Bulova Surveyor Automatic vs Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Two dress watchs compared — $250–$500 vs $500–$1,000
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic ($250–$500) offers Miyota Automatic precision in the tier below the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000). The Surveyor Automatic measures 39mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Le Locle Powermatic 80 counters with Swiss Made (Swatch Group) craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional dress watchs for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Bulova Surveyor Automatic | Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250–$500 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 39.3mm |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 8215 | Powermatic 80.111 |
| Caliber Type | Miyota Automatic | ETA-Based Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 Hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Movement) | Swiss Made (Swatch Group) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 offers Stainless Steel construction at 39.3mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Miyota 8215 vs Powermatic 80.111
The Surveyor Automatic runs the Automatic Miyota 8215 (Miyota Automatic, 42 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Le Locle Powermatic 80 uses the Powermatic 80.111 (ETA-Based Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Le Locle Powermatic 80 offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 39.3mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Surveyor Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Le Locle Powermatic 80 at 39.3mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova sits in the lower tier
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic sits at $250–$500 and the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)
The Surveyor Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Le Locle Powermatic 80 handles 30m (3 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
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.
Check Price on AmazonTissot
Le Locle Powermatic 80
Choose the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 if you value ETA-Based Automatic technology, Swiss Made (Swatch Group) heritage, and 39.3mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Powermatic 80.111 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Bulova Surveyor Automatic and Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 represent two distinct approaches to the dress watch category — the Bulova bringing Made in Japan (Movement) tradition while Tissot delivers Swiss Made (Swatch Group) engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.