Head-to-Head Comparison

Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

Bulova's dress watch meets Tissot's timepiece

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

$500–$1,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureBulova Surveyor AutomaticTissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm
Price$250–$500$500–$1,000
Case Size39mm35mm
MovementAutomatic Miyota 8215Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111)
Caliber TypeMiyota AutomaticETA/Tissot Automatic
Power Reserve42 Hours80 Hours
Water Resistance30m (3 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in Japan (Movement)Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Bulova's design language vs Tissot's approach

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic features a Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm offers Stainless Steel construction at 35mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111)

The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm uses the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) (ETA/Tissot Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Tissot

39mm vs 35mm — different wrist presence

At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic has a bolder wrist presence compared to the PRX Powermatic 80 35mm at 35mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with 42 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the PRX Powermatic 80 35mm. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Tissot

30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the PRX Powermatic 80 35mm handles 100m (10 ATM). The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

Choose the Bulova Surveyor Automatic if you prioritize Miyota Automatic engineering, Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve.

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Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

Choose the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm if you value ETA/Tissot Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 35mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Tissot delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve, while the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm ($500–$1,000) features Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan (Movement) craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Surveyor Automatic at 39mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm at 35mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. Both use Sapphire Crystal, which resists scratches well.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.