Almost exactly a year after launching a special edition of the PRX celebrating the short-lived but much-loved Japanese anime series, Tissot returns with the PRX Grendizer 50th Anniversary Special Edition. Given its niche sensibility, the new addition to the PRX collection will fly under the radar for most watch buyers but should strike a chord with anime fans.

Limited to 1,975 pieces, a nod to series’ debut 50 years ago, the watch is mostly standard PRX fare, but with an all-black finish and a lume-embossed dial depicting Grendizer, capped with an 18k gold seconds hand that references the hero’s signature weapon – the Double Harken.

The upper section of the dial flange is engraved with the series’ Japanese title, “UFOロボ グレンダイザー”

Initial thoughts

Close on the heels of the RockWatch, the introduction of another limited edition of the PRX is telling. Tissot has long been the standard-bearer for value-priced watches within the Swatch Group portfolio, but value-oriented pricing can only get you so far; collectors buy watches because they are exciting. And the Grendizer is certainly that, managing to transform the widely appealing but somewhat generic ’70s look of the PRX into something more distinctive. In other words, it’s not trying to look like anything else.

The watch itself is the familiar PRX, meaning it has an easy-wearing 40 mm case that’s a hair under 11 mm thick. But here the stainless steel case is coated with a black finish, and the standard tapisserie-style dial is dropped in favour of a close-up of Grendizer and his closed fist; the key elements of which are treated with Super-LumiNova.

At EUR1,095 including VAT, the new Grendizer is priced at a 22% premium compared to last year’s model, perhaps due to its limited edition status. Naturally, the value proposition is tied to the Grendizer intellectual property, and for some fans of the series it’s probably an easy decision.

Black and gold

Like its predecessor, the new PRX features a seconds hand shaped like a Harken, Grendizer’s double-headed scythe-style weapon. Surprisingly, the seconds hand is made of 18k gold, which is a premium touch.

Inside, the Grendizer is powered by the cheap and cheerful cal. 80.111, more commonly known as the Powermatic due to its 80-hour power reserve. Built for economy and convenience, the Powermatic is one of the most affordable movements that features a free-sprung balance, something that was once the exclusive domain of higher-end watches. Its presence here demonstrates Swatch Group’s command of industrial watchmaking.

A focus on collectibles

The boxes are a signal that the Grendizer editions are first and foremost mass market collectibles; the fact they are watches seems almost incidental. That said, the choice to use the PRX platform makes sense given that its design is rooted the same era as the Grendizer series.

The packaging emphasises the Grendizer IP above all, based on the Spazer spaceship that Grendizer rides.

Furthermore, the new edition includes a set of drawings, hand-signed by the cartoon’s creator Go Nagai himself. The signed art prints were developed specifically for this model, and come packaged in a box that looks like a pack of trading cards.

Key facts and price

Tissot PRX 40mm UFO Robot Grendizer Special Edition
Ref. T137.407.33.051.01

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: Yes, 1,975 pieces
Availability: Now at Tissot boutiques and retailers
Price: €1,095 including VAT

For more, visit Tissotwatches.com.