Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial)

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 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) ($10,000–$25,000). The PRX Powermatic 80 measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.

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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80

$500–$1,000

Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial)

Rolex

Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial)

$10,000–$25,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureTissot PRX Powermatic 80Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial)
Price$500–$1,000$10,000–$25,000
Case Size40mm36mm
MovementAutomatic Powermatic 80.111Automatic, Rolex calibre 3235, quickset date
Caliber TypeIn-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base)Rolex 3235, Superlative Chronometer
Power Reserve80 HoursAbout 70 hours
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalScratch-resistant SapphireSapphire Crystal, Cyclops
Case Material316L Stainless SteelOystersteel with 18k white gold fluted bezel (white Rolesor)
OriginSwiss MadeSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

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 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) offers Oystersteel with 18k white gold fluted bezel (white Rolesor) construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 3235, 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 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3235, quickset date (Rolex 3235, Superlative Chronometer, About 70 hours reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rolex

40mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Tissot

Tissot sits in the lower tier

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire with 80 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 70 hours on the Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

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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Rolex

Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial)

Choose the Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) if you value Rolex 3235, Superlative Chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3235, quickset date with About 70 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

On price, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits a band lower ($500–$1,000 against $10,000–$25,000), 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 Rolex Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) 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 Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) at 36mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire while the Datejust 36 126234 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, black dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops.

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.