Citizen Tsuyosa, "The PRX killer" - or is it??
The Tsuyosa has been out for quite some time now, and I keep seeing the phrase "PRX killer" way too often. Well, as someone who owns both, I can wholeheartedly assure you: No, the Tsuyosa is NOT a PRX killer. In fact, it's not even in the same ballpark. But let me explain:
1. The Tissot PRX is a reissue of a very popular Tissot Seastar model from the late 70s, with an integrated bracelet. While the quartz model with its sunburst dial is an almost identical copy, the Powermatic 80 variant is a more luxurious reinterpretation, with a waffle dial faintly resembling the one on the AP Royal Oak. The PRX (both variants) offers a smart casual, vintage look and is finished to a very high standard. The butterfly clasp is milled.
2. The Citizen Tsuyosa is very loosely based on various different Rolex models, with its dial resembling the one found on the Oyster Perpetual and its bracelet being based on the Day-Date "President". It offers decent build quality for the price and an entry-level Miyota automatic movement. Though also being 40 mm in diameter, it wears much smaller than the 40 mil PRX due to its more rounded case and a shorter lug-to-lug distance. The folding clasp is pressed.
Now, also take into consideration that the PRX quartz model and the Tsuyosa are roughly in the same price range (depending on which colour and where you buy it), and you'll soon realise that the "PRX killer" argument is invalid. While the Tsuyosa offers an automatic movement, it's the most basic, entry-level one in the entire Miyota lineup. The PRX, on the other hand, is fitted with a swiss ETA F06.115 with some neat features like shock absorption and end-of-life indication.
It might sound like I'm against the Tsuyosa and pro-PRX, which I'm absolutely not. Both are excellent watches that I love wearing occasionally. They're just not really comparable, all things considered. One is a fun japanese entry-level watch with a more elegant approach. The other is a vintage-inspired sports watch with cyberpunk vibes.
TL;DR: PRX vs. Tsuyosa = 🍎 and 🍊.
My watch collection: - Addiesdive MY-H3 (Rolex Submariner homage) - Bersigar BG-9601M (TH Aquaracer homage) - Bersigar BG-1639 (Rolex Submariner homage) - Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B258 - Cadisen C8217 (Ro...
Personally, I think the main difference is just the style of both. The PRX is a very angular, bold watch, while the Tsuyosa is more elegant and is much less of one flowing design like the PRX is.
I disagree with the tsuyosa having more elements of the rolex vs the Genta inspired 70s cases. Sure Tissot pulled the older case in their lineup from the 70s as but everyone back then was copying Genta and the Royal Oak he designed. Also comparing movements, I much prefer to actually be able to service a movement and regulate it myself vs the unserviceable swapping movement monster swatch group is becoming. I refuse to accept a $600 price tag for a watch with some plastic internals that can't be self regulated it's just wrong.
I have a PRX and about to get the citizen and it seems like the lume on the Tsuyosa is way better
The PRX from what I understand has plastic components while the Citizens does not.