In the world of watches that pack a punch without breaking the bank, few have stirred up as much excitement as the Tissot PRX. Back in 2021, it landed like a fresh idea everyone had been waiting for – a sleek, integrated sports watch that echoed the high-end style of brands like Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe, but at a price that actually made sense for real guys on the go. It wasn't just another timepiece; it became the kind of watch you'd grab for a weekend hike, a round of golf, or slipping under a cuff at the office. Fast forward to today, and the PRX lineup has ballooned into Tissot's biggest seller, with versions in all sorts of flavors. But even with that growth, there's always been one nagging question from fans: why no middle-ground size?
Image credit: Tissot
Turns out, Tissot was listening all along. Their latest move – a 38mm PRX in titanium – feels like the sweet spot they've been building toward. It's not flashy or over-the-top; it's practical, tough, and built for the kind of life where you need something reliable that doesn't weigh you down. And just to keep things interesting, they've paired it with a Damascus steel edition that's got that rugged, handmade edge. These aren't gimmicks; they're upgrades that make the PRX feel even more like the everyday hero it was meant to be. If you've been holding out for the right fit, this might be the one that seals the deal.
A Quick Look Back: How the PRX Became a Staple
To get why this new 38mm version lands so well, it's worth rewinding a bit. When the PRX dropped in 2021, it started simple: a 40mm quartz model with that signature integrated bracelet, a textured dial, and a vibe that screamed '70s cool without trying too hard. At under $400, it flew off shelves because it nailed the look of those luxury integrated watches – you know, the ones with five-figure tags – but handed them over for pocket change. Suddenly, watch guys who appreciated a good tool watch could join the club without the sticker shock.
Tissot didn't sit still. Barely two months later, they rolled out an automatic version of that 40mm, swapping the battery for a self-winding movement that added some mechanical soul. Sales kept climbing, and the PRX started popping up everywhere – forums, social feeds, even on wrists at backyard barbecues. But here's where the gripes started: that 40mm case? It wore bigger than its numbers suggested, thanks to the bracelet's flow and the overall design. It looked sharp, sure, but not everyone wanted something that commanded quite so much real estate on the wrist.
Enter 2022, and Tissot tried to fix it with a 35mm quartz edition. Smaller, daintier – great for slimmer wrists or folks who liked a more understated profile. Then, in 2023, they made it automatic too. Solid moves, but the feedback loop was clear: the 35mm felt a touch too petite for daily drivers, especially if you were pairing it with work shirts or leather jackets. Collectors and everyday wearers alike kept whispering (or outright shouting online) for that Goldilocks size – not too big, not too small. Just right.
Tissot finally delivered with this 38mm release. It's the bridge they've needed, and pairing it with fresh materials like titanium and Damascus steel takes it from solid to standout. These aren't just tweaks; they're the refinements that turn a good watch into one you'll reach for day in, day out.
Titanium Takes the Crown: Light, Tough, and Just Right
If there's a frontrunner in this duo, it's the titanium PRX. Clocking in at 38mm across, it slides onto most wrists like it was custom-made – versatile enough for a guy who's equally at home wrenching on a truck in the garage or grabbing steaks with the crew after. The case thickness hovers right around 11mm (to be exact, 10.98mm), which keeps the profile slim without skimping on presence. It's the same footprint as the 40mm in terms of height, but that extra couple of millimeters of width make all the difference in comfort and balance.
Image credit: Tissot
Under the hood, it's the Powermatic 80 automatic movement – Tissot's go-to for reliability and a smooth 80-hour power reserve. No winding needed if you're the type who forgets to wear it over a lazy Sunday; just strap it on Monday morning, and it's ready. Water resistance hits 100 meters, so splashes from the sink, a sudden rain shower, or even a dip in the pool won't faze it. The bracelet? Quick-release links for easy swaps if you want to go strap-less in summer, and it fastens with a butterfly clasp that hugs secure without pinching.
What really sets this titanium take apart is the weight – or lack of it. Swapping stainless steel for Grade 2 titanium shaves serious heft off the whole package. Tissot doesn't publish exact figures, but drawing from similar builds like Christopher Ward's titanium pieces, expect it to feel about 42% lighter than the steel equivalent. That's huge for all-day wear; no more that subtle tug at the end of a long shift. The case and bracelet both get the titanium treatment, giving it a matte, gunmetal sheen that's understated but commanding – the kind of finish that picks up light just enough to catch an eye without screaming for attention.
