Updated
Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) vs Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Rolex's timepiece meets Tissot's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 ($500–$1,000) delivers ETA-Based Automatic technology in the tier below the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) ($10,000–$25,000). The Le Locle Powermatic 80 measures 39.3mm and is rated 30m (3 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 39.3mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) | Powermatic 80.111 |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 1570, chronometer certified | ETA-Based Automatic |
| Power Reserve | About 48 hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period | 30m (3 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 offers Stainless Steel construction at 39.3mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) vs Powermatic 80.111
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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 uses the Powermatic 80.111 (ETA-Based Automatic, 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Le Locle Powermatic 80 offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
36mm vs 39.3mm — 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 at 39.3mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 30m (3 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 Le Locle 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 30m (3 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 handles 30m (3 ATM). The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) is better suited for water activities.
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
Le Locle Powermatic 80
Choose the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 if you value ETA-Based Automatic technology, Swiss Made (Swatch Group) heritage, and 39.3mm proportions. At $500–$1,000, the Powermatic 80.111 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 Le Locle Powermatic 80 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.