A tribute to the Japanese anime and manga series, about an alien robot, the PRX UFO Robot Grendizer Special Edition is the latest variant of Tissot’s bestselling sports watch. It’s based on the standard PRX 40 mm and incorporates elements of the anime series, including a blue dial with a stamped motif of the titular robot and a seconds hand with a counterweight in the shape of Grenadier’s bladed weapon.

Initial thoughts

Although the update to the model is only cosmetic, the collaboration makes sense, especially given the affordable nature of the watch. With the obvious elements from the cartoon, the Grendizer theme is obvious and just right for an accessible sports watch. This is undoubtedly a unique take on the original PRX, but the fact that the Grendizer aesthetic is so strongly present might actually deter those who aren’t fans of the cartoon.

Priced at US$825, the PRX Grendizer is a good value proposition, just like the standard model. In fact, for someone looking for a PRX that’s different – the standard model is a bit generic – this is much more compelling for essentially the same price.

A giant flying robot

The Grendizer edition has exactly the same dimensions as the standard model. The steel case is 40 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, satin-brushed on top with mirror-polished bevels along the edges of the case flank. Featuring an integrated bracelet, it wears smaller than it measures due to the slim case profile.

Unlike the standard model, however, the dial does away with the signature PRX waffle texture. Instead, the blue dial features a stamped bust of Grendizer, a robot that one alien race uses to defend itself against another in the comic. Notably, the dial sports two colours of lume. The applied indices and baton hands are coated with blue Super-LumiNova, while Grendizer is outlined in yellow Super-LumiNova.

The seconds hand has a counterweight shaped like the harken, the crescent-bladed staff wielded by Grendizer. And finally, the upper edge of the dial flange is engraved with the series’ Japanese title, “UFOロボ グレンダイザー”.

Through the sapphire case back, Powermatic 80 is visible with its rotor stamped with Grendizer. Based on the ETA C07.111, it’s an industrial, no-frills workhorse with a power reserve of 80 hours and a paramagnetic Nivachron balance spring.

Key facts and price

Tissot PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer Special Edition
Ref. T137.407.11.041.02

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.9 mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Powermatic 80.111
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet with folding clasp

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Tissot boutiques and retailers
Price: US$825

For more, visit Tissotwatches.com.