Updated
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970)
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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) ($10,000–$25,000). The PRX Powermatic 80 measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.
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Rolex
Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic Powermatic 80.111 | Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) | Rolex, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | 80 Hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant Sapphire | Acrylic on the 1803 as made (the listing says sapphire; ask) |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel | 18k white gold, fluted 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) offers 18k white gold, fluted bezel construction at 36mm with Acrylic on the 1803 as made (the listing says sapphire; ask). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask)
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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) uses the Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) (Rolex, chronometer certified, About 42 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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 on the 1803 as made (the listing says sapphire; ask) and About 42 hours on the Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970). 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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
Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970)
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) if you value Rolex, chronometer certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made 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.