The Casio Edifice and the Tissot PRX have been turning heads in the watch world with their integrated bracelets and '70s-inspired designs. But with a significant price difference, which one is the better buy? I had the chance to review both watches side-by-side, and here's my in-depth comparison to help you decide.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Casio Edifice | Tissot PRX (Quartz) | Tissot PRX (Automatic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Approx. $100 (model dependent) | Approx. $325 | Varies based on retailer |
| Case Size | 45mm (can vary between Edifice models) | 40mm | 40mm |
| Thickness | 8.7mm (can vary between Edifice models) | 10.7mm | 11mm - 14mm (varies within the automatic range) |
| Movement | Quartz (model dependent) | Swiss ETA Quartz | Swiss ETA Powermatic 80 (80-hour power reserve) |
| Dial | Various color options, brushed finish | Waffle (Quartz), Sunburst (Automatic) | Waffle (Automatic) |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters | 100 meters |
Additional Notes:
- Price Fluctuations: Prices can vary slightly depending on the specific Edifice model and retailer.
- Edifice Variety: The Casio Edifice line offers multiple models with variations in size, movement, and dial design. This table assumes a standard quartz model for comparison.
- PRX Powermatic 80: The Powermatic 80 movement offers a significantly longer power reserve than standard automatic movements, making the watch very convenient for everyday use.
Design and Aesthetics
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Overall Inspiration: Both watches take cues from integrated bracelet sports watches popularized in the 1970s (think Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and similar designs). However, each brand offers its own interpretation.
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Case Shape:
- Casio Edifice: Features a bolder, more angular case with prominent crown guards and a slightly tonneau-like (barrel) shape. This gives it a more contemporary and assertive presence on the wrist.
- Tissot PRX: Boasts a slimmer, more classic case shape, channeling a refined, vintage sports watch feel. Its design is more faithful to the original '70s design trends.
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Hands:
- Casio Edifice: Utilizes bold sword-shaped hands with prominent lume filling, offering excellent visibility but a more utilitarian look.
- Tissot PRX: Features slender baton-style hands with lume. This complements the overall elegance and vintage-inspired vibe of the watch.
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Polishing and Brushing: Both watches feature a mix of brushed and polished surfaces for visual interest. However, the Tissot PRX appears to have slightly more refined finishing, particularly in the transition between polished and brushed elements.
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Symmetry vs. Asymmetry:
- Casio Edifice: Offers a sense of symmetry with its matching crown guards and overall balanced design.
- Tissot PRX: Leans towards asymmetry with its unguarded crown, lending it a slightly more dress-watch-like feel.
Dial and Legibility
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Dial Textures:
- Tissot PRX (Quartz): Features the iconic, deeply textured waffle dial. This adds visual depth and playfulness to the watch.
- Tissot PRX (Automatic): Offers a smooth sunburst dial, creating a classic and sophisticated look.
- Casio Edifice: Boasts a finely brushed dial. This is a surprising level of detail at its price point and offers a unique texture compared to the PRX.
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Indices:
- Both Watches: Utilize applied indices (raised markers) for enhanced dimensionality and a premium feel. However, the PRX's indices are more refined in shape and finishing.
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Lume:
- Tissot PRX: Has superior lume (glow-in-the-dark paint) on both hands and indices, offering better visibility in low-light conditions.
- Casio Edifice: The lume is adequate but not as bright or long-lasting as the Tissot PRX.
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Branding:
- Tissot PRX: The vintage-style Tissot logo and lettering align perfectly with the overall retro-inspired design of the watch.
- Casio Edifice: The modern "Edifice" branding and logo feel somewhat at odds with the watch's vintage-inspired design. A simpler, applied Casio logo might have offered a cleaner aesthetic.
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Date Window:
- Both Watches: Feature a date window at the 3 o'clock position. While both have white date wheels, the PRX's window is framed by a polished border, adding a touch of refinement.
Bracelet and Clasp
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Construction and Finish:
- Both Watches: Feature well-engineered integrated bracelets where the first link seamlessly flows from the watch case. Both utilize a mix of brushed and polished finishes.
- Tissot PRX: Excels with slightly more refined brushing, particularly on flat surfaces, and more precise transitions between polished and brushed elements.
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Taper:
- Tissot PRX: Offers a more pronounced taper as the bracelet moves towards the clasp. This adds a sense of elegance and better conforms to the wrist for improved comfort.
- Casio Edifice: The taper is less dramatic, which can feel a bit bulkier on smaller wrists.
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Flexibility:
- Both Watches: The individual links offer good articulation, allowing the bracelets to drape comfortably over the wrist. The Tissot PRX might have a slight edge due to its smaller links.
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Clasp Functionality:
- Casio Edifice: Takes the win with its micro-adjustment clasp. This allows fine-tuning the fit on the fly, ideal for changing wrist sizes throughout the day.
- Tissot PRX: Employs a butterfly clasp, maintaining a sleek, uninterrupted look on the underside of the wrist. However, adjustments require adding or removing entire links.
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Clasp Aesthetics:
- Tissot PRX: The butterfly clasp seamlessly blends with the bracelet, offering a clean, minimalist look that suits the dressy vibe of the watch.
- Casio Edifice: The stamped clasp feels somewhat less premium and visually clashes with the overall sporty design of the watch.
The Verdict
Both the Casio Edifice and Tissot PRX offer incredible value for the money. The Edifice is a fantastic watch for around $100, delivering style and features that easily surpass its price point. The Tissot PRX, while more expensive, offers superior finishing, greater brand prestige, and an iconic design.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and style preferences. If you're looking for an amazing watch at an unbeatable price, the Casio Edifice is hard to beat. If you're willing to invest more for a refined, timeless design, the Tissot PRX is a worthy contender.
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