Updated
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Explorer II 42
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 Explorer II 42 ($10,000–$25,000). The PRX Powermatic 80 measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Explorer II 42 counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Rolex Explorer II 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500–$1,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 40mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic Powermatic 80.111 | Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570) |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base) | Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer |
| Power Reserve | 80 Hours | About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant Sapphire | Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel | Oystersteel |
| 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 Explorer II 42 offers Oystersteel construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570)
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 Explorer II 42 uses the Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570) (Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer, About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
40mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Explorer II 42 at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Tissot sits in the lower tier
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Rolex Explorer II 42 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 with Cyclops and About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) on the Explorer II 42. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Explorer II 42 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.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Explorer II 42
Choose the Rolex Explorer II 42 if you value Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570) with About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Rolex Explorer II 42 represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
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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.