The Tissot PRX now in 38mm Full-Titanium or Damascus Steel Cases (Incl. Video)

Since its introduction in 2021, the PRX collection by Tissot has never ceased to amaze and to grow in size. This range, one of the most accessible and compelling Swiss-made sporty-chic watches with an integrated bracelet, has become a commercial hit and has been offered in an array of colours, sizes, complications and materials. From classic steel 40mm to gold PVD 35mm models, as well as bolder chronographs, there are plenty of choices. Today, Tissot has decided to surprise us, and not just a little. We are witnessing two important evolutions: first, a new mid-size 38mm case option; second is the release of titanium and Damascus steel variants. We tell you all about the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 38mm Damascus Steel and 38mm Titanium in this article, along with our latest video.

The evolution of the PRX Collection

The PRX collection made its debut in 2021, and let’s just be clear, it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The collection was an immediate hit, as it offered the style of an integrated design sports watch at a very sensible price. For just EUR 650, its price when first introduced, you could get a stainless steel watch with an integrated bracelet, a waffle dial in black, blue or silver, and an automatic movement with 80-hour power reserve. It was quite an impressive offering, objectively.

The launch collection measured 40mm in diameter, a size that left many people wanting something smaller, particularly since the lug-to-lug measurement wasn’t the most compact. Two years later, Tissot launched the PRX Powermatic (the automatic model) with a 35mm case, adding a smaller (too small…?) offering to the already large collection. Currently, the PRX Powermatic collection comprises well over 30 references, including several limited editions and a quartet of chronographs (excluding the quartz line-up). Tissot experimented with various materials, introducing a PRX with a solid gold bezel or a forged carbon edition last year, for example. And while prices have increased slightly since its debut, it still offers tremendous value for the money.

The new PRX Powermatic 38mm

With such a diverse collection, what was left for the PRX? Well, a new mid-size option. Let’s remember our article comparing the 40mm and the 35mm editions. On paper, the PRX Powermatic 40mm seems like the right option for men, as this diameter is often the golden number for men’s watches. However, one should keep in mind that the lug-to-lug measurement of the PRX is… long. Indeed, the first link of the bracelet isn’t articulated and adds to the overall length, measured at 51.5mm. Not small, admittedly.

In response to the demand for a smaller version, Tissot introduced the PRX Powermatic 35mm. Again, on paper, this seemed like a great unisex option, suitable for both men and women. And while it is true for the latter, the 35mm PRX feels a bit petite on a masculine wrist. It somehow loses the boldness of its design and becomes a bit too dainty. There was space for something in between. And it materialises today, with the new Tissot PRX Powermatic 38mm. But you won’t have the option of a classic steel case and bracelet yet. No worries, the two materials chosen by Tissot are truly special.

So, we have a new 38mm diameter for the PRX. What does it mean for the rest of the watch? Well, design-wise, nothing has changed, really, and we’re still looking at the same recipe. Tonneau-shaped central case, raised circular bezel, nicely integrated bracelet or strap following the lines of the case, 100m water-resistance, sapphire crystal on the front, see-through crystal on the back. The thickness is also unchanged compared to the 40mm and 35mm editions, at 11.3mm. What has changed is the lug-to-lug measurement. Once again, we need to differentiate between what Tissot announces – 43.2mm, excluding the fixed first link – and the reality that we’ve measured – 49.2mm for the titanium edition, including the first, non-articulated link of the bracelet.

On the wrist, the new PRX Powermatic 38mm feels like the perfect size. Compact enough to feel comfortable, still with visual presence to offer a strong look and a sportier feel. It could be a bit slimmer, though, but this is true for all members of the collection. Based on our experience with PRXs, the 38mm diameter is now our preferred option at MONOCHROME.

The PRX in… Damascus steel

While the design and specs are familiar, the material chosen by Tissot for its new PRX Powermatic 38mm is hardly classic. It’s even a complete surprise to see such a mainstream, entry-level brand using a niche and rare material like Damascus steel. Kudos to Tissot for being bold, even more so than the already surprising forged carbon model. But what is Damascus steel? This material is perhaps not widely known, but it consists of multiple types of steel forged together to create intricate and unique patterns. And by unique, I mean that literally, because no matter how you cut a Damascus steel ingot, no two pieces will ever be alike.

