Tissot PRX Buying Guide: 35mm vs 38mm vs 40mm
- Alvin
- 8 hours ago
- 13 min read
Welcome watchfam. The other day, I put on my 40mm PRX quartz and thought, wow, that's a bit big isn't it. I hadn't noted the fixed endlinks before. I think that's due to my wearing of a few 36mm watches recently. So, I searched it and found that the lug-to-lug is 51.5mm, that ain't right. It's a flat watch to boot, so many skinny wrists will struggle. What I also found was that there's a 38mm version, I had no idea - that's poor form on my part - Theowrist indeed! I then thought, that the Tissot PRX now comes in enough sizes, movements, colours and materials to make choosing one complicated enough to warrant a guide - for your benefit and mine.
I have previously called the PRX, the cash cow that Tissot will keep on milking, and I'm being proven right. Thankfully, they are provided fresh and mostly great design variations. Including giving you plenty of choice with size. For us, the central decision is between the 35mm, 38mm and 40mm cases. Case size matters, but it's not that measurement that causes most PRX sizing mistakes. As mentioned it's the flat profile combined with that integrated bracelet, and the rigid first links that extend the effective length of the watch across the wrist, particularly on the 40mm model.
There is another complication, pun intended, (because there isn't an actual horological complication other than the date function). The 38mm currently sits outside the conventional steel PRX range. It is offered as an automatic in titanium or Damascus steel, but not as a standard stainless-steel quartz or Powermatic 80 model. This keeps the price up a bit but it's Tissot so it's not bad at all. I found a titanium for £607 / $818 - titanium, Swiss auto, 38mm - a great deal.
This guide covers the three-hand PRX in 35mm, 38mm and 40mm (as below - images - Tissot Watches). The 25mm models, digital PRX and 42mm chronograph are separate propositions. The 25mm is too small, the digital is ugly and the chrono is too big.
Tissot PRX sizes at a glance
Model | Diameter | Lug to Lug in theory | Lug to Lug in reality | Thickness | Weight | Price |
PRX 35mm quartz | 35mm | Approx. 38.5mm | Approx. 44.9mm | 9.6mm | Approx. 97g | £335 / $450 |
PRX 35mm automatic | 35mm | Approx. 38.5mm | Approx. 44.9mm | 10.93mm | 104g | £640 / $795 |
PRX Titanium 38mm | 38mm | Approx. 43.2mm | Approx. 49.2mm | 10.98mm | 84g | £795 / $975 |
PRX Damascus 38mm | 38mm | Approx. 43.2mm | Strap-dependent beyond the integrated end section | 10.98mm | Approx. 75g | £960 / $1,175 |
PRX 40mm quartz | 40mm | Approx. 44–45mm | Approx. 51–51.5mm | 10.4mm | 130g | £335 / $450 |
PRX 40mm automatic | 40mm | Approx. 44–45mm | Approx. 51–51.5mm | 10.93mm | 138g | £640 / $850 |
Tissot’s specification pages use a case “length” measurement that is not directly comparable with the conventional lug-to-lug figure used for watches with protruding lugs. Independent physical measurements are therefore more useful when assessing how the bracelet will sit on the wrist. Gives me something to do I suppose. Prices also vary wildly, there are many deals to be had. Mine cost me £196 from Creation Watches - a steal by any measure.
Approximate wrist-size guide
Wrist circumference | Best starting point | Possible alternative |
Below 6.25 inches / 15.9cm | 35mm | None unless you deliberately want an oversized fit |
6.25–6.75 inches / 15.9–17.1cm | 35mm | 38mm on a broad or flat wrist |
6.75–7.25 inches / 17.1–18.4cm | 38mm | 40mm for greater presence |
Above 7.25 inches / 18.4cm | 40mm | 38mm for a more restrained fit |
These are starting points rather than rules. Wrist width and shape are at least as important as circumference due to the shape of this ever-popular timepiece.
