Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

Tissot's timepiece meets Rolex's diver

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 Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) ($10,000–$25,000). The PRX Powermatic 80 measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80

$500–$1,000

Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

Rolex

Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

$10,000–$25,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureTissot PRX Powermatic 80Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
Price$500–$1,000$10,000–$25,000
Case Size40mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Powermatic 80.111Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date
Caliber TypeIn-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base)Rolex 3035, chronometer
Power Reserve80 HoursAbout 42 hours
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)300m (30 ATM)
CrystalScratch-resistant SapphireSapphire Crystal, Cyclops
Case Material316L Stainless SteelStainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert
OriginSwiss MadeSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

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 Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) offers Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, 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 Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date (Rolex 3035, chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Draw

40mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 is similarly sized compared to the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).

💰

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 Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) 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 42 hours on the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Rolex

100m (10 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)

The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) handles 300m (30 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) offers superior water resistance.

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

Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) if you value Rolex 3035, chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

For water, the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) is rated 300 m against 100 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. 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 Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) 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 Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) at 40mm with 300m (30 ATM) is similarly capable. The PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire while the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) 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.