Is the Tissot PRX Waterproof? Water Resistance Explained (and What PRX Means)
Short answer: the Tissot PRX is water resistant to 10 bar, or 100 metres. You can swim with it in a pool or a lake. It is not a dive watch, and like any watch it shouldn’t go in a hot tub or sauna.
"Can I swim with my PRX?" is probably the question we answer most after a sale. The short version is yes. The longer version is worth two minutes, because how you treat the watch matters as much as the number printed on it.
What "100 metres" actually means
No watch is truly waterproof, which is why you'll always see "water resistant" on the case. The rating comes from a pressure test in a lab. It doesn't mean you can dive to 100 metres with the watch on. In real life, a 10 bar watch handles everyday water and swimming comfortably, but it isn't built for scuba diving.
The PRX's water resistance is actually part of its name. Tissot links the name to precision and robustness, and the "X" refers to its 10 bar water resistance. The first PRX came out in 1978, and the current version was relaunched in 2021.
What you can do with a PRX in water
| Activity | OK with a PRX? | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Washing hands, rain, splashes | Yes | No need to think about it |
| Swimming in a pool | Yes | Rinse with fresh water after, chlorine is hard on gaskets |
| Swimming in a lake or the ocean | Yes | Rinse after salt water, especially the bracelet |
| Snorkelling | Yes | Fine at the surface |
| Showering | Better not | Hot water and soap age the gaskets over time |
| Hot tub or sauna | No | Heat makes the seals expand and can let moisture in |
| Scuba diving | No | Look at the Tissot Seastar, which is built for it |
Four habits that keep your PRX sealed
- Check the crown is pushed all the way in before your hands go near water.
- Don't touch the crown or chronograph pushers underwater. That's when water gets in.
- Rinse it after salt water or chlorine and dry it with a soft cloth. Our guide on how to clean a Tissot PRX shows how.
- Get the water resistance tested every couple of years, or whenever the battery is changed on a quartz model. Gaskets are rubber and they wear out quietly.
What about leather or rubber straps?
The case doesn't care, but a leather strap does. Water stains leather and makes it smell. If you swim a lot, go with the steel bracelet or a rubber strap.
Signs water has got in
Fog under the crystal, small droplets on the dial, or a watch that suddenly stops after swimming. If you see any of this, don't wait. Bring it in quickly, because moisture damages the movement the longer it stays inside.
THE WATCHES IN THIS ARTICLE
Questions we get about the PRX and water
Is the PRX 35mm as water resistant as the 40mm?
The rating is printed on the case back of every PRX, so that's the place to check. If you're unsure about a specific model, ask us and we'll confirm it before you buy.
Is the PRX Powermatic 80 more water resistant than the quartz?
The movement doesn't change the water resistance. It depends on the case, the crown and the gaskets.
Can I wear my PRX at the beach?
Yes. Just rinse it with fresh water afterwards and keep sand away from the bracelet clasp.
Does PRX stand for something?
Tissot links the name to precision and robustness, with the X standing for 10 bar of water resistance.
Wondering which size suits you? See how big is a Tissot PRX, or browse our Tissot PRX collection.