Why the Tissot PRX wears larger than expected
The PRX has no conventional projecting lugs. Its case flows directly into the bracelet, which helps create the distinctive 1970s shape but makes the usual diameter and lug-to-lug measurements less straightforward.
The first bracelet links are not fully articulated. They extend horizontally from the case before the bracelet begins to curve around the wrist. On the 35mm model, this increases the effective length from approximately 38.5mm at the case shoulders to around 44.9mm. The 38mm titanium model measures approx 43.2mm without the rigid first links and 49.2mm with them. On the 40mm, the effective span increases from roughly 44–45mm to more than 51mm. Bonkers.
When trying on a PRX, look at where those first links begin to turn down. They should start descending before they reach the outer edges of your wrist. If they continue horizontally beyond the wrist, the watch is too long even when the round bezel appears acceptable.
Tissot PRX 35mm
The 35mm PRX is the most compact standard model and the safest choice for wrists below approximately 6.5 inches. I bought one once as a gift, at the time it was too small for me (of course I tried it on haha) - I'd be more open to it now. It doesn't wear like a conventional 35mm dress watch. The broad case, open dial and integrated bracelet give it more presence than the diameter suggests. Its dimensions are also closer to those traditionally associated with the original late-1970s integrated-bracelet design.
PRX 35mm quartz
The quartz model measures 35mm across and approximately 9.6mm thick. It has a sapphire crystal, 100 metres of water resistance and a Swiss quartz movement with an end-of-life battery indicator.
Its dial is normally smooth or sunburst finished rather than embossed. This makes it cleaner and visually simpler than the automatic model.
Best for:
Wrists below approximately 6.5 inches
Buyers who value accuracy and convenience
Anyone wanting the thinnest PRX
Buyers who prefer a smooth or sunburst dial
Watch out for:
Darker dials can make the already compact dial appear smaller
The bracelet still has rigid first links
There is no exhibition caseback or textured automatic dial
PRX 35mm Powermatic 80
The automatic is 10.93mm thick and weighs 104g on its steel bracelet. It uses the Powermatic 80 movement, which provides an 80-hour power reserve and a Nivachron balance spring ("an innovative hairspring crafted from a specialized, titanium-based alloy developed by the Swatch Group in collaboration with Audemars Piguet" - Certina). It also adds an exhibition caseback and the embossed chequered dial associated with the automatic PRX.
Best for:
Buyers who specifically want a mechanical PRX
Smaller and medium-sized wrists
Those who prefer the embossed dial
Anyone who regularly rotates between several watches
Watch out for:
It is substantially more expensive than the quartz model
The textured dial makes the face appear slightly busier
The movement does not improve the basic case or bracelet construction
Which 35mm should you buy?
Choose the quartz for value, accuracy and the thinner case. Choose the Powermatic 80 for the mechanical movement, textured dial and display caseback. Neither is automatically the better watch. Saying that, I think the quartz movement suits the PRX’s slim, design-led character particularly well.
Tissot PRX 38mm
This ones a beauty, well they're all pretty damn nice aren't they. The 38mm though is the middle-ground option many buyers wanted, but it isn't currently available as a conventional stainless-steel PRX. The current 38mm range consists of two titanium automatic models and one Damascus steel automatic model. All use a Powermatic 80 movement.
PRX Titanium 38mm
The titanium model measures 38mm across, 10.98mm thick and approximately 49.2mm over the rigid first bracelet links. At 84g, it is considerably lighter than either steel automatic model. It retains the sapphire crystal, display caseback, quick-release bracelet and 100-metre water resistance.
The titanium has a greyer, more subdued appearance than stainless steel. It reflects less light and reduces some of the polished visual contrast/appeal found on the standard PRX. I would like a titanium watch in the collection, but the heft is one of my fave things about certain watches - that's always put me off.
