IBWF and A Farewell to My PRX
Like a lot of enthusiasts, when Tissot dropped the PRX (and specifically the Powermatic 80), I fell in love and immediately made space in my watchbox for it. Since then, it’s truly been a fantastic little watch. Well made, great movement, slick looks, a very nice bracelet, and finishing that punches above its weight. And all at a fair price.
But, to be honest, over the past year and half or so, I began wearing it less and less, eventually only putting it on out of “obligation” because I realized it had been so long since I wore it last. No imperical reason why; it’s still comfortable and good looking, yet it was all but relegated to the dusty end of my watchbox. And finally, has been shipped off to a new owner. Why then?
Is it just the natural order of things, and the waning of that “honeymoon” period we get to enjoy with our watches? Maybe. But there are pieces in my collection that have well outlived that honeymoon and still elicit a smile when I put them on or glance down in the middle of the day.
No, the case of me falling out of love with the PRX is different, and more perceptibly “external” in origin. I think I may have come down with IBWF (Integrated Bracelet Watch Fatigue). And I wonder how many other watch enthusiasts are beginning to feel the effects, or have a full blown case already.
When the PRX first dropped, it was pretty exciting to have an affordable Swiss-made taste of that 70s “Genta-y” vibe. But now it appears the trend has reached critical mass, with countless brands from the upper echelons to microbrands adding one in the lineup. Most are fine watches, no doubt, and I would never fault businesses for chasing market share. But for me, the novelty has worn off. And I don’t think I’m alone. Sure, the PRX was already downstream of the fervor surrounding the Royal Oak, Nautilus, Overseas… etc., but I believe it was the first in that all-important “sub $1k enthusiast segment” and now that the market seems to be saturated at all price points, it’s lost its luster. It sounds silly, but I think that oversaturation, overexposure, ubiquity, fatigue... whatever you want to call it, ultimately led to me growing tired of the watch on my own wrist prematurely.
Did I fall prey to "watch influencers" and buy based on hype? Am I just shallow and too pre-occupied with the watch zeitgeist? Probably guilty on both counts, haha, but I have to wonder if I'm the only one.
The PRX and others like it are still awesome watches, and anything that strengthens and endears this hobby of ours to the larger world of consumers is fine in my book. Great, actually. But personally, I’m ready to move on.
Who knows though 🤷♂️ tastes are constantly shifting. “Never say never” and all that. And if I ever do get the itch to dip my toes back into the integrated bracelet pool, I’d probably be looking at a CW Twelve or even the Mido TV Big Date.
How about you? What’s the sentiment in the larger Cruncherverse about integrated bracelet watches as of late 2023?
Are you coming down with IBWF? 🤒
Just a man with a few too many watches…
I bought mine this year and I still love it. Actually I like it even more then when I got it. I ended up getting a sailor and leather straps for it.
I bought mine this year and I still love it. Actually I like it even more then when I got it. I ended up getting a sailor and leather straps for it.
Beauty on that strap 👌
I bought mine this year and I still love it. Actually I like it even more then when I got it. I ended up getting a sailor and leather straps for it.
Looks much better on the sailcloth.
I bought mine this year and I still love it. Actually I like it even more then when I got it. I ended up getting a sailor and leather straps for it.
I love the look in that sailor wow
Got fed up with integrated bracelets many years ago when I had an Oris Aquis, before the current Genta craze.
I'm not a fan of his 70's designs anyway , prefer his classical stuff like the Polerouter and Omega C shapes.
I bought mine this year and I still love it. Actually I like it even more then when I got it. I ended up getting a sailor and leather straps for it.
what brand is the sailor?
My one frustration with the PRX is the lack of straps from Tissot directly...I can't believe they haven't taken advantage of this! Also, the prices that some companies are asking for rubber straps etc are pretty ridiculous for a watch at this price point. Otherwise I still enjoy having the watch.
I bought mine this year and I still love it. Actually I like it even more then when I got it. I ended up getting a sailor and leather straps for it.
These pictures actually make me want a PRX😅 Where did you get the straps from?🤔
I have two PRXs. One, the tiffany blue in bracelet and another, dark blue in a leather strap. I tend to agree with you that the hype may be over. But I like to swith the straps to one another, just to make them interesting and not get bored. Both are here to stay and will not trade them with something else. 😘
I’m at the point where I’ve wanted one for a long time, but I think I tend to move slowly in acquiring pieces. I’m not sure I’m going to get one and I don’t know why. It’s a gorgeous piece but I’m really happy with my collection right now. If anything I’m more interested in the digital version as it’s so bizarre.
Oh thats right I also have a PRX.
I haven’t wore it for a long time
I have two PRXs. One, the tiffany blue in bracelet and another, dark blue in a leather strap. I tend to agree with you that the hype may be over. But I like to swith the straps to one another, just to make them interesting and not get bored. Both are here to stay and will not trade them with something else. 😘
Your and @Mr.Santana ‘s comments bring up a really good point. I’m a notorious strap-swapper, and I never had the opportunity with my PRX. Maybe having even a few options for variety would’ve made a difference for me. 🍻
I knew going in that the PRX was a one-trick pony, it's selling point being the 70s design. And it does look neat and wears comfortably in the small quartz version. It's kinda like a GADA watch for me, something I put on when I'm in a rush. As such, it works for me.
Fantastic read. Nailed the fact that, the sub 1k market is flooded. Also, I agree with you on the IBWF. I actually got the CW 12 but it didn’t cut it for me, returned.
