Head-to-Head Comparison

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Tissot's timepiece meets Bulova's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) delivers Miyota Automatic technology in the tier below the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The PRX Powermatic 80 justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Powermatic 80.111. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80

$500–$1,000

Bulova Surveyor Automatic

Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

$250–$500

Specifications Compared

FeatureTissot PRX Powermatic 80Bulova Surveyor Automatic
Price$500–$1,000$250–$500
Case Size40mm39mm
MovementAutomatic Powermatic 80.111Automatic Miyota 8215
Caliber TypeIn-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base)Miyota Automatic
Power Reserve80 Hours42 Hours
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)30m (3 ATM)
CrystalScratch-resistant SapphireSapphire Crystal
Case Material316L Stainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginSwiss MadeMade in Japan (Movement)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Tissot's design language vs Bulova's approach

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 features a 316L Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Scratch-resistant Sapphire protection. The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Automatic Miyota 8215

The PRX Powermatic 80 runs the Automatic Powermatic 80.111 (In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base), 80 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Surveyor Automatic uses the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Bulova

40mm vs 39mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Surveyor Automatic at 39mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Bulova

Bulova sits in the lower tier

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

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Water Resistance

Edge: Tissot

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

The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Surveyor Automatic handles 30m (3 ATM). The PRX Powermatic 80 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80

Choose the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 if you prioritize In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers Automatic Powermatic 80.111 with 80 Hours power reserve.

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Bulova

Surveyor Automatic

Choose the Bulova Surveyor Automatic if you value Miyota Automatic technology, Made in Japan (Movement) heritage, and 39mm proportions. At $250–$500, the Automatic Miyota 8215 with 42 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) offers Automatic Powermatic 80.111 with 80 Hours power reserve, while the Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) features Automatic Miyota 8215 with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Made in Japan (Movement) engineering.
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The PRX Powermatic 80 at 40mm with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Surveyor Automatic at 39mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire while the Surveyor Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal.

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.