Best for:
Wrists of approximately 6.25–7.25 inches
Anyone caught between the 35mm and 40mm
Buyers who value low weight or different materials
Those who prefer a quieter, less reflective finish
Watch out for:
Titanium does not have the bright appearance of steel
Its effective 49.2mm span still requires checking on a narrow wrist
It costs more than the normal steel Powermatic 80
There is no quartz option
PRX Damascus Steel 38mm
The Damascus model uses patterned steel for the case, bezel and dial. The pattern varies between individual watches, so catalogue photographs cannot show the exact watch a buyer will receive. It comes on a black grained leather strap with integrated Damascus steel end sections rather than a full metal bracelet making it very wearable.
Best for:
Buyers who want the 38mm size without a metal bracelet
Those looking for the most distinctive PRX
Anyone comfortable with natural variation between watches
Watch out for:
The case and dial are visually busy
It does not provide the conventional integrated-bracelet PRX experience
Each example will have a different pattern
It carries a significant premium over a normal steel model
Which 38mm should you buy?
The titanium 38mm has the most broadly wearable dimensions in the range. The difficulty is that buying it also means choosing titanium, its lower weight and its more muted colour isn't for everyone. The stainless steel bracelet is one of the PRX's finest features. Don't buy a case material you do not particularly like simply to get the preferred diameter - it won't end well. Until a standard steel 38mm appears, the 35mm and 40mm will remain better choices for some buyers.
Tissot PRX 40mm
The original 40mm remains the main PRX size and offers the greatest choice of movements, colours and finishes. Its case-only dimensions appear manageable, but the rigid first bracelet links take the effective span beyond 51mm. It therefore wears more like some conventional 42mm watches than a compact 40mm model. It's a damn shame I tell you.
PRX 40mm quartz
The quartz model measures 40mm across, 10.4mm thick and weighs approximately 130g on its bracelet. It has a sapphire crystal, 100 metres of water resistance and a quick-release integrated bracelet.
Best for:
Wrists above approximately 6.75 inches
Buyers wanting greater wrist presence
Anyone who prefers the smooth quartz dial
Buyers looking for the lowest-priced 40mm PRX
Watch out for:
The effective span is approximately 51mm
Its large dial opening increases its visual size
The first links may sit flat beyond the edges of a narrow wrist
PRX 40mm Powermatic 80
The automatic is 10.93mm thick and weighs approximately 138g. It adds the 80-hour automatic movement, Nivachron balance spring, exhibition caseback and embossed dial.
Best for:
Medium to larger wrists
Buyers who want the best-known PRX configuration
Anyone wanting the widest choice of automatic dials and finishes
Those who prefer a larger integrated-bracelet watch
Watch out for:
It wears considerably longer than its diameter suggests
The broad dial can dominate a medium-sized wrist
The butterfly clasp has no conventional external micro-adjustment
Which 40mm should you buy?
The quartz is the stronger value proposition and has the cleaner, slimmer profile.
The Powermatic 80 is the better choice when the mechanical movement and textured dial are central to the appeal. The extra cost is harder to justify when those features are not particularly important to you but there are so many of them out there that sales and pre-owned bargains are readily available.
Tissot PRX quartz vs Powermatic 80
Choose the quartz when… | Choose the Powermatic 80 when… |
Accuracy and convenience matter most | You specifically want a mechanical watch |
You want the lowest price | You prefer the embossed dial |
You value the thinner case | You want the exhibition caseback |
You prefer a cleaner dial | The 80-hour reserve is useful |
You do not want future mechanical servicing costs | You accept the higher purchase and servicing costs |
The quartz PRX is not simply the cheaper version. Its thinner construction and simpler dial arguably suit the original purpose of the design.
The Powermatic 80 offers more mechanical interest, but it should be bought because you want those features, not because an automatic movement is assumed to be inherently superior.
Tissot PRX materials, case finishes and dial finishes
Brushed and polished stainless steel
The standard 35mm and 40mm cases and bracelets combine predominantly vertical brushing with polished bezels, bevels and small accent surfaces.
