Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Tissot's timepiece meets Bulova's chronograph
Quick Verdict
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph (~$556) delivers High-Performance Quartz technology at $294 less than the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 (~$850). 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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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$850 | ~$556 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 45mm |
| Movement | Automatic Powermatic 80.111 | High-Performance 262kHz Quartz |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) | High-Performance Quartz |
| Power Reserve | 80 Hours | N/A (Quartz) |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant Sapphire | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Made in Japan (Citizen Group) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Tissot's design language vs Bulova's approach
Movement & Performance
Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs High-Performance 262kHz Quartz
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence
Value & Cost of Ownership
Bulova is $294 more affordable
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph |
|---|---|---|
| Case alloy | Stainless steel 316L (medical-grade, with composition Cr 16–18%, Ni 10–14%, Mo 2–3%) — the standard mid-range Swiss spec; not 904L (Rolex Oystersteel | Bulova High Performance Quartz, 262 kHz (262,144 Hz) |
| Sapphire crystal | Synthetic corundum (Al₂O₃) grown via the Verneuil process, Mohs hardness 9. Anti-reflective coating on the interior surface only (single-side AR is st Mohs 9 | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Lume specification | Super-LumiNova grade BGW9 (blue-green daylight tone, blue emission in some variants) or C3 (yellow-green) depending on dial colour family. Glow durati | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) |
| Bracelet alloy | Stainless steel 316L matching the case. | Fixed tachymeter |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph saves you $377 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 if…
- Strong value proposition under $1,000 with automatic Swiss movement
- Active lifestyle wearers — 100m water resistance handles swimming and water sports
- Weekend warriors — 80-hour power reserve means it survives two days off the wrist
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Integrated-bracelet aesthetic fans wanting the Royal Oak look for 1/20th the price
Pick the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph if…
- Strong value proposition under $1,000 with quality construction
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Chronograph enthusiasts looking for a proven timing instrument
- Heritage enthusiasts drawn to ** Bulova's historical pedigree
- Buyers who prefer a commanding wrist presence — 45mm case
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
- Retail markup is generous. The PRX commonly transacts at 30–40% under retail on Jomashop, Tissot's own e-commerce promotions, and authorized online dealers. Paying full $725 retail is rarely the right move — it usually means immediate ~30% loss the moment you walk out the door.
- Proprietary endlink limits strap options. The integrated bracelet design means you cannot easily put a NATO, leather two-piece, or rubber strap on the PRX without specialist hardware. This bothers some buyers more than they expect.
- Bracelet sizing is fiddly. Links are joined by screws (good — adjustable at home with a tool), but the screws are tiny and stripping them is common for inexperienced owners. Take it to a watchmaker for sizing if you're unsure.
- 3 Hz "slow" seconds. The reduced frequency (21,600 vph vs. 28,800 vph in some peer movements) means the seconds hand visibly sweeps at 6 ticks/second rather than 8. Some buyers expecting the smoother high-beat sweep find this a minor disappointment.
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
- 45mm is large.
- Quartz won't satisfy mechanical purists.
- Bulova brand prestige is below Omega; some buyers feel the brand undersells the Apollo provenance.
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 ~$850, it delivers Automatic Powermatic 80.111 with 80 Hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonBulova
Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Choose the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph if you value High-Performance Quartz technology, Made in Japan (Citizen Group) heritage, and 45mm proportions. At ~$556, the High-Performance 262kHz Quartz with N/A (Quartz) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Bulova delivers Made in Japan (Citizen Group) engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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