
I love the Tissot PRX. I own several, and it’s easily one of my most worn watches. There’s something effortlessly beautiful about its lightweight, integrated design that exudes an aesthetic far more luxurious than its affordable price tag suggests.
Plus, the variety of dial colors and textures is incredible, with many available in unique and unconventional shades.
Most importantly, many references feature the Powermatic 80 automatic movement, a Swiss-made caliber with an impressive 80-hour power reserve that, surprisingly, doesn’t inflate the price as much as one might expect.
So, if you couldn’t already tell, I’m probably not the best person to ask for an unbiased opinion on the Tissot PRX as a whole.
However, if you’re debating between the two available sizes, the 35mm or the 40mm, I feel quite qualified to offer my perspective. I own both and genuinely love them, but each comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, especially depending on wrist size and personal preferences.
In today’s article, I’ll be diving deep into the two Tissot PRX sizes, breaking down what each offers, where they fall short (if at all), where they excel, and ultimately, which one might be the best fit for you and your style.
A Quick Background on the Tissot PRX Collection

If you’re drawn to the sporty elegance of integrated sports watches, you’re certainly not short on options. Some of the most iconic models in this category include the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.
The Royal Oak, designed by the legendary Gérald Genta in the 1970s, was a true game-changer. With its distinctive octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and exceptional finishing, it broke the mold of traditional watchmaking and set a new standard for luxury sports watches.
Shortly after, Genta went on to design another legend known as the Patek Philippe Nautilus. According to watchmaking lore, he sketched the first iteration of the Nautilus in just five minutes while sitting at a restaurant.
Like the Royal Oak, it featured an integrated bracelet, an octagonal bezel, and a signature horizontally striped dial, making it instantly recognizable.
While these watches are undoubtedly iconic, they’re also incredibly expensive. Even on the second-hand market, both models can fetch well over $40,000, putting them far beyond the reach of most watch enthusiasts.
Fortunately, for those who love the integrated sports watch aesthetic but have a more modest budget, Tissot offers a compelling alternative with the PRX collection.
Tissot completely changed the game in 2021 when they reintroduced the PRX. But its history actually dates back to 1978, when the original PRX made its debut. Like its high-end counterparts of the time, it featured an integrated bracelet, a sleek barrel-shaped case, and a quartz movement.
The name “PRX” stood for Precision, Robustness, and 10-bar water resistance (with the “X” representing the Roman numeral for 10). Despite being one of the most affordable integrated sports watches of its era, the PRX was discontinued after just a few years.
Fast forward to 2021, and Tissot brought the PRX back in a big way. The modern collection pays tribute to its predecessor while refining the design for today’s market.
It retains the same tonneau-shaped case, integrated bracelet, and polished bezel but is now available in both quartz and automatic versions.
Over the past four years, the PRX collection has expanded significantly. What started as a lineup of 40mm quartz models has grown to include 35mm variations, automatic Powermatic 80 options, and even a PRX Chronograph.
With its stylish design, Swiss craftsmanship, and accessible price point, the PRX has cemented itself as one of the best value propositions in the integrated sports watch category.
The Tissot PRX 35
As mentioned, the Tissot PRX 40 came first, but it wasn’t long before a 35mm version followed and it was definitely a welcome addition, especially for those of us with slightly smaller wrists.
As someone with a wrist measuring around 5.5 inches, the 35mm sizing suits my frame much better. And if you have a similar wrist size, or even one slightly larger, there’s a good chance this model will be a perfect fit for you too.
In terms of dimensions, the Tissot PRX 35mm stays true to its name, measuring 35mm in width. However, the height and thickness vary slightly depending on the movement inside.
The quartz-powered models have a case length of 34.6mm, a width of 35mm, a slim 9.6mm thickness, and an 11mm lug width. Thanks to its ultra-slim profile, the quartz PRX 35mm sits beautifully low on the wrist, making it exceptionally comfortable to wear.
Meanwhile, the automatic Powermatic 80 versions measure slightly larger, with a case length of 35mm, the same width of 35mm, a slightly thicker 10.93mm case, and the same 11mm lug width.
While the automatic version is marginally thicker, the difference is subtle, though still something to consider if you prefer a thinner watch on the wrist.
One of the most notable differences between the quartz and automatic PRX 35mm models is the dial texture. The Powermatic 80 versions feature a stunning tapisserie dial, an intricate, textured pattern that bears a strong resemblance to the one seen on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
This texture enhances the way light interacts with the dial, making the colors appear more dynamic and full of depth. The available shades include navy blue, light pastel blue, white, black, emerald green, and bright mint green.
In contrast, the quartz-powered Tissot PRX 35mm models have a smooth dial with a subtle sunray brushing, giving them a more understated yet equally elegant look.
While some colors mirror those in the automatic range, such as silver, navy, light blue, and green, there are also exclusive variations available only in the quartz lineup, including white mother-of-pearl, gold, and a striking hot pink (a recent release that I’m seriously tempted to add to my own collection).
Regardless of the movement, every Tissot PRX 35mm stays true to the collection’s signature aesthetic. The dials are adorned with faceted, stick-like indexes and simple baton-shaped hands.
All of the hardware is silvered and brightly polished, which, when combined with the faceted indexes, creates an eye-catching sparkle as it catches the light. For nighttime readability, a modest amount of lume is applied to the hands, offering just enough visibility without overpowering the sleek design.
The case and bracelet finishing are equally well thought out. The stainless steel surfaces are primarily vertically brushed, giving the watch a refined, sporty look.