This is the conventional PRX finish and the version that best displays the transitions between the case and bracelet.
Gold-coloured PVD
Selected 35mm and 40mm references use gold-coloured PVD over stainless steel. Depending on the reference, this can cover the entire case and bracelet or be used as a two-tone accent. These watches are gold coloured, not solid gold.
DAMIAN LILLARD SPECIAL EDITION 40MM
They should have done this one in 18k full on real gold. Then it would have been baller - pun intended.
I'm not a fan of the leather strap on the regular steel, it looks odd. Even more so when it's a pvd gold piece with a steel endlink, stranger things have not happened. It's too ugly to include here.
PVD is durable in normal use, but deeper scratches cannot be refinished in the same way as bare stainless steel.
Titanium
Titanium is currently limited to the 38mm automatic range. It is lighter, slightly darker and less reflective than stainless steel.
The available references include blue and anthracite dials.
Damascus steel
As above, the damascus steel is limited to the 38mm automatic model. Its patterned case and dial make each watch visually different.
Forged carbon T137.907.97.201.00
The forged-carbon automatic measures 40.5mm rather than 40mm. It combines a forged-carbon case construction and carbon-pattern dial with a fitted rubber strap. It's best treated as a related PRX variant rather than a direct substitute for the standard steel 40mm.
When the forged carbon was released I pre-ordered one and I was excited. But it was delayed over and over again and I ended up cancelling it. Damn it all. It's a great looking watch, a rare material and a nice size with a lug-to-lug of around 45mm. Bingo.
Steel & Gold (18k gold bezel) T931.407.41.031.01
I didn't know this one existed prior to researching this article - it's a fluted gold bezel - well I never. PRX Gold models use a stainless-steel case and bracelet with a genuine 18-carat gold bezel. They are not solid-gold watches. Some 35mm gold-bezel references also use diamond hour markers. The 40mm range includes silver and chocolate-coloured dial options with gold bezels. I like this, but without gold running down the centre links of the bracelet it looks incomplete. If they were going to do it, they should have gone all out. The dial should have a motif or pattern on it too. I think Tissot missed a trick - go big or go home when it comes to S&G.
Tissot PRX dial finishes
Smooth and sunburst dials
Most quartz models use a smooth, brushed or sunburst surface. These dials make the face look broader and cleaner than the textured automatic versions.
Embossed chequered dials
Most steel Powermatic 80 models use an embossed chequered pattern, often described as a waffle dial. It adds depth and is the most obvious visual distinction between the standard quartz and automatic PRX.
Mother-of-pearl T1372101104100
There are a few 35mm references that use natural mother-of-pearl. The colour and pattern vary slightly between individual dials. It's a glassy option, but I think they should have added an abalone dial or something more iridescent as well. It looks great though, tres classy.
Gradient dials
This variation looks fantastic, for some 40mm automatic references use gradient finishes that become darker towards the edge of the dial. There are other colours but not all are available on the Tissot website.
Diamond-set dials
Diamond hour markers appear on selected 35mm PRX Gold models - not something you would associate with Tissot, but I like it, mix it up. Below is the 35mm ref: T931.207.41.336.00 with 18k rose gold and diamonds, so precious indeed.
Material-pattern dials
The Damascus and forged-carbon models use the appearance of their respective materials as the main dial treatment. These are significantly less neutral than the normal sunburst or embossed PRX dials.
Special-edition dials
The 40mm range has also included collaboration and character editions with illustrated, engraved or otherwise customised dials. These should be bought for the specific design rather than treated as default PRX recommendations.
Bracelet, clasp and strap options
The standard steel PRX uses a quick-release integrated bracelet with a butterfly clasp. The clasp is clean and unobtrusive, but it does not provide the sliding micro-adjustment found on some sports-watch clasps.
