It’s always hard to predict when a niche watch will be successful or not. And there are few niches as unexplored as anime in watchmaking, the Japanese animation that has become increasingly mainstream in the past 20 years and is steadily making its way into the watch scene via brands like Seiko and Boldr. Last year Tissot released the PRX UFO Grendizer and despite its niche subject matter, it was a hit. They’ve have now produced a follow up with the launch of the Tissot PRX Grendizer 50th Anniversary Special Edition.
Since the anime is not well known in the west, I will reiterate the synopsis here again: an alien prince whose homeworld has been destroyed by another alien race, called Vegans, arrives on Earth in a robot warsuit called Grendizer and dedicates himself to protecting the planet when the Vegans arrive here. Released in 1975, 50 years ago, it’s a classic space opera and mecha story in the same vein as shows like Mobile Suit Gundam, which came out slightly after.
Where Tissot’s original edition focused on Grendizer’s imposing silhouette, for the 50th Anniversary Special Edition we have a bit more action. We see the figure of Grendizer again on the dial but this time he is lunging forwards with a fist as if he’s about to shatter the sapphire glass above. Additionally, there is more detail to the figure with contrasting engraved surfaces adding texture and depth to the design. However, the most intense change is that he now has glowing yellow eyes that pierce out from the dark of the black display. Those yellow accents play nicely with the new seconds hand which is made from 18k gold, adding a luxury element to the piece.
In order to match the darker, more aggressive tone of the dial, the case has also been updated. Instead of a bright, metallic silver case it has a black PVD coating over the top of the steel to make for a grittier appearance. It’s the same size as the original at 40mm and retains the PRX’s signature design elements such as the shape and integrated bracelet. It’s also still powered by the Powermatic 80 movement with automatic winding and 80-hour power reserve – you can also see Grendizer on the rotor through the exhibition caseback.
In honour of the anime’s release in 1975, the PRX Grendizer 50th Anniversary Special Edition is limited to 1,975 pieces. Given the success of the original piece and the fact that this edition offers a more dynamic and detailed interpretation of the character, this is one niche watch that I can pretty comfortably say will hit the mark. It’s priced at £915 and will be available from the Tissot Covent Garden boutique from October.
Price and Specs:
More details at Tissot.
