Updated
Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) vs Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
Rolex's timepiece meets Tissot's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium ($500–$1,000) delivers ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Hairspring technology in the tier below the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) ($10,000–$25,000). The Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 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.
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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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) | Powermatic 80.811 (Silicon Hairspring) |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 1570, chronometer certified | ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Hairspring |
| Power Reserve | About 48 hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Acrylic, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made (Swatch Group) |
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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) vs Powermatic 80.811 (Silicon Hairspring)
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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium uses the Powermatic 80.811 (Silicon Hairspring) (ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Hairspring, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
36mm vs 40mm — 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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 100m (10 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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium 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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 100m (10 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 Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium handles 100m (10 ATM). The Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium offers superior water resistance.
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
Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
Choose the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium if you value ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Hairspring technology, Swiss Made (Swatch Group) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Powermatic 80.811 (Silicon Hairspring) with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) and Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Tissot delivers Swiss Made (Swatch Group) 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.