Correct bracelet sizing is therefore important. Half links may help, but the fit cannot be altered quickly as the wrist expands or contracts during the day. Tissot offers fitted leather and rubber straps for selected 35mm and 40mm references. These can also make the 40mm easier to wear because a flexible strap does not extend across the wrist in the same way as the rigid bracelet links.
Strap compatibility differs between the 35mm, 38mm, standard 40mm and 40.5mm carbon models. Check the exact reference before buying an additional strap.
What to check before buying a Tissot PRX
Check the effective length
Use approximately 44.9mm for the 35mm, 49.2mm for the titanium 38mm and 51–51.5mm for the bracelet-equipped 40mm.
Examine the watch from the side
An overhead photograph can make an oversized PRX appear acceptable. Check whether the first bracelet links begin to descend before reaching the sides of your wrist.
Compare quartz and automatic dials
The movement is not the only difference. The smooth quartz dial and embossed automatic dial can make the same case size look noticeably different.
Check bracelet adjustment
Make sure the available full and half links allow a secure fit. The butterfly clasp doesn't provide conventional external micro-adjustment.
Understand the gold descriptions
Gold-coloured PVD is coated stainless steel. PRX Gold models use a genuine 18-carat gold bezel but remain predominantly stainless steel.
Inspect natural and patterned materials
Mother-of-pearl and Damascus steel vary between examples. Where possible, buy the specific watch shown rather than relying on a generic catalogue image.
Which Tissot PRX should you buy?
Best value: PRX 35mm or 40mm quartz
The quartz models deliver the essential PRX case, sapphire crystal, integrated bracelet and 100-metre water resistance at the lowest price.
Best for smaller wrists: PRX Powermatic 80 35mm
The 35mm has an effective span below 45mm while retaining the design’s broad case and bracelet.
Best all-round dimensions: PRX Titanium 38mm
The 38mm offers the strongest middle-ground proportions, although its titanium construction and higher price will not suit everyone.
Best for larger wrists: PRX Powermatic 80 40mm
The 40mm provides the greatest presence and widest choice of finishes, provided the wrist can accommodate its 51mm-plus effective span.
Most distinctive: PRX Damascus Steel 38mm
The patterned case and dial make it the least conventional model in the range.
Best lightweight option: PRX Titanium 38mm
At 84g, it is considerably lighter than the 104g steel 35mm automatic and 138g steel 40mm automatic.
Final verdict
There are so many variations of the PRX you could have a whole collection of them, each serving a different style and occasion requirement, if you were so inclined that is. The 35mm is compact without wearing like a conventional 35mm dress watch. It is the strongest choice for smaller wrists and for buyers who prefer more restrained proportions. While it has the presence, some won't like the smaller dial.
The Damascus 38mm is the best-balanced size on paper, with the exotic finish, and the strap giving a lovely 43.2mm lug-to-lug fit without compromising on looks. I found one for £750 / $1000 new - is it pricey for a Tissot? Maybe, but not for the watch. The current titanium 38mm will hit the right balance for many, keeping the integrated bracelet, sizing down slightly while levelling up. These two make material preference a pivotal part of the decision.
The 40mm offers the greatest choice and strongest presence, but it should be judged as a watch with an effective span of more than 51mm rather than simply as a 40mm case.
Do not choose solely by diameter. Look at the rigid first links, where the bracelet begins to curve and how much wrist remains visible beside the case. You can go with a strap, but it loses some magic and can look a bit dull/rubbish.
You have to suck em and see, well I mean try before you buy. Or buy and then try and then return but that's a hassle. The PRX is one of the watches that I would say belongs in every collection, choose your favourite flavour and go for it, there are deals to be had and iterations to suits most tastes and wrist sizes. It's a design classic, a great first watch or latest watch. You won't be disappointed...unless you buy the wrong size.
Yours PRoXyingly,
Alvin
LINKS & THINGS
Tissot PRX Collection