Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Tissot's timepiece meets Bulova's chronograph
Quick Verdict
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) and Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph ($500–$1,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The PRX Powermatic 80 emphasizes In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) engineering while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph focuses on Made in Japan (Citizen Group) craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| 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
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 features a 316L Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Scratch-resistant Sapphire protection. The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph offers Stainless Steel construction at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs High-Performance 262kHz Quartz
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 Lunar Pilot Chronograph uses the High-Performance 262kHz Quartz (High-Performance Quartz, N/A (Quartz) reserve) at 262,144 Hz (High-Frequency Quartz). The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 45mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Lunar Pilot Chronograph at 45mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire with 80 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and N/A (Quartz) on the Lunar Pilot Chronograph. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Lunar Pilot Chronograph handles 50m (5 ATM). The PRX Powermatic 80 is better suited for water activities.
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 on the hands and markers. Grade and glow duration are not published by the manufacturer for this reference, so neither is claimed here. | 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 $500–$1,000, 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 $500–$1,000, 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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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.