Tudor vs Rolex

The Swiss brands Tudor and Rolex are inseparably linked, as they are sister companies. Tudor was launched on the market in 1926 by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf and was intended to be a cheaper alternative to Rolex. The Oyster cases of the Tudor watch models were equipped with ETA calibers instead of a manufactured movement, meaning the watches could be offered at a much lower price. As a "poor man's Rolex", Tudor watches were for a long time in the shadow of Rolex luxury watches, but this has now changed dramatically. Tudor is now very popular all over the world and has blossomed into an extremely respected watch brand with innovative models and a fresh brand image.

What are the main differences between Tudor and Rolex?

Let us first look at the differences between the Rolex and Tudor brands. Tudor came onto the market much later than Rolex - more than 20 years to be precise. While Rolex had long had the reputation of being a luxury brand, the introduction of Tudor was an attempt to appeal to a wider clientele and offer more affordable watches for everyone. Rolex watches had long been associated with status, prestige and exclusivity - an image that was certainly promoted by the company. These attributes did not play a major role at Tudor. Rather, the watches were aimed specifically at the hard-working middle class, who did not see watches as an investment or status symbol, but as a functional, reliable everyday object. With brand ambassadors such as Lady Gaga and David Beckham, Tudor still appeals to a younger - if not necessarily less wealthy - audience than its "big sister" Rolex.

The watch brands also differ in terms of design. Rolex models are timeless classics that have undergone only subtle changes over the decades and have become more contemporary versions of the tried-and-tested icons. Tudor is more daring here: the brand's range includes completely new interpretations with more daring design elements, skilfully mixed with vintage components as a tribute to the past. Bracelets with rivets, an aluminum bezel or even luminaires with an intentionally "yellowed" look give many of the brand's models the much sought-after vintage charm. Incidentally, the Tudor rose, which is engraved into the models as a logo, goes back to the family crest of the Welsh noble Tudor family.

Which brings us to quality. Rolex is known throughout the watch industry for unrivalled quality and at first glance it may seem as if Tudor is not making any compromises here either. In fact, the sister brand also produces extremely high-quality watches, although nowadays in-house calibers are increasingly being used. On closer inspection, however, some qualitative differences become apparent. For example, the dials on Tudor models are often more simply crafted and the bracelets and their locking mechanisms are also less sophisticated than those on Rolex watches.

If you dare to compare "Tudor vs Rolex", sooner or later you have to talk about the price difference. As already mentioned, Tudor is also aimed at watch lovers with a slightly smaller budget. However, that does not mean that the watches are really cheap. After all, they are still quality timepieces, which is why both brands - Rolex and Tudor - are not necessarily bargains. Nevertheless, in a direct comparison, Tudor is clearly the cheaper alternative.

Advantages of Rolex

These are the advantages of a watch from the Rolex manufactory:

Quality, precision and reliability

There is hardly a brand in the world of watches that can compete with Rolex in terms of quality. The timepieces impress with incredibly sophisticated movements, the best workmanship and fascinating complications that are rare in the history of watches. The huge wealth of experience and the magnificent watchmaking art practiced at Rolex result in watches that shine with absolute reliability and the highest precision. These are all certainly crucial points that have contributed to the brand's never-ending success and for which the watch giant is admired worldwide to this day.

Timeless design

The design of Rolex models is always thought through down to the last detail and aims for sheer perfection. From the bezel to the case to the bracelet, the watches combine strong design elements that exude pure luxury with every fiber. In the history of the company, Rolex has succeeded many times in bringing watches onto the market that have secured a place among the most popular timepieces for decades. Just think of the Submariner, the Rolex GMT Master II or the legendary Daytona models. The Swiss watch manufacturer reliably manages to combine sportiness with elegance and expresses an unwavering sense of style in its designs. It is therefore hardly surprising that many watch lovers immediately think of Rolex when timeless icons are mentioned.

High resale value

Anyone who observes the secondary market for luxury watches knows that the value of a coveted Rolex watch is immensely stable. If you are lucky enough to get hold of such a watch at the list price from the manufacturer, you can be almost certain that you have made an excellent investment. Because many models can be resold at a much higher price. So if you buy a popular version of the Rolex Submariner, a Daytona or a GMT Master, it is a relatively low-risk investment and in many cases you can look forward to attractive profits when you resell it.

