Hands-On With The Lightweight Tissot PRX Titanium 38mm

For a while, we thought we had seen it all when it came to the Tissot PRX. As most of you know, the brand rapidly expanded the collection with a wide variety of dial colors, a smaller size, and different executions of its big hit. This begged the question of what the creative folks at Tissot could come up with next. Well, they had another trick up their collective sleeve. The introduction of two titanium models a few weeks ago made me properly excited about the Tissot PRX again. I had a chance to go hands-on with one of the two versions.

When I wrote the introduction article about three weeks ago, there was one glaring omission. Tissot unveiled two variants of the new lightweight titanium PRX. The first comes with an anthracite waffle-pattern dial and rose-tone details. The second, mentioned in the article but without pictures, features a dark blue waffle-pattern dial with nickel-plated hands and hour markers. That one resembles the stainless steel 40mm and 35mm models with the same dial, whereas the first version presents a new aesthetic. I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the one featuring an anthracite dial.

The details of the new titanium Tissot PRX

I will predominantly focus on the details of wearing the watch in this hands-on review. However, let’s briefly review the specs. The new titanium PRX features a 38mm case with a 10.98mm thickness and a 43.2mm lug-to-lug. However, as this is a watch with an integrated bracelet, it certainly wears larger than its modest proportions might suggest.

Both the case and the bracelet have a brushed finish that suits the darker hue of the material perfectly. As with the stainless steel version, the short edges between the links have a polished finish. They provide subtle shimmers that enhance the watch’s visual appeal whenever the light hits them. This has always been one of my favorite features of the PRX, as it shows the attention to detail that went into creating the watch.

Additionally, the overall build quality is impressive. The titanium feels excellently machined and well produced. In comparison to competitors, Tissot excels at creating some of the best watches for the money, consistently outperforming those in the same price segment.

The combination of colors works well

The anthracite dial is new and fits the hue of the material nicely. It creates a monochromatic feel that is contrasted by the rose-gold-colored luminous hands, indexes, and a matching date frame. This combination works because both the titanium and the dial have a yellow undertone, which softens the look nicely, in line with the rose gold details.

This begs the question of whether I would prefer it with nickel-plated hands and markers. Well, I know it would be an even stronger monochromatic statement. It’s also a look that I adore for the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium, so I would have loved to see that for this PRX as well.

A little side step with the Damascus steel PRX

As a side note, in conjunction with the titanium PRX, Tissot also announced a Damascus steel version. I didn’t want to leave it unmentioned, as it is a remarkable release. That said, it is more of an acquired taste. I am usually not the biggest fan of Damascus steel, and I find it a bit over the top for watch cases.

The characteristic case is paired with a Damascus steel dial that is significantly livelier than it looks in the press images. It is paired with an integrated black leather strap to keep the look somewhat toned down. This is certainly more divisive than the 38mm PRX models in titanium, but it’s still interesting to see.

Let’s return to the titanium version, though. Inside the case, you will find the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 caliber, which also powers the automatic 40mm and 35mm models. This automatic movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, features 23 jewels, and offers an 80-hour power reserve. It also features an antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring and hacking seconds.

This caliber is visible thanks to the sapphire display in the titanium case back. The branded rotor is industrially finished to provide some decoration to an otherwise basic caliber. A fun detail is that the case back has a polished finish, in line with the bezel, while the case bands and crown feature a brushed finish. This creates a nice “sandwich” of finishes when viewing the watch from the side.

The titanium Tissot PRX on the wrist

This brings me to the wearing experience. The titanium PRX weighs only 84 grams, which is a significant difference compared to the 40mm stainless steel version. While the watch is lightweight, it has the visual presence and just enough weight to it to remind you that you are wearing a charming timepiece. I prefer the slightly darker appearance of titanium, especially when paired with the dial; it works exceptionally well.

On top of that, putting the watch on my wrist soon solidified the thought that I would have preferred nickel-plated hands and markers. The watch doesn’t need an extra pop of color because it already features multiple layers of gray, making it an interesting design statement.

Having said that, I understand entirely that the Tissot design team wanted to add a visual sparkle. The rose-tone elements lighten up the overall presence, making it super easy to get used to. A quick peek at the PRX collection also reveals that the color combo is in line with the silver-dial 35mm and 40mm quartz versions. Additionally, Tissot introduced a series of models featuring gold fluted bezels, which also share a similar aesthetic. On the wrist, though, the rose gold details do not stand out as prominently as you might think. They blend rather nicely with the anthracite dial and gray titanium to create a warmer aesthetic than most of the stainless steel models have.

Final thoughts on the new Tissot PRX Titanium 38mm

Another big plus is the case size. I own a 40mm PRX, and while it sits quite nicely on my 18.5cm wrist, this 38mm case hits the sweet spot for me and most of my fellow Fratello team members. I adored the case diameter and overall proportions. Though the watch’s 10.98mm profile means a 0.08mm increase in thickness over the 40mm version, those eight hundredths of a millimeter are not noticeable on the wrist.

What is noticeably different is that this watch is a sublime option for people who find the 40mm models slightly too big. This is a comment we have heard quite often. Due to the presence of an integrated-bracelet watch, the 40mm PRX may feel too large for some, but the 35mm versions are not proper alternatives since they are too small for many. With that in mind, this new 38mm form will be perfect for anyone stuck between the two other sizes.

As a result, this new PRX is relevant beyond its use of titanium. Yes, that material opens new doors, which is exciting for any future PRX additions. However, the 38mm size might be even more impactful. It allows Tissot to introduce a range of titanium and steel models that will appeal to existing fans and even draw in new ones. I have to give big compliments to Tissot for finding new ways to keep the PRX interesting. If the brand comes up with a dial that I absolutely love, it will be hard to resist buying a 38mm PRX in titanium. It is that good!