Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Tissot's timepiece meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The PRX Powermatic 80 justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Powermatic 80.111. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tissot

PRX Powermatic 80

$500–$1,000

Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Specifications Compared

FeatureTissot PRX Powermatic 80Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Price$500–$1,000$100–$150
Case Size40mm43mm
MovementAutomatic Powermatic 80.111Quartz
Caliber TypeIn-House Automatic (ETA C07.111 base)Quartz
Power Reserve80 HoursBattery
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
CrystalScratch-resistant SapphireMineral crystal
Case Material316L Stainless SteelGold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
OriginSwiss MadeStauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Tissot's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 features a 316L Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Scratch-resistant Sapphire protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Tissot

Automatic Powermatic 80.111 vs Quartz

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 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The PRX Powermatic 80 edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Tissot

40mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the PRX Powermatic 80 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 sits at $500–$1,000 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire with 80 Hours, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The PRX Powermatic 80 is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. 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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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Tissot bringing Swiss Made tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $500–$1,000), 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 Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. However, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 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 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The PRX Powermatic 80 uses Scratch-resistant Sapphire while the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

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.