Updated
Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) vs Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80
Rolex's timepiece meets Tissot's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) delivers ETA/Tissot Automatic technology in the tier below the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) ($10,000–$25,000). The Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 measures 42.0mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Rolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) | Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 42.0mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) | Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 1570, chronometer certified | ETA/Tissot Automatic |
| Power Reserve | About 48 hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Acrylic, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Tissot's approach
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) features a Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel case at 36mm with Acrylic, Cyclops protection. The Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 offers Stainless Steel construction at 42.0mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) vs Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111)
The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) runs the Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) (Rolex 1570, chronometer certified, About 48 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 uses the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) (ETA/Tissot Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
36mm vs 42.0mm — different wrist presence
At 36mm, the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 at 42.0mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Tissot sits in the lower tier
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) uses Acrylic, Cyclops with About 48 hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 80 Hours on the Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) is rated to 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period while the Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 handles 50m (5 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) if you prioritize Rolex 1570, chronometer certified engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) with About 48 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonTissot
Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80
Choose the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 if you value ETA/Tissot Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42.0mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Automatic Powermatic 80 (Caliber 80.111) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
View the dossierThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) and Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Tissot delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Rolex's timepiece
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Tissot's dress watch
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Two timepieces compared — $500–$1,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Explore These Watches
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.