Damascus steel in watchmaking is mostly the domain of a Swedish brand named GoS Watches, which is known for being a specialist in this material. Returning to the PRX, this unusual material is not only used for the case but also for the bezel, dial and pin buckle. The result is certainly striking, although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It does, however, demonstrate the versatility of the PRX. No matter what it’s made of, it retains its strong and rather appealing character.

With such complex (and once again, unique to each watch) patterns on the dial, there’s no need here for the PRX’s classic waffle-like pattern. The dial is crafted from brushed Damascus steel with a smooth texture. It’s paired with black-nickeled applied markers and hands, all with Super-LumiNova. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 38mm Damascus Steel comes on a black grained leather strap that neatly attaches to the male end-link and is secured with a Damascus steel pin buckle. It is released as part of the permanent collection.

The PRX Powermatic 38mm in titanium

As if this Damascus steel weren’t enough already, Tissot also introduces two very cool and lightweight editions: the PRX Powermatic 38mm in titanium. At first, being made from grade 2 titanium, there’s nothing really obvious that has changed here. The dimensions are those reported above, and the shape, looks and finishing are all identical to a steel model, only with perhaps a slightly darker tone to the material. Basically, that’s it. And, yes, it’s potentially for the best. The PRX Titanium retains the same thickness and identical water-resistance. The finishing of the case and bracelet is also identical, with brushed surfaces and polished accents on the bezel and the sides of the case.

But once you handle this new titanium edition of the PRX, you immediately notice the difference in weight. Indeed, titanium is about 35% lighter than conventional steel, so this PRX sheds quite a bit of weight. This full titanium PRX tips the scales at 83 grams, which can vary a bit depending on the length of the bracelet, while the forged carbon PRX weighs in at 74 grams. And keep in mind that the latter came on a rubber strap, while the titanium PRX is worn on a matching titanium bracelet, with a folding clasp and quick-release system (no micro-adjustment, though).

For the dial, the PRX Powermatic 38mm Titanium retains the classic waffle pattern found on steel models ever since the debut of the collection. Here, we have two options. First is a classic blue (not photographed) with silver-toned applied markers and hands. The other option, a nice one to be honest, is this monochromatic edition with a grey dial, matching the colour of the titanium alloy. The tone-on-tone effect is only broken by gold-coloured hands and markers, adding a bit of warmth to the design. Again, these are released as part of the permanent collection and are immediately available.

Classic Powermatic 80 calibre

Inside these new PRX 38mm Damascus Steel and 38mm Titanium, no surprises. We have the familiar Powermatic 80 movement, also known as calibre ETA C07.11. An evolution of the ETA 2824, it has been reworked with a new kinetic chain and upgraded barrel, bringing the power reserve to a solid 80 hours, while the frequency has been slowed down to 3Hz. To combat magnetism, it features a Nivachron hairspring, and the movement is visible through the caseback. I do feel Tissot missed the opportunity to include a Damascus steel rotor, but we can’t complain too much at this price point.

Thoughts, Availability & Price

There’s no denying that the PRX collection is a huge success, and part of that is due to its simplicity and honesty. That simplicity also allows Tissot to play around with colours and materials, and once again with sizes. It has matured from something that was already very good from the beginning into something excellent all around in these two new 38mm models. Yes, there are more affordable Damascus or titanium watches available, but Swiss-made, of this quality? That drastically narrows the playing field.

Obviously, these exotic new materials have an impact on the PRX’s price. The forged carbon PRX already broke the EUR 1000 mark, which is still not outrageous, considering the whole package delivered. Here, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 38mm Titanium models are released at a very decent price of EUR 875, which is 100 euros more than the currently asked price for a 40mm steel version. The PRX Powermatic 38mm Damascus Steel retails for EUR 1,075, which is also rather impressive considering the nature of the material used for its case and multiple other elements of the watch.

For more details, please visit tissotwatches.com.