The Watch That Refused to Stay in the Past
It started in 1978: a slim, barrel-shaped case, an integrated steel bracelet, and a bold quartz heartbeat. The original Tissot PRX wasn’t just another sports watch; it was a reflection of its era: sleek, confident, and built for those who appreciated precision wrapped in style.
Then, like many great designs, it quietly disappeared, filed away in the archives of horological history. But some stories don’t end. They pause, waiting for the right moment to return.
Fast forward four decades, and the PRX is back, not as a replica, but as a revival done right. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 doesn’t just ride the wave of vintage revivals; it helps define it. With mechanical muscle under the hood and design language that speaks to both past and present, it’s become one of the most celebrated modern releases in accessible Swiss watchmaking.
And as we’ll explore, models like the Steel & 18K Gold and the Damian Lillard Special Edition aren’t just extensions, they’re proof that this isn’t a trend. It’s a movement.
Born in the '70s, Built to Last
The original Tissot PRX, introduced in 1978, was a product of its time in the best possible way. It reflected the late ’70s fascination with streamlined, futuristic design, where watches became part of the lifestyle, not just instruments to tell time. With its slim tonneau-shaped case, integrated bracelet, and precise quartz movement, the PRX offered everyday practicality wrapped in elegance. It stood proudly next to the era’s luxury steel sports watches, delivering similar aesthetics at a far more accessible price point.
The name wasn’t just clever marketing; “PR” stood for “Precise” and “Robust,” while the “X” referred to its 10 ATM (100 meters) of water resistance, an impressive feature for its class. It was a watch that could be worn from the office to the weekend without missing a beat, reliable, stylish, and unmistakably modern.
And then, as styles shifted in the decades that followed, the PRX quietly exited the spotlight. But it never disappeared completely. Vintage watch forums kept the name alive. Collectors remembered the feel of the case, the comfort of the bracelet. So when Tissot brought it back in 2021, it wasn’t just a reissue, it was a long-awaited return. And the watch world responded with real enthusiasm.
The Revival: Powermatic 80 Enters the Scene
Tissot’s reintroduction of the PRX wasn’t just a nostalgia play. It was strategic. The new PRX Powermatic 80 took the original’s case silhouette and elevated it with an automatic movement, a textured dial, and sharp finishing rarely seen at this price point.
The movement is the star here: the Powermatic 80, a modern Swiss automatic engine with an 80-hour power reserve. That’s weekend-proof and then some. Beating at 3Hz (21,600 vph) and featuring a Nivachron balance spring for improved anti-magnetism, it’s the kind of caliber that brings serious credibility.
Dial options range from crisp black and navy blue to the now-famous ice blue waffle texture, giving collectors a broad palette to choose from. The integrated bracelet with butterfly clasp completes the package, adding both comfort and wrist presence.
Steel & Gold: Bringing Luxury to the Everyday
For those who want their PRX with a touch more refinement, Tissot delivered with the PRX Powermatic 80 Steel & 18K Gold Bezel. This model adds an 18-karat rose gold fluted bezel to the classic steel case, elevating the design with unmistakable warmth and contrast.
It still retains the sporty 40mm case and tapisserie-pattern dial, but with a distinctly dressier appeal. It’s the kind of watch that works just as well with a suit as it does on a weekend drive. More than just a material upgrade, this reference shows the versatility of the PRX design language, capable of looking effortlessly cool or quietly luxurious.
Damian Lillard Edition
Then there’s the Damian Lillard Special Edition, a nod to both basketball culture and personal expression. Co-designed with the NBA star himself, this PRX brings boldness to the collection. Red and black accents, the “DAME” logo at 6 o’clock, and a custom caseback with Lillard’s signature make it instantly recognizable.
It’s a watch for collectors who appreciate authenticity, and who want a piece that says something about confidence, ambition, and owning your moment. The movement remains the trusted Powermatic 80, but the design? All swagger.
A Platform, Not Just a Product
One of the most impressive things about the PRX line is how adaptable it has become. With both 35mm and 40mm cases, a wide range of dial colors, and strap options including leather, rubber, and steel, it has evolved into a true platform. Whether you’re into minimalist chic, retro styling, or statement pieces, the PRX lineup has something that fits.
It’s this flexibility that makes it such a strong contender in today’s market. The PRX doesn’t just ride the integrated bracelet trend, it defines its own lane.
The Watch Community Has Spoken
From Reddit threads dissecting lug width to TikTok unboxings with millions of views, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 has evolved into a phenomenon in enthusiast circles. It’s not just recommended, it’s revered as a modern gateway into mechanical watchmaking.
What sets it apart? Watch fans regularly highlight its value proposition: a Swiss-made automatic with an 80-hour power reserve, an integrated bracelet, and refined finishing, all at a price point that’s shockingly attainable.
Even seasoned collectors, those with safe boxes full of five-figure timepieces, will admit: the PRX holds its own. It’s become the kind of watch that gets passed around in meetups, appreciated for its build quality, wearability, and the fact that Tissot didn’t cut corners where it mattered.