I’ve never been a fan of the PRX, not bc of its mass appeal/following but specifically/simply the GG design never appealed to me. Now the “new” Mido TV Big Date is another matter! Good luck w your decision 🤙❤️
what brand is the sailor?
My one frustration with the PRX is the lack of straps from Tissot directly...I can't believe they haven't taken advantage of this! Also, the prices that some companies are asking for rubber straps etc are pretty ridiculous for a watch at this price point. Otherwise I still enjoy having the watch.
I have an extra new OEM black rubber strap.If interested,let me know
I was about to suggest that you had a "watch that looked like everyone else's" fatigue
I love my PRX. Living in San Francisco I have never seen anyone else with one. It’s Apple Watch central here. I find my self rotating my ice blue PRX with my blue Baltic Aquascaphe and yellowfin Henry Archer Nordso depending on what I am wearing or doing. I have an Apple Watch that sits in the drawer. The PRX always feels luxe to me.
Just ordered the Tissot black rubber strap to change up the look. Still love mine!
I’ve not had IBWF. But the Clap? All I can say is I ain’t visiting Amsterdam ever again.
I never understood the whole “strap monster” moniker for some watches. I had my Bulova chrono 98A100 on a bracelet since I bought it in 2007. Integrated Bracelet Fatigue is not a thing in my opinion. I don’t buy a watch just to change straps or bracelet, I like the watch as a whole. However giving into group think or hype is a thing that gets to us all. It is ok to admit we get persuaded to buy certain things because others who we consider of better knowledge heavily promote and have a social reach.
I fell for this phenomenon with the Hamilton Khaki. I bought the watch because I was hearing all this awesome things about it, like the heritage and historical significance of the model. Then I found out the Khaki is based on the MIL W 46374, so I was not wearing a civilian model like the Benrus Series 3061, so that was a let down. I have never liked pass through nylon straps. I equate them with wearing a piece of rope as a belt but on my wrist. But I gave into what the experts were saying. Eventually, and thankfully after less than a month I realized I could not justify the price for watch with a piece of nylon as a strap, no AR coating rough and sharp edges and not truly a reproduction of the original MIL spec watch and I returned the watch and got my money back.
The positive, I wore it and “enjoyed” the watch until I didn’t. I think that is part of this “hobby”
Currently wearing my Casio Oceanus S100 with an integrated bracelet and I still love it! I swap it out regularly with my other watches, but it's still one of my favorites.
Im eyeing this one on ebay
First off, IBWF is real. I often see watches that I would consider buying if not for the integrated bracelet. I’ve got two IBs, and that’s plenty. That said, I still like my PRX a lot.
I think it’s just part of watch collecting that the shine of some watches wears off. I don’t know that there’s a single reason for it or any real way to tell without owning the watch, but it’s probably more surprising that anybody has any watches they live for years. We’re fickle creatures and we crave new things. This works against us forming a long term bond with a watch.
Keep enjoying the ones you still love and keep exploring.
I will not sell mine again. This was my entry into the world of watches (again) after owning an Apple watch for one year. It was the Quartz version but it scratched an itch (many, many itches as it turned out).
I've had so many odysseys with the PRX model family and owned the Chrono for a time that it kinda burned itself into memory.
Even though I don't wear it that often anymore (GS it is, now) I will keep it. It will not bring in that much cash given its condition and this is my only watch that I can comfortably wear on the original rubber straps. A nice little summer piece.
I purchased my PRX Mint dial quartz as a summer/vacation watch so I wouldn’t get bored with it. Works great as a beach bbq or tiki bar party accessory. Can take a few shocks from volleyball 🏐 or a jump in the pool 🏊♂️ and come right back to the bar🍹
I couldn't have put it better.
Maybe a generation thing, but the 1970's current hype is not my cuppa.
I have seen enough ugly orange and brown wallpapers, scratchy synthetic turtleneck sweaters, brightly coloured plastic stools and wedge shaped supercars when I was a kid, I don't need any more of it
Are those Tissot specific straps?
Yea they made specifically for the PRX but they where not made by tissot
CW Mido and dream Czapek :)
Here's the thing with my PRX. On weekdays I got a bunch of watches I wear in rotation. An Orange Seiko 5, a GS SBGX063, a Nomos Club, a PRX 35 mm auto, and a Gshock for field work.
Everyday, I'm just compelled to grab the PRX because it never stood in the way of what I'm doing. I never once thought of the hype or how many others were probably wearing it at work or how it looks like a GG design.
Everytime, it does what it is meant to do, to tell me the time. I can hide it under my sleeve or fling my wrist around because it wasn't a few thousand dollar watch.
Sometimes when you get a watch, you just know that it works well for you no questions asked. I think the PRX is one of those watches for me. Look past the hype and what others think. And when that happens, that's when you will enjoy your timepieces.
Yes IBWF is absolutely a thing and I've definitely got it too. I think it's the same as Vintage Dive Watch Fatigue and Bronze Case Watch Fatigue, which I've also experienced. There will always be examples that rise to the top, the pinnacles of the thing being discussed, but the also-rans and latecomers and not quite rights will fall away with time and exposure. I also bought a PRX and wore it regularly for a while, then less, then not at all. It's not a bad watch, but it's also not a great watch, it's nice and it's competent and it looks good, but that's it. It's a Toyota Camry, and yeah it's a sporty 2 door Camry with a sunroof, but at the end of the day it's still a Camry.