Updated
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Two timepieces compared — $500–$1,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) offers In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) precision in the tier below the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) ($10,000–$25,000). The PRX Powermatic 80 measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Rolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic Powermatic 80.111 | Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) | Rolex 1570, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | 80 Hours | About 48 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant Sapphire | Acrylic, Cyclops |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel | Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Tissot's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 features a 316L Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Scratch-resistant Sapphire protection. The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) offers Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel construction at 36mm with Acrylic, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date)
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 Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) (Rolex 1570, chronometer certified, About 48 hours reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Tissot sits in the lower tier
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire with 80 Hours, against Acrylic, Cyclops and About 48 hours on the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period
The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) handles 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period. 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.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) if you value Rolex 1570, chronometer certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) with About 48 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Tissot PRX vs Hamilton Khaki Field
Integrated bracelet sophistication meets military heritage
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Tissot's timepiece
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Rolex's timepiece
Explore These Watches
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.