Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Tissot's timepiece meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm ($500–$1,000). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

$500–$1,000

Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Specifications Compared

FeatureTissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mmStauer 1920s Retrograde
Price$500–$1,000$100–$150
Case Size35mm43mm
MovementAutomatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111)Quartz
Caliber TypeETA/Tissot AutomaticQuartz
Power Reserve80 HoursBattery
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelGold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
OriginSwiss MadeStauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Tissot's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm features a Stainless Steel case at 35mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) vs Quartz

The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm runs the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) (ETA/Tissot Automatic, 80 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Tissot

35mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 35mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 35mm wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm sits at $500–$1,000 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the PRX Powermatic 80 35mm uses Sapphire Crystal with 80 Hours, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80 35mm

Choose the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm if you prioritize ETA/Tissot Automatic engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) with 80 Hours power reserve.

View the dossier

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

Check Price on Amazon

The Bottom Line

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $500–$1,000), 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 Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. However, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm at 35mm with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The PRX Powermatic 80 35mm uses Sapphire Crystal while the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

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.