Tissot PRX 38mm: Titanium and Damascus Steel Release

I remember when Tissot PRX came out and took the watch world by surprise. I always wanted one, and I got it. In the meantime I sold it because I hadn’t worn it for a long time. Now Tissot PRX is launched in 38mm variant and it’s really beautiful.

But now I’m feeling the itch again. Sure, the 38mm is not for me, I have big wrists, but I really do like the Damascus Steel model.  

I have an idea of why I want this model again, it’s because deep down I crave for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. One day will come…one day!

So, Tissot PRX is available for the first time in 38mm and as I said it comes in 2 variants: Damascus Steel and Titanium grade 2. 

And probably will be hyped again. Which is good. PRX is a cool watch. But this model has great competition, recently Mido launched S01E02 from the TV Big Date line and also a Titanium version of Multifort TV Big Date. Even Doxa came with a new model launched at Dubai Watch Week made completely of ceramic. So the competition is there.

Why the 38mm size is Important and Changes everything

PRX in the actual form was launched in 2021 at the price of 650 Euro, which was a steal. Also the design is beautiful and for those of us that can’t afford an AP Royal Oak is pretty close. Not a clone, but not a bad brand. The original watch came in 40 mm and since day one I saw people asking and complaining about the fact that this watch doesn’t come in 38mm. 

The original model was very popular and the size was ok, but the real issue was the 51.5mm lug-to-lug measurement which made the watch feel a little big. The main reason for that was the fact  that the first link from the bracelet was non articulated and that made the watch bigger.

I feel you small wrists men out there. So, people started to ask about the 38mm version of the watch. And Tissot listened, right? Nope, they launched the 35mm version in 2023 and people started to complain that the watch is too small for the men out there. 

Well, Tissot finally listened and here we are, TIssot PRX 38mm, the watch that strikes perfect balance. Lug-to-lug is 49.2 mm including the first fixed link, and it offers substantial wrist presence without overwhelming smaller wrists.  Thickness is the same, 10.98mm (some sources say 11.3mm), and it has the same Powermatic 80 Movement. 

Now, 4 years later, all the requests have been listened to and we have the New Tissot PRX 38mm, which is compact enough for all day wearing and big enough to maintain the sporty and luxurious look. For most of you this is the Ideal PRX size. For me it’s 40mm.

Tissot PRX Damascus Steel

This is my favourite. I love Damascus steel, I have a knife at home and it is the only one I’m using when I cook. It looks cool. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I haven’t seen a Damascus Steel watch before offered at this price. I know that Hublot, Sinn or Straum used Damascus steel before but usually in limited editions and at higher prices. 

Anyway, Damascus Steel represents one of the most audacious materials choices that Tissot ever made for mainstream production. And I applaud that. Now, release one at 40mm. Let’s make this happen guys!!!

How Damascus Steel is made

I know this is not about watches, but I really like Damascus Steel. So bear with me.

Traditional Damascus steel involves pattern welding different steel billets together through repeated forging and folding. So it’s an intensive labor and process and a technique borrowed from centuries ago of the sword making process.

Of course Tissot doesn’t have time for this, and they have a more modern and industrial approach. Because they have to make a lot of watches. 

TIssot is using isostatic pressing technology, where layers of powdered stainless steel with different carbon percentages are arranged in a mold. Then, under extreme heat and pressure, these powders bond into a solid block which has these characteristic layered patterns.

Then the block is added on the CNC machine and they make the case and dial and so on. Not fun anymore, huh? 

It’s more cost effective and can be made faster. But still, it is a genuine Damascus Steel with authentic layered structure and most importantly each piece has a unique and unrepeatable pattern.

Damascus is Everywhere

Damascus steel is used everywhere for this model. Bezel, Dial, Case and even the pin buckle are all made from Damascus Steel. And it looks good, makes you have a psychedelic experience, like you ate some mushrooms. I’m guessing, because I never had mushrooms.Only on pizza.

