Tissot set the world alight with the release of its new 80s-style integrated bracelet watch the PRX. Released first as a quartz-only watch it has later been complemented by an automatic three-hander, an automatic chronograph, bicolour variations and now a smaller wearing 35mm form factor. This is a great-looking watch and all variants are well priced in the 2022 watch market. However, they are swiss made watches and they do cost a fair amount of money. The cheapest PRX model I could find was £252 for a quartz model on eBay.(Affiliate Link)
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
While that is great value for a nearly new swiss watch, there are much cheaper ways to get this look on your wrist. Cheaper and maybe even cooler ways….
The first alternative I present you with is the Seiko 5 model 7009 3140. (Affiliate link)
The Seiko 5 family requires no introduction. It is one of the most successful and respected watch brands in the world. Seiko 5 has been around since the 1960s so when it comes to the 1980s geometric design watch, well… They were there. The 7009 3140 has a case shape that is very similar to the PRX. I might even go so far as to say it was the inspiration for the Tissot PRX. Where it differs from the Tissot is that the Seiko does not have an integrated bracelet. It comes with a period-rolled link bracelet which is not really to modern taste however as a vintage watch fan I think people should give jangly bracelets a try. They are usually much more comfortable to wear.
![Seiko 5 model 7009 3140.](https://tfhorology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-28-at-09.55.45.png)
![Seiko 5 model 7009 3140.](https://tfhorology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-28-at-09.54.33-687x1024.png)
![Seiko 5 model 7009 3140.](https://tfhorology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-28-at-09.54.20-772x1024.png)
The Seiko 7009 3140 is indeed a vintage watch, when you are buying one bear in mind it will be around 40 years old. You are not getting a new watch. It won’t have good water resistance anymore and the movement might need a service. However, you can reliably pick one up for under $100/£80. Take a look on eBay, the classic Seiko 5 market is fantastic.(Affiliate Link)
Brand | Seiko |
Model | 5 |
Reference number | 7009-876A |
Movement | Automatic |
Case material | Steel |
Bracelet material | Steel |
Movement | Automatic |
Movement/Caliber | 7009A |
Number of jewels | 17 |
Case diameter | 37 x 42 mm |
Thickness | 10 mm |
Bezel material | Steel |
Crystal | Mineral Glass |
Dial numerals | No numerals |
Clasp | Fold clasp |
Clasp material | Steel |
Well, what about the chronograph you say? My second recommendation is also a Seiko. Seiko Chronograph Ref.6139-7080. This 1970s integrated bracelet style geometric case watch is a very handsome piece and powered by Seiko’s legendary column wheel automatic chronograph movement. While the PRX is cheap for a 2022 automatic chronograph, perhaps the cheapest one on the market. The Seiko Seiko .6139-7080 sells for $350 to $600. They are rare and you have to shop around to find a really good one but you will be saving a lot of money to get that look and an absolutely legendary chronograph on your wrist. They are rare so you may have to keep an eye on this eBay search.(Affiliate Link)
![Seiko Chronograph Vintage Automatic 6139-7080 1976](https://tfhorology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-29-at-10.43.43-1024x659.png)
![Seiko Chronograph Vintage Automatic 6139-7080 1976](https://tfhorology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-29-at-10.43.54-1024x960.png)
![Seiko Chronograph Vintage Automatic 6139-7080 1976](https://tfhorology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-29-at-10.44.27-1-1024x1012.png)
Reference number | Seiko Chronograph Vintage Automatic 6139-7080 1976 |
Movement | Automatic |
Case material | Steel |
Bracelet material | Steel |
Movement | Automatic |
Movement/Caliber | Seiko 6139B |
Power reserve | 45 h |
Number of jewels | 17 |
Frequency | 21600 A/h |
Case diameter | 40 x 42 mm |
Thickness | 14 mm |
Bezel material | Steel |
Crystal | Plexiglass |
So what do you think? Are you going to try a vintage seiko or is the convenience and potential reliability of the new Tissot just too appealing?
“When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.”