Chronograph is, of course, necessarily larger due to the automatic chronograph movement on the inside. The A05.H31 is designed around the legendary ETA/Valjoux 7750, but has been altered to reflect the 3-6-9 sub-dial layout of the 7753. Flip the watch over for a clear view of the calibre through a second piece of sapphire glass. Operating at a smooth 4Hz sweep, it also offers up a 60-hour power reserve. Again here, for the price tag, you get impressive finishing and perlage decoration. It should be noted that the one sacrifice—if one can call it that—is the need to activate an inset pusher on the far side of the case to manipulate the date.
Case and bracelet finishing are sharp. While predominantly brushed, the watch has finely chamfered edges throughout, including a magnificent fixed bezel—which, aside from focusing attention, visually and literally shrinks the dial. The flatlink bracelet, in fact, is a highlight. And despite the restraints imposed by a butterfly clasp, I can hardly imagine anything else that might interrupt the unity and flow.
One hardly ever refers to an integrated bracelet as a “strap monster,” but Tissot have, nonetheless, equipped the watch with a quick-release system, and beyond brand offerings, third party providers have stepped up with a number of strap options to dress the piece both up and down, depending upon the occasion.
Overall, it is a masculine design, to be sure, with its blocky pushers, athletic sizing, and toolish finish. However, it would not be out of place at all paired with a suit and tie.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 42mm Diameter 14.1mm Thick 41.5mm Lug to Lug Integrated Bracelet Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal /w AR Applied Indices Brushed Dial Baton Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | A05.H31 (ETA 7750 Base) Anti-magnetic Hairsrping 27 Jewels 28 800bph 60-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Integrated Bracelet /w Butterfly Clasp |
Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
If you have the wrist for it, the Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph is a watch for all seasons. The gilt panda reference, in particular, would look just as good with a white tee and jeans as it would next to a button down. Wear it track side at the F1, or as your daily at the office. The watch exudes a vintage je ne sais quoi. Frankly, if you are here and have read this far, you are probably already sold on it—and who could blame you? The PRX Auto Chrono doesn’t need my help.
People repeatedly refer to the brand as “entry level,” but in this case that only takes into consideration the attractive price tag. There is very little about the PRX Auto Chrono that speaks of entry level. It’s just a great watch.
The Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph retails for $1750 USD. For more information, please visit the brand website, or check them out at Gem Bijou.
Advertisement
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.