3 Alternative Choices to the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 has taken the affordable watch world by storm. This integrated bracelet sport watch checks all the boxes - it has an elegant and timeless design inspired by the luxury watches of the 1970s, it boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve courtesy of the Powermatic 80 movement, and it comes in at a very reasonable price point. Little wonder then that the PRX has been so popular and hard to get. 

 

Source: Monochrome Watches

 

But what if you've struck out trying to acquire this hit watch? Or what if you're looking for something with a similar vibe but a bit different? We've got you covered with three great alternative options that rival or even best the PRX. From the underrated value of the Seiko Lord Matic to the surprising affordability of Tudor's Royal line to the cult classic Christopher Ward The Twelve, this article will explore three stellar integrated bracelet sport watches worthy of your consideration as an alternative to the Tissot PRX juggernaut.

The Seiko Lord Matic

Source: u/Tomas185 on Reddit

 

Like the PRX, the Lord Matic is an integrated bracelet sport watch with a vintage-inspired design harkening back to the 1970s. It has a similar cushion-shaped case with sleek lines and brushed finishing. The dial layouts are also quite similar, with simple line markers though the one on the Lord Matic does not feature any ornamental pattern, compared to the waffle texture on the PRX. So if you're drawn to the PRX's overall retro vibe and styling, the Lord Matic will scratch that same itch.

However, the Lord Matic brings its own unique flavors to the table that some may prefer over the PRX. Its case sizing is more compact at 36mm, giving it a dressier look suited for smaller wrists. And importantly, the Lord Matic runs on an in-house Seiko movement with 21,600 bph, and a longer 90-hour power reserve that bests the Powermatic 80. 

Add in the fact that Seiko has more accessible pricing and the Lord Matic makes for a very compelling affordable alternative.

The Tudor Royal

Source: Monochrome Watches

 

For those looking to step up from the affordable luxury of the PRX to the higher-end Swiss pedigree, the Tudor Royal M28603-0007 is another watch to look at. Like the PRX, it has an integrated bracelet design with vintage cues. But the Royal elevates the concept significantly with premium materials and movements.

The 41mm stainless steel case features a two-tone look with an 18k yellow gold bezel and center links. The piece de resistance is the chocolate brown sunburst dial with applied gold Roman numerals - a rich and refined colorway. The separate day and date windows add functionality and style to an already beautiful watch face.

Powering the watch is Tudor's Sellita-based T603 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve which may sound underwhelming compared to the 80 hours on the Powermatic 80, though it does boast of a higher 28,800bph. It's not in-house or chronometer certified like Tudor's higher-end offerings, but still a step above the Powermatic 80 inside the PRX.

What really makes the Tudor Royal a cut above is its exceptional finishing and attention to detail. The integrated bracelet has seamless transitions into the tonneau case and the clasp operates quite solidly.

Christopher Ward The Twelve

Source: Worn and Wound

 

For those who find the PRX's vintage leanings a bit too derivative, the Christopher Ward The Twelve blazes its own distinctly modern path that might be more your cup of tea. This integrated bracelet sports watch features a striking geometric case design and intricate textured dials, while adding some unique touches that makes it worth the consideration.

The multi-faceted octagonal case features a mix of brushed, polished, and sandblasted surfaces that play with light in captivating ways. Also, the bezel is more angular than the PRX’s pilot-style, minimalistic approach. The crown is sandwiched between two elongated guards that span more than half of the case’s length. Dial options range from cool contemporary tones like glacier blue to bolder statement colors like the frosted lichen green.

The stainless steel bracelets integrate seamlessly into the angular cases and feature an impeccable butterfly clasp. You also have an option to go for a rubber strap for a more casual look.

Interestingly, Christopher Ward offers the design in two sizes - a traditional 40mm as well as a welcome 36mm option better suited to smaller wrists. Both share impressive 100m water resistance though the smaller version omits the date window for a cleaner look.

Powering the watches is the ever-present Sellita SW200-1 with a 38-hour power reserve, 28,800bph beat rate, and a thickness of 4.6mm. 

A Custom Alternative

Source: @mod_by_kellan

 

If these three sound like good suggestions, but none really stand out as a clear winner to you, then perhaps the better route to take is a full-custom sports watch build that takes the same cues from the PRX Powermatic 80.

The NRX case has been a popular case since its release, because it allows people to make their own version of the Tissot PRX. Don’t get us wrong - we think the PRX already does a lot of things right, but personalization will bring it from great to perfect. We’ve seen an all-gold NRX build, a sporty pilot watch hybrid, and hypercustom dials that make it into a thoughtful commemorative gift.

If you have a unique vision for an integrated bracelet sports watch, you can bring it to reality easier with the NRX case.

Wrap Up

The Tissot PRX sparked a craze for affordable integrated bracelet sport watches inspired by luxury sports watches of the 1970s. But the PRX itself drew inspiration from Tissot's own heritage - the vintage PR516 models from that very era. Tissot tapped into that retro magic and made it accessible to a wider audience.

In the wake of the PRX's runaway success, other brands have stepped up with their own unique takes on this trendy design. Whether you want an affordable alternative, a premium upgrade, or something totally you, these PRX alternatives put an appealing new spin on a classic integrated style. 

And with Seiko mods, you can bring your own ideas into the mix. Be sure to check out our offerings so you can make the best possible version of your dream watch. With hundreds of choices and countless part combinations, you’ll surely achieve a nice addition to your watch collection.

Happy modding!