The Swiss brands Tudor and Rolex are inextricably linked, as they are sibling companies. Tudor was placed 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 manufacture movement and thus the watches could be offered at a much lower price. As a "poor man's rolex", Tudor watches were in the shadow of Rolex luxury watches for a long time, but now this has changed seriously. Today, Tudor enjoys great popularity all over the world and has become an extremely respected watch brand with innovative models and a fresh brand image.
What are the main differences between Tudor and Rolex?
We will now first look at what differences separate the Rolex and Tudor brands. Tudor came to the market much - more precisely, more than 20 years - later than Rolex. While Rolex had long had a reputation as a luxury brand, the introduction of Tudor was an attempt to appeal to a broader clientele and offer more affordable watches for everyone. Rolex watches had long been associated with status, prestige and exclusivity. An image that was definitely promoted by the company. At Tudor, these attributes did not play a major role. Rather, the watches were aimed specifically at the hard-working middle class, who saw watches not as an investment or status symbol, but as a functional, reliable object of daily use. With brand ambassadors such as Lady Gaga or David Beckham, Tudor to this day specifically addresses a younger - though not necessarily less affluent - audience than its "big sister" Rolex.
The watch brands also differ in terms of design. Rolex models see themselves as timeless classics, undergoing only subtle changes over the decades and transforming into somewhat more contemporary versions of the tried-and-true icons. Tudor is bolder in this regard: the brand's range includes absolute reinterpretations with more daring design elements, skillfully mixed with vintage components as a tribute to the past. Bracelets with rivets, an aluminum bezel or even illuminants with a deliberately "yellowed" look give many of the brand's models that much sought-after vintage charm. Incidentally, the Tudor Rose, which is engraved as a logo in the models, goes back to the family crest of the Welsh noble family Tudor.
Which brings us to quality. Rolex is known throughout the watch industry for unrivaled quality, and at first glance, it might seem that Tudor doesn't cut any corners here either. In fact, the sister brand also produces extremely high-quality watches, with manufacture calibers being used more and more often today. However, a closer look reveals some differences in quality. For example, the dials on Tudor models are often more simply finished, and the bracelets and their closing mechanisms are 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 described, Tudor is also aimed at watch lovers with a somewhat narrower wallet. However, this does not mean that the watches are really cheap. After all, they are still quality timepieces, which is why both brands - Rolex and Tudor - do not necessarily produce bargains. Nonetheless, in a direct comparison, Tudor is clearly rated as the cheaper alternative.
Advantages of Rolex
These advantages speak for a watch from the Rolex manufacture:
Quality, precision and reliability
There is hardly any brand in the watch world that can hold a candle to Rolex in terms of quality. The timepieces inspire with incredibly sophisticated movements, the best workmanship and fascinating complications that are rare in the history of the watch. The vast wealth of experience and the grandiose art of watchmaking practiced at Rolex result in watches that shine with absolute reliability and maximum precision. These are all certainly crucial points that have contributed to the never-ending success of the brand and for which the watch giant is admired worldwide to this day.
Timeless design
The design of Rolex models is always thought out to the last detail, aiming 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 thus succeeded many times in bringing watches to market that have been able to secure a place among the most popular timepieces ever 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 express an unwavering sense of style in its designs. It is therefore hardly surprising that many a watch lover immediately thinks 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 manufacturer's list price, you can almost be sure that you have made an excellent investment. After all, many models can be resold at a significantly higher price. So if you buy a popular version of the Rolex Submariner, a Daytona or a GMT Master, it is a comparatively low-risk investment and in many cases you can look forward to attractive profits on resale.
Advantages of Tudor
Of course, watches from Tudor also have serious advantages, which we will discuss below:
Inexpensive
A clear advantage is undoubtedly the price of timepieces. A watch from Tudor can be had in a simple version from about 2,200 €, and the availability is often better than the "big sister". In other words, you have a better chance of being able to purchase a Tudor from the manufacturer, so you don't necessarily have to go 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 diamond-studded dial or the yellow-gold Black Bay 58 18K, which costs a proud €17,000. However, in comparison, the majority of Tudor timepieces are definitely more affordable than a Rolex watch.
More sporty appearance
In terms of looks, Tudor models could be described as sporty, youthful alternatives to Rolex classics. The product portfolio includes diverse designs, which sometimes come across quite plain and sometimes quite extravagant and are not afraid to flaunt some playful element.
Innovative functions
Those who think that Tudor watches are slimmed-down versions of a "real" Rolex are very much mistaken. Especially regarding the functions, Tudor does not let itself down and trumps with great innovative spirit. Among other things, this is proven by the COSC-certified in-house caliber, which was developed especially for Tudor Heritage Black Bay models and could even convince critics in no time.
Tudor and Rolex models in comparison
To round out the "Tudor vs Rolex" comparison, we now turn our attention 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 more prestige in the watch world. Submariner and Black Bay share striking similarities: Both watches have 70 hours of power reserve, are available in 41 mm diameter, and rely on a classic sporty case shape. However, while the Rolex Submariner is water-resistant to 300 meters and has a quick-set bracelet, the Tudor Black Bay has no quick-set option and is only water-resistant to 200 meters. There are also visual differences, especially in terms of color combinations and design of the hands.
And what about the price? If you opt for the stainless steel Rolex Submariner without a date display, you'll encounter a list price above the €8,000 mark. The similarly equipped alternative from Tudor, on the other hand, costs "only" €3,000 to €4,000.
GMT watches
In the GMT category, we compare the Rolex GMT Master (II) with the Tudor Black Bay GMT - the Black Bay with GMT function. The dual time zone watches both come with two-tone bezel, 70-hour power reserve and luminescent indices. What may come as a surprise is that the Tudor Black Bay GMT is water resistant to 200 meters, while the Rolex GMT Master II is only water resistant to 100 meters. To that end, the GMT Master II's bezel is made of innovative ceramic material, while the Black Bay GMT sticks with conventional aluminum at this point. The two watches, which are extremely similar in design, come in different color schemes. In the case of the Rolex GMT Master II, it is primarily the Pepsi model with a blue-red bezel that enjoys enormous popularity.
In terms of price, there is a huge difference: If you currently want to call a Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi your own, you have to shell out €20,000 and more on the secondary market. The Black Bay GMT from Tudor, on the other hand, can be had for a slim €4,000 and thus scores with an excellent price-performance ratio.
Chronographs
Exclusive, rare and sinfully 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 meters and, above all, brings a name that will astonish any collector. In contrast, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono has a 70-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 200 meters. The two classy chronographs catch the eye with contrasting embedded totalizers and are available in quite a wide range of color combinations. An important difference: the watches from the Chrono collection have a date display, while the Daytona timepieces have an hour counter.
In price, the watches differ by several thousand euros. A Rolex Daytona is available almost exclusively on the secondary market, where it quickly costs upwards of €30,000. If you keep this price level in mind, the Chrono with a list price of € 5,000 seems almost extremely cheap.
Conclusion - a question of personal taste and budget
In conclusion, it remains to be said: With both Rolex and Tudor, you get qualitatively impeccable timepieces with top movements and attractive designs. Even if Tudor is not 100% as good as 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 infinite financial means, Tudor provides convincing alternatives to Rolex luxury watches.