As we approach the 50th birthday of Grendizer, Tissot has launched the PRX UFO Robot Grendizer. This special edition watch pays homage to possibly the most iconic manga robot that has ever existed.
Created by Japanese manga artist and author Kiyoshi Nagai (pen name, Go Nagai) Grendizer and his pilot, Koji Kabuto, lead the war against mechanical beasts sent to Earth by a Machiavellian empire from a faraway galaxy. Earlier this summer, and thanks to Saudi investment, the hero robot and its team were resurrected in a new TV show called Grandizer U. Unfortunately, it is only being streamed in Japan and Arabic countries, despite the global outcry by millions of disappointed fans.
Tissot has joined in the Grendizer fever with its special edition PRX UFO Robot Grendizer, made in collaboration with Go Nagai himself. “Venturing into the world of beloved pop culture is always a risk,” says Sylvain Dolla, CEO of Tissot, “We were fully aware of the deep connection and passion that the Grendizer community has for this legendary series, so we needed to approach this collaboration with the utmost respect and care. Go Nagai’s involvement added an extra layer of authenticity and passion to the project, ensuring that the final product would be something new and long-time fans could cherish.”
At Tissot, PR stands for “Particularly Robust”, while the X refers to its waterproof capability (up to 10 bars). The resilience of the PRX is guaranteed by a new floating movement and flexible joints of synthetic materials acting as shock absorbers. On top of it, the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal and equipped with a mineral glass back. All these qualities are quite fitting for a watch that emulates the most powerful robot ever, which crossed galaxies and had epic fights against evil mechanical beasts sent to destroy Earth.
The 40mm, stainless-steel Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer features the silhouette of the mechanical hero in SuperLuminova.
Although created in 1975, it wasn’t until 1978 that Grendizer reached the living rooms of Europe, getting millions of kids glued to the TV every week for the 30 minutes each episode lasted. It was in this same year that Tissot launched the Seastar, PRX original model. “The PRX, with its vintage design and roots in the 70s, provided the ideal canvas for a watch paying homage to Grandizer,” Dolla explains. “It seamlessly merges Swiss craftsmanship with nostalgic pop culture.”
It seems that at Tissot there are many fans of Grendizer, so the idea of making this watch was received with plenty of enthusiasm and a wave of shared memories. “I think this passion is reflected in every detail of the watch,” says Dolla with a tinge of nostalgia in his voice. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the team immerse themselves in Grendizer’s world, and we’re thrilled that the final result is something that resonates so well with fans.”
The Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer features a 40mmm stainless steel case and bracelet. The dial echoes the original blue of the robot. On it, the silhouette of the bust of Grendizer. Turn off the lights and the mechanical hero comes alive in yellow Super-Luminova. On the upper flange of the rotor, we find the original title for Grendizer in Japanese, while the and the second hand is inspired by Grendizer’s Harken weapon. At the back, an engraving of the robot and Go Nagai’s copyright.
The different details on the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer honouring the legendary anime are sure to delight fans of all ages.
This special PRX is powered by the Powermatic 80 movement, with 80-hours of power reserve while the NivachronTM balance spring ensures high precision and reliability.
A detail that will make fans squeal with pleasure is the box in which the Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer comes. The outside features Go Nagai’s original drawings of the mighty robot and inside, the watch itself comes in a replica of the Spazer, the saucer-shaped craft that carried Koji Kabuto and that coupled into the head of Grendizer, from which the young hero controlled his robot and led it into battle. It was also the Spazer that allowed Grendizer to fly and travel through space.
I agree with Dolla, “This watch not only pays homage to the legacy of Grendizer but also bridges the gap between generations, offering something special for both those who grew up with the series and those discovering it for the first time.”
Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grandizer retails at £785. Find out more HERE.
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