Advantages of Tudor

Of course, Tudor watches also have serious advantages, which we will discuss below:

cheaper

One clear advantage is undoubtedly the price of the timepieces. A simple Tudor watch is available from around €2,200, although availability is often better than that of its "big sister". In other words, you have a better chance of being able to purchase a Tudor from the manufacturer, and you don't necessarily have to resort to the secondary market. Of course, there are also quite expensive watches in the Tudor range, such as the Tudor Black Bay 36 S&G with a diamond-set dial or the yellow gold Black Bay 58 18K, which costs a whopping €17,000. In comparison, however, the majority of Tudor timepieces are clearly more affordable than a Rolex watch.

sportier look

In terms of appearance, Tudor models could be described as sporty, youthful alternatives to the Rolex classics. The product portfolio includes a wide variety of designs, some of which are quite simple and some quite extravagant, and are not afraid to show off some playful elements.

Innovative functions

Anyone who thinks that Tudor watches are a stripped-down version of a "real" Rolex is very much mistaken. Tudor doesn't skimp on the functions in particular and boasts a great spirit of innovation. This is demonstrated by the COSC-certified in-house caliber developed especially for Tudor Heritage Black Bay models, which even won over critics in no time at all.

Tudor and Rolex models in comparison

To round off the "Tudor vs Rolex" comparison, we now turn to specific timepieces from different categories:

diving watches

For many watch fans, the Rolex Submariner is the epitome of a highly functional diving watch. The Tudor Submariner counterpart is the Black Bay series, which has definitely helped the brand gain even greater prestige in the watch world. The Submariner and Black Bay have striking similarities: Both watches have a 70-hour power reserve, are available with a 41 mm diameter and feature a classic, sporty case shape. While the Rolex Submariner is water-resistant to 300 m and has a quick-adjustment bracelet, the Tudor Black Bay does not have a quick-adjustment option and is only water-resistant to 200 m. There are also visual differences, especially in terms of color combinations and the design of the hands.

And what about the price? If you opt for the stainless steel Rolex Submariner without a date display, you will come across a list price above the €8,000 mark. The similarly equipped alternative from Tudor, on the other hand, will "only" cost €3,000 to €4,000.

GMT watches

In the GMT watch category, we compare the Rolex GMT Master (II) with the Tudor Black Bay GMT - the Black Bay with GMT function. The watches with two time zones both come with a two-tone bezel, 70-hour power reserve and luminous indices. What may be surprising is that the Tudor Black Bay GMT is water-resistant to 200 m, while the Rolex GMT Master II is only water-resistant to 100 m. The bezel of the GMT Master II is made of innovative ceramic material, while the Black Bay GMT sticks with conventional aluminum. The two watches, which are extremely similar in design, are available in different colors. With the Rolex GMT Master II, it is above all the Pepsi model with a blue and red bezel that is hugely popular.

There is a huge difference in price: If you want to own a Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi, you will have to shell out €20,000 or more on the secondary market. The Black Bay GMT from Tudor, on the other hand, is available for a slim €4,000 and therefore scores with an excellent price-performance ratio.

chronographs

Exclusive, rare and incredibly expensive: Rolex Daytona chronographs are among the most sought-after watch models. A Daytona has a 72-hour power reserve, is water-resistant to 100 m and, above all, has a name that will amaze any collector. In contrast, there is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono with a 70-hour power reserve and water resistance to 200 m. The two elegant chronographs are eye-catching thanks to their contrasting embedded totalizers and are available in a fairly wide range of color combinations. One important difference: the watches from the Chrono collection have a date display, while the Daytona timepieces have an hour counter.

The watches differ in price by several thousand euros. A Rolex Daytona is almost exclusively available on the secondary market and can easily cost €30,000 and more. If you consider this price level, the Chrono seems extremely cheap with a list price of €5,000.

Conclusion - a question of personal taste and budget

In conclusion, it should be noted that both Rolex and Tudor offer high-quality timepieces with top-quality movements and attractive designs. Even if Tudor does not come 100% close to Rolex in terms of quality, the decision between the brands is ultimately a question of personal taste - and of course budget! Because: Especially for watch lovers who do not have unlimited financial means, Tudor offers convincing alternatives to Rolex luxury watches.