I bought Tissot's alternative strap for the PRX...

The Tissot PRX is unique in the watch world. It's one of the few affordable watches whose bracelet is widely loved by enthusiasts; between the superb styling, excellent finishing, great clasp and respectable solid links, the PRX's bracelet is integral to both the watch’s case and it's identity. But there's one major drawback: the availability of straps, or rather, the lack thereof. Because the PRX's lug width is all of 12mm, finding new straps to change up the watch’s style is a bit of a challenge.

Given that they made the thing, it would make sense that Tissot would have a few straps for owners to buy and use. And they do...have all of two straps for you to choose from, both of which are fundamentally the same.

Tissot’s official PRX strap is made out of genuine cowhide leather made to look like croc leather, and is available in dark blue or black for $55 on Tissot’s website. While I'm not a big fan of fake croc, the strap feels reasonably well-made, albeit a bit stiff and firm. Surprisingly Tissot decided to make the lining out of suede instead of traditional tanned leather. I really appreciate this change, as it doesn't feel as harsh on my wrist when I'm sweating. Like the bracelet the strap has a pretty good quick-release system. While it takes a bit to get the hang of dismantling and attaching the bracelet or strap (since both the case and the strap/bracelet are notched and the quick-release pins are close to the case) the strap feels stable once attached to the case.

Once on the PRX, the strap is basically cemented to the case. While it conforms nicely to your wrist, you can't move the strap freely, because the stainless steel part that integrates into the case itself doesn’t allow the leather to move. As a result you have to lie the PRX down on it's side or crystal, or otherwise put it on a watch case pillow.

The biggest problem I have with the strap is that it simply isn't very versatile. While it makes the PRX look more discreet, the leather won't stand up nicely to any exposure to water, sweat or other elements. While you could argue that this doesn't really matter when you consider how easy it is to switch out the strap with the bracelet, it doesn’t allow for any further personalization of the best sub-$1k watch on the market. Furthermore, the two colors that you can currently choose from won't go very well with certain outfits, especially if you're wearing brown or just non-black leather. While you can buy aftermarket PRX straps, most of them start at about $100. While not terribly expensive, they'll start to stack up once you buy more and more straps.

However, there is an answer to these First-World woes. Some guy in Switzerland named Alexander makes a strap adapter for the PRX, and sells it for about SFr. 100. Alexander's adapter is compatible with any 22mm strap, which, as you might’ve guessed, is a way more economically efficient way to customize your PRX. I actually ordered one, and I'll be sure to write a review of it when I get it.