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Mar 21, 2024

New Release: Tissot PRX Digital Watches

Since its initial introduction in the summer of 2021, the modern Tissot PRX line has swiftly become one of the cornerstones of affordable watch collecting. Already available in a slew of sizes,

Since its initial introduction in the summer of 2021, the modern Tissot PRX line has swiftly become one of the cornerstones of affordable watch collecting. Already available in a slew of sizes, materials, colors, and movement options, the PRX line is the gateway drug into the white-hot world of integrated bracelet sports watches for many enthusiasts. For its latest release, Tissot takes the PRX silhouette into its most unlikely iteration yet, with a move that honors the brand’s history while potentially spearheading a whole new kind of ‘70s revival among watch fans. The new Tissot PRX Digital collection brings a more refined take on the fully digital wearing experience to a new generation of enthusiasts, accurately capturing the high-tech spirit of the late ‘70s in a proven fan-favorite package.

Available in both 35mm wide and 40mm wide sizes and offered in both stainless steel and gold-tone, the cases of the new Tissot PRX Digital series follow the templates of their three-hand counterparts. The same clean lines, sharp polished case side chamfers, flat brushed planes, and raised polished bezels are all present and accounted for here, but these new models are distinguishable at a glance by the total lack of a crown. Instead, a trio of simple polished pushers at 2 o’clock, 4 o’clock, and 10 o’clock handle the wide array of functions the PRX Digital offers. This small shift does notably change the character of the PRX design in initial images, but it should still carry the base model’s integrated-bracelet charm on the wrist. Tissot completes all variants of the PRX Digital with a simple solid caseback, and rates the watches for a respectable 100 meters of water resistance.

Naturally, the dials of the Tissot PRX Digital line are where these new models truly differentiate themselves. The overall layout here is elementally simple, with a broad inner bezel in light gray, black, or gold surrounding the classic LCD dial display. Like most digital watches, though, the PRX Digital’s display is far more capable than a simple time-only readout. The brand packs in an impressive suite of complications here, including a second time zone, a day-date display, a chronograph, a countdown timer, and a daily alarm, all in a sleekly integrated package. However, while the look of a rectangular LCD display in a round dial is a staple of many early digital watches (although not for the original 1977 Tissot Digital Quartz, which opted for a TV-style rounded square), it’s likely to be a love-it-or-hate-it style among modern enthusiasts. This is particularly true for the larger 40mm variant, which uses the same digital display as its 35mm wide sibling. This leaves significantly more negative space on the larger model, leading to an arguably unbalanced look in photos.

The Swiss-made DGT-2040 digital quartz movement inside the Tissot PRX Digital is a solidly made, reliable powerplant. While it may lack the romantic appeal of a mechanical movement, its combination of extreme accuracy and broad functionality carries its own sort of charm and shows Tissot’s dedication to using quality components even at this affordable price point. To complete these designs, Tissot fits the PRX Digital line with case-matching integrated bracelets. These are functionally identical to the bracelets fitted to the rest of the PRX collection, and their broad brushed surfaces, elegantly slim polished chamfers between links, and smooth tapering forms should be a joy on the wrist.

Over the two years since the Tissot PRX’s revival, the series has grown to become almost universally beloved and a fixture in watch collections around the world. The new Tissot PRX Digital collection might not find the same universal appeal among enthusiasts, but its deep functionality, refined presentation, and funky late-‘70s charm should make it a cult favorite in its own right. The Tissot PRX Digital is available now through authorized dealers. MSRP for the Tissot PRX Digital stands at $375 USD for stainless steel models and $450 USD for gold-tone models as of press time. For more details, please visit the brand’s website.