Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)

Two timepieces compared — $500–$1,000 vs $5,000–$10,000

Quick Verdict

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) offers In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) precision in the tier below the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) ($5,000–$10,000). The PRX Powermatic 80 measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.

TissotPRX Powermatic 80$500–$1,000 Check price CartierTank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)$5,000–$10,000 Check price

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Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80

$500–$1,000

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Cartier

Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)

$5,000–$10,000

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Tissot PRX Powermatic 80	Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)
Price	$500–$1,000	$5,000–$10,000
Case Size	40mm	Small model, about 35mm long
Movement	Automatic Powermatic 80.111	Quartz (Cartier small model)
Caliber Type	In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base)	Cartier quartz
Power Reserve	80 Hours	Battery
Water Resistance	100m (10 ATM)	30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine
Crystal	Scratch-resistant Sapphire	Sapphire Crystal
Case Material	316L Stainless Steel	18k yellow gold, curved rectangular case
Origin	Swiss Made	Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Tissot's design language vs Cartier's approach

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 features a 316L Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Scratch-resistant Sapphire protection. The Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) offers 18k yellow gold, curved rectangular case construction at Small model, about 35mm long with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Quartz (Cartier small model)

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 Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) uses the Quartz (Cartier small model) (Cartier quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Cartier

40mm vs Small model, about 35mm long — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) at Small model, about 35mm long. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine.

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Tissot

Tissot sits in the lower tier

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) at $5,000–$10,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire with 80 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and Battery on the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Tissot

100m (10 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine

The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) handles 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine. 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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Cartier

Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold)

Choose the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) if you value Cartier quartz technology, Swiss Made heritage, and Small model, about 35mm long proportions. At $5,000–$10,000, the Quartz (Cartier small model) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Cartier delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits a band lower ($500–$1,000 against $5,000–$10,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $500–$1,000. However, the Cartier Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) 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 Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) at Small model, about 35mm long with 30m (3 ATM) per Cartier for the Américaine is similarly capable. The PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire while the Tank Américaine small model (18k yellow gold) uses Sapphire Crystal.

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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.