ReviewSwiss Brand Meets Japanese Manga: Introducing The Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer

Watchmakers have often looked back in time to find inspiration for their artistic creation(s). From cars and space to music and architecture, different realms have found their way into the world of horology, with pop culture being no different. Recently, the Swiss brand brought together the two icons of the 1970s to birth a special edition timepiece—the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer. Inspired by the Japanese Manga comic book series and animated television show UFO Robot Grendizer (1975 to 1977), also known as Goldorak, this timepiece transports one back to the good ol’ days, when anime had just begun gaining popularity. This was also the time when the original PRX (1978) was launched, with a promising future in the sporty chic segment. Released in collaboration with Go Nagai—the creator of the series—the UFO Robot Grendizer watch is classic and well-contoured, possessing a certain air of coolness. 

The show UFO Robot Grendizer is about Crown Prince Duke Fleed, who flees his home planet Fleed in a Grendizer—a robot that interfaces with Spacer, a flying saucer—after it gets invaded by the antagonist, King Vega. He then lands on Earth, while continuing his fight against Vega to take back his homeland. Along with Japan, the show was a hit in European countries such as France and Italy by the name of Goldorak. Now, this legendary robot is back to grace the dial and rotor of the Tissot PRX, at a time when Japanese anime is already gaining traction worldwide, with an ever-increasing fanbase. Here’s more on it.

The case features an inscription on the upper flange with the Japanese text  ‘UFOロボ グレンダイザー’ —the original title for Grendizer

The Grendizer is outlined with a yellow Super-LumiNova, while the hands and indices are coated with a green lume for a visually striking look in low-light conditions

The Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer: Case And Dial Design

As with previous versions of the Tissot PRX , the case of this timepiece is crafted with 316 stainless steel, measuring 40mm by 10mm, with a water resistance of 100m. Inside it is a beautiful blue dial featuring the bust of Grendizer—a tribute to the mecha robot. The Grendizer is outlined with a yellow Super-LumiNova, while the hands and indices are coated with a green lume for a visually striking look in low-light conditions. Some of the other elements from the series include the seconds hand in Harken style—a weapon mounted on Grendizer’s shoulders—and the inscription on the upper flange with the Japanese text  ‘UFOロボ グレンダイザー’ —the original title for Grendizer. 

“By merging UFO Robot Grendizer’s fight for a better future with the PRX’s journey of marking life’s milestones, we’ve crafted a watch that is a true tribute to their legacy and heritage,” said Go Nagai in an official release. 

Its dial features the seconds hand in Harken style—a weapon mounted on Grendizer's shoulders

The rotor is decorated with an image of Grendizer, along with the text ‘Tissot x Grendizer’ which can be admired through the display caseback, with a mineral crystal window

A Quick Glance At The Movement

Powering this special edition is the reliable Powermatic 80 movement, with an impressive energy reserve of 80 hours, thanks to the innovative Nivachron hairspring. The rotor is decorated with an image of Grendizer, along with the text ‘Tissot x Grendizer’ which can be admired through the display caseback, with a mineral crystal window. 

The timepiece is presented in a case box resembling Grendizer’s UFO for a truly immersive experience

The stainless-steel bracelet of the UFO Robot Grendizer watch comes with a butterfly clasp, featuring push-buttons and an interchangeable quick release system. Also, it is presented in a case box resembling Grendizer’s UFO for a truly immersive experience. 

The intricate details reminiscent of the popular Japanese series in the brand’s best-selling model makes this timepiece a fine collector’s item, attracting both horologists and aficionados alike. 

The Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer In A Nutshell

• Case: 316L stainless steel, 40mm by 10mm, a sapphire crystal with antireflective coating; water-resistant to 100m
• Dial: Blue
• Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds
• Movement: Powermatic 80 with Nivachron hairspring; 80-hour power reserve
• Bracelet: Stainless steel, with push-buttons and an interchangeable quick release system