Because of the integrated bracelet design, this finishing enhances the seamless, all-in-one aesthetic. To create contrast, the bezel is brightly polished, catching the light beautifully and complementing the polished hardware on the dial.
Although it boasts a stylish and sophisticated design, the PRX 35mm is still a sports watch at heart. Tissot ensures practicality by equipping every model with 100 meters of water resistance, making it durable enough for daily wear. It also comes with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an impressive inclusion for a Swiss-made watch at this price.
As for the movement, quartz-powered models use a standard Swiss-made caliber with hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. Automatic versions, on the other hand, are powered by the Powermatic 80, offering an impressive 80-hour power reserve meaning you can take it off for an entire weekend without needing to reset it.
As you’d expect, the PRX 35mm Quartz models are the most affordable of the lot, retailing from $395 while automatic variants are priced from $675.
The Tissot PRX 40

Now for the original Tissot PRX, the PRX 40. This model is the one that kicked off the PRX collection, and it follows a similar pattern to the 35mm model in terms of design and style but with a slightly larger profile. The PRX 40 offers a bit more wrist presence for those who prefer a larger watch but don’t want to go too oversized.
The dimensions of the PRX 40 vary slightly between the quartz and automatic models. For the quartz version, the case dimensions include a length of 39.5mm, a width of 40mm, a thickness of 10.4mm and a lug width of 12mm.
It’s once again a nice, manageable size with just the right amount of presence, especially for those who prefer a watch that’s not too thick or bulky. Again, the automatic models are slightly thicker at 10.93mm, still incredibly slim, especially for a mechanical timepiece, but something to keep in mind if you prefer a more delicate profile.
When it comes to dials, there’s again a clear difference between the quartz and automatic versions. The quartz PRX 40 models feature sunray-brushed dials in colours like navy blue, black, white, mint green, emerald green, and even gold.
On the other hand, the automatic models are treated to the signature tapisserie texture, which gives them that iconic, more dynamic look.
You’ll find that the automatic models have even more dial options to choose from compared to the 35mm family, including some special editions that are exclusive to this size family.
The classic dial colors remain like the black, navy, light blue, silver, gold, emerald green, and mint green, but if you’re into more unique designs, there’s some exciting options.
For instance, you’ve got models with two-tone cases finished in gold plating, as well as select pieces with integrated rubber straps, which are perfect for a sportier, more casual look.
There are also special edition models like the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Carbon 40mm which features a super lightweight black carbon case and a matching black carbon dial.
Another standout is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Gradient 40mm, which comes with a stunning blue dial that transitions in color, creating a cool gradient effect as the hue shifts from light to dark.
Other than these special editions, the PRX 40 shares a lot of the same characteristics with the 35mm models.
The layout of the dial is the same, with faceted indexes and baton-shaped hands, all finished in silvered, polished hardware that gives it that signature sparkle. Both the quartz and automatic models come with 100 meters of water resistance, making them just as durable as their smaller counterparts.
The case finishing follows the same pattern, with vertical brushing on the majority of the stainless steel, giving it a sleek, sporty look, while the polished bezel adds some shine and contrast. The same Swiss-made movements are used in both models, delivering the same excellent quality you’d expect from Tissot.
Despite being larger in size, the Tissot PRX 40mm shares the same retail price as the 35mm models. Those powered by quartz movements retail from $395 while the automatic models are priced from $675.
Tissot PRX 35 vs 40 – How to Choose
When it comes to choosing between the Tissot PRX 35mm and 40mm, the decision really comes down to your personal style, wrist size, and the kind of features you’re looking for. Both models maintain the same stunning design elements, but each caters to slightly different tastes and needs.
For those with smaller wrists or those who simply prefer a more compact, subtle watch, the PRX 35mm is a fantastic choice. As someone with a wrist around 5.5 inches, I can personally vouch for how beautifully the 35mm fits and sits low on the wrist.
Its slim profile means it’s incredibly comfortable to wear all day long without feeling bulky. If your wrist is on the smaller side or if you prefer a more refined look without the large wrist presence, the PRX 35mm is a perfect match.
The PRX 35mm is also ideal if you’re someone who appreciates a more understated dial but still something with plenty of character. The smooth sunray-brushed dial of the quartz version is subtly eye-catching while the automatic version’s tapisserie dial adds an extra layer of texture and depth.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more wrist presence or have a slightly larger wrist, the PRX 40mm may be a better fit for you. While it’s still far from oversized, the 40mm version offers more surface area and makes a bit more of a statement on the wrist. The slightly thicker profile also gives it a bit more of a substantial feel.
The 40mm also provides more variety when it comes to dial colours. You’ll find the classic sunray-brushed finishes in the quartz versions, but there’s a lot more to play with in the automatic models. Whether you’re into bold gradient effects or sleek black carbon designs, the 40mm offers some exciting choices that you won’t find in the 35mm lineup.
Conclusion
So to wrap things up, the decision between the Tissot PRX 35mm and 40mm largely depends on your personal style, wrist size, and what features matter most to you.
The 35mm version is perfect for those with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more compact, refined look. Its slim profile and understated elegance make it an ideal choice for those seeking a sleek, comfortable daily wear.
On the other hand, the 40mm version offers a bit more wrist presence, a wider range of dial colours, and even some special edition models, making it great for those who want a bolder statement or more case and dial options.
Honestly, the Tissot PRX collection as a whole is a fantastic choice for any collector, new or old. It’s the watch I recommend to everyone and it’s the watch I wear most. So if you take anything from today, it’s that the Tissot PRX is worth every cent, no matter whether it’s the 35mm or the 40mm.