Updated
Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) 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 Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) ($25,000+). The Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium measures 40mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) | Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $500–$1,000 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155 | Powermatic 80.811 (Silicon Hairspring) |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer | ETA-Based Automatic with Silicon Hairspring |
| Power Reserve | About 48 hours | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold | 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 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) features a 18k yellow gold case at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, 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 3155 vs Powermatic 80.811 (Silicon Hairspring)
The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) runs the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155 (Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer, 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 Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Tissot sits in the lower tier
The Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) sits at $25,000+ and the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium at $500–$1,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, 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
100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial)
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) if you prioritize Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155 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 Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) 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.