Updated
Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) ($10,000–$25,000). The Le Locle Powermatic 80 measures 39.3mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Rolex
Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) | Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 39.3mm |
| Movement | Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) | Powermatic 80.111 |
| Caliber Type | Rolex, chronometer certified | ETA-Based Automatic |
| Power Reserve | About 42 hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period | 30m (3 ATM) |
| Crystal | Acrylic on the 1803 as made (the listing says sapphire; ask) | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | 18k white gold, fluted 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) features a 18k white gold, fluted bezel case at 36mm with Acrylic on the 1803 as made (the listing says sapphire; ask) 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 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) vs Powermatic 80.111
The Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) runs the Automatic; Rolex calibre 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) (Rolex, chronometer certified, About 42 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) uses Acrylic on the 1803 as made (the listing says sapphire; ask) with About 42 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) is rated to 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period while the Le Locle Powermatic 80 handles 30m (3 ATM). The Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) is better suited for water activities.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970)
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) if you prioritize Rolex, 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 1556 for the 1803 (the listing says 3055 with quickset, which is the later 18039; ask) with About 42 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 Day-Date 1803 (18k white gold, diamond dial, President, about 1970) 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.