The pattern is more present on the dial and bezel and it appears at different densities depending on the viewing angle. It is a little more subtle on the case sides. 

On the Dial we donțt have the waffle pattern anymore, instead we have the Damascus Steel, brushed and I like it, it shows the material’s natural beauty. Hour markers are from Black Nickel , are applied and hands have Super-LumiNova. 

The date window is gray, in this way it won’t disrupt the beauty of the dial.

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Damascus PRX comes on black grained leather strap and as I mentioned the buckle is from Damascus Steel as well. I would have prefered the bracelet in Damascus Steel as well…but  you can’t have it all. 

The straps keep the total watch weight at 75 grams and it has quick release for easy strap changes. 

Tissot PRX Titanium 38mm

The other star of the show. Well, I have Titanium watches so I am not that impressed by this one. 

While Damascus steel captures the attention through the visuals, the Titanium PRX models offer a different value proposition: Easy and comfortable to wear due to reduced weight.

The TIssot PRX Titanium is constructed from Grade 2 Titanium which is approximately 35% lighter than the conventional stainless steel. It is very easy and comfortable to wear. 

This one has a full titanium bracelet as well that has a folding clasp and quick release system and it weighs only 84 grams. The Carbon model from PRX weighs 74 grams. 

The finishing on the titanium is the same as on the Steel PRX s – brushed surfaces on the case and bracelet links with polished accents on the bezel and case sides. 

Tissot PRX TItanium Two colour options for the Dial

For this model you can choose between 2 options of colours on the dial, each one targeting different aesthetics preferences. 

Anthracite Grey Dial: Monochromatic option which in my opinion is the more visually striking of the two options. The Gray dial is matching the titanium case  and it creates a nice tone on tone effect broken only by the rose gold colored hands, indexes and date frame. 

it looks nice, it has just enough visual accent without disrupting the overall aesthetic. For this model we still have the classic waffle pattern.  This seems like something fresh for the PRX lineup. I’m tired of silver and blue dials on the PRX line. 

Dark Blue Dial

Just when I said I’m tired of blue dials on PRX. Well, the second option takes a more conservative approach with a Dark blue waffle pattern dial with nickel plated hands and markers. Itțs very close to the existing PRX models in terms of color palette. So if you are a PRX traditionalist, this is the combination for you!

Same old Movement

Yes, the same Powermatic 80 movement is present in these models as well. It is a good movement, proved his value and reliability over time and earned his respect in the affordable Swiss watches segment: 

We have a power reserve of 80 hours, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, 23 Jewels and special features like hacking seconds and Nivachron antimagnetic hairsprings. Of course it’s automatic and you can see the rotor through the sapphire caseback.

As you might have noticed, the base ETA 2824 movement on which Powermatic is made, has a higher frequency than the Powermatic, exactly 28,800 VpH. But that’s not the reason why Powermatic has an 80 hour reserve (lower beat rate) actually because of the Nivachron hairspring that provides resistance to magnetic field. 

Value proposition of Tissot PRX 38mm

When PRX debuted in 2021, the price was 650 euros, and it was a hit that established the watch as exceptional value. Today, the standard model retail for 775 euros, a slight increase but still remarkable value. 

But, the new models are a little more expensive:

Titanium Models-  875 euro (+100 over the base price)

Damascus Steel – 1075 euros (+300 over the base price)

I think the prices are ok given the materials involved, few other swiss watches made of titanium are below 1000 euro , so I think this will be a hit. 

All models are available right now, no waiting list. Go for it you little wrist humans. 

Also, Tissot, make the Damascus one in 40mm for the rest of us, mkay?

Would I buy it? Yes, the Damascus one of course, the titanium one is not really my cup of tea. It’s not bad, but I just like the Damascus version more and I really want one in 40 mm. I also like the fact that Tissot stays true to their history and always trying to come with something new at affordable price.

I think Tissot is doing a great job with PRX line and I hope they will continue to do the same.

The watch can be ordered on Tissot Website