Few collaborations manage to bridge the worlds of horology and pop culture with such finesse. The new Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Grendizer 50th Anniversary does exactly that, merging the sharp design of one of Switzerland’s most popular modern collections with the legendary Japanese super robot. It is a watch that speaks as much to design enthusiasts as it does to collectors of anime heritage.
Tissot and the Rise of the PRX
Founded in 1853, Tissot has long built its reputation on accessible Swiss watchmaking with a balance of quality, heritage, and innovation. In recent years, the PRX collection has become the brand’s spearhead, tapping into the current appetite for integrated bracelet sports watches. With its 1970s-inspired case and versatile sizing, the PRX has grown into a phenomenon, both among newcomers discovering mechanical timepieces and seasoned collectors looking for an everyday companion with real substance. Against this backdrop, Tissot is now experimenting with bold editions that expand the PRX universe, and the Grendizer 50th Anniversary watch is perhaps its most daring yet.
Technical Execution in Black and Gold
The watch comes in the familiar 40mm PRX Powermatic 80 case, but here it is coated in black PVD for a stealthy, modern presence. The flat surfaces, angular profile, and integrated bracelet design remain intact, though the darker tone immediately shifts its character. Gold-colored accents across the hands, indexes, and bezel screws bring a sharp contrast, tying directly to Grendizer’s armor palette. Inside ticks the Powermatic 80 movement, a self-winding caliber with an 80-hour power reserve, silicon balance spring, and proven reliability across the Swatch Group portfolio. The sapphire caseback is adorned with a printed Grendizer motif, underscoring that this is more than just a cosmetic collaboration—it’s a fully realized tribute to a cultural milestone.
A Watch for Collectors and Fans Alike
Visually, the PRX Grendizer Edition makes a strong impression. The black PVD case and bracelet set the stage for details that anime fans will immediately recognize, while still retaining the clean geometry that has made the PRX such a success. This isn’t a novelty piece destined to sit untouched in a box; it has the wearability, slimness, and versatility the PRX is known for, meaning it can easily transition from casual weekends to office attire. It speaks both to those who grew up watching Grendizer and to those who simply want a PRX with a more striking personality. In that sense, it functions as a cross-cultural bridge—part horological object, part nostalgic keepsake.
Availability, Pricing, and Perspective
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Grendizer 50th Anniversary Special Edition is priced at USD 825, a figure that remains very much in line with the wider PRX range despite the added design work and commemorative detailing. It will be available through selected Tissot retailers and online channels, positioned as a limited special edition, though not strictly numbered. From a collector’s standpoint, it adds an extra layer of storytelling to an already desirable watch, while from a wearer’s perspective, it retains all the qualities that have made the PRX one of the most compelling entry-level Swiss mechanical watches today.
At the end of the day, it’s a fun and unexpected take on a modern classic that still manages to feel entirely Tissot. And honestly, isn’t that exactly what makes this hobby so enjoyable? If you are a fan of the brand, you really need to check out the Ballade COSC Powermatic, a Rolex DateJust lookalike that really deserves attention !