The dial seals the deal with its anthracite gray waffle pattern, that subtle texture adding depth without clutter. Rose-gold accents on the hands, indices, and date window at three o'clock warm things up, keeping it from going full monochrome. Those indices? Polished and filled with Super-LumiNova for a glow that cuts through low light, whether you're checking the time during a late-night drive or fumbling for keys in the dark. It's all sapphire crystal up top, domed just a hair for that vintage nod, and exhibition caseback down below so you can peek at the movement's finishing if you're into that sort of thing.
This isn't a watch for showboating; it's for the man who values function wrapped in style. Imagine it on a NATO strap for a fishing trip or polished up for a family wedding – it handles both without missing a beat.
Damascus Steel: The Rugged Wild Card
Not sold on titanium's sleek vibe? The Damascus steel PRX brings a whole different flavor – one that's got that forged-in-fire toughness straight out of the everyday carry crowd. Damascus steel, with its swirling, layered patterns from folded metals hammered together, has been a staple in high-end knives for years, and it's creeping into watches as a mark of artisanal grit. This 38mm version might be the most approachable take yet, blending that raw edge with the PRX's polished DNA.
Image credit: Tissot
The case and even the dial are crafted from this ultra-strong steel, creating those hypnotic wave-like motifs that shift with the light. It's not uniform; each piece has its own fingerprint, making yours feel one-of-a-kind without the custom price tag. Instead of the usual bracelet, it ships on a black leather strap that's supple but sturdy, with matching Damascus end links and buckle for cohesion. The leather breathes well for warmer days, and it's the kind of strap that ages into character over time – think patina from real use, not some factory distress.
Legibility gets a boost here too: the indices are treated in black-nickel for contrast against the patterned dial, and the seconds hand runs solid black to tie into the strap. Hands stay rose-gold for that pop, but overall, it's dialed back for a stealthier profile. Same Powermatic 80 heart, 100m water resistance, and 10.98mm thickness, so specs-wise, it's a twin to the titanium but with a personality that's more barstool storyteller than boardroom closer.
This one's for the guy who's got a drawer full of multi-tools and appreciates a watch that looks like it could take a beating. It's niche, sure, but in the best way – the Damascus pattern alone could spark more conversations than most gadgets twice the price.
Why Size, Material, and Price Make This the PRX to Beat
Part of what hooked folks on the PRX from day one was how it democratized that luxury sports watch aesthetic. No need for a second mortgage; just solid Swiss engineering at entry-level costs. These 38mm newcomers nudge the needle up a bit for the premium materials, but they stay true to that value ethos.
The titanium model leads at $975, bracelet included – that's a $125 bump over the base 40mm steel autos at $850, but only $25 more than the gold-toned PVD versions. For what you get – lightness, that ideal sizing, and the full integrated setup – it's a steal. The Damascus, at $1,175 on the strap, edges into pricier territory, landing as one of the top-ticket PRXs outside the chronos or gold-bezel specials. It's $25 above the 40.5mm Forged Carbon at $1,150, which packs an upgraded Powermatic with silicon hairspring for better anti-magnetism. Fair to say the Carbon's got its fans for the bolder looks, but if you're chasing that perfect everyday size, the titanium wins hands down.
Availability kicks off now through Tissot's site and authorized dealers, so no long waits. Both models stick to the core PRX recipe: domed sapphire, screw-down crown, and that exhibition back showcasing the ETA-based movement. No frills, just the good stuff.
Wrapping It Up: The PRX That Sticks
At the end of the day, the 38mm titanium PRX feels like Tissot's mic-drop moment. It's got the wearability to slide under a sleeve without fuss, the lightness to forget you're even wearing it, and the subtle style that elevates without overpowering. The Damascus adds a twist for those craving something with a bit more backstory, but titanium's the all-rounder that'll see you through seasons and stories alike.
If the original PRX was the spark, this is the steady flame. It's not about topping charts or chasing trends; it's about crafting a watch that fits your rhythm – tough enough for the trail, sharp enough for the town. For guys who see a timepiece as more than ticking seconds, but as a quiet partner in the grind, this 38mm evolution delivers. Grab one, strap it on, and see for yourself why the PRX keeps rewriting its own rules.
