When it comes to luxury watches, few brands are as well-known as Rolex. And yet, there's another name that consistently pops up in conversations about high-quality timepieces: Tudor. The two are often compared, and for a valid reason. They’re related after all. But what is the difference between these two Swiss heavyweights and how do they compare? If you're new to the world of watches, this face-off between Tudor and Rolex is a great place to start. Both have their charm, their history, and their undeniable appeal, but are they really the same thing?
Tudor may not carry the same level of instant name recognition as Rolex, but it’s certainly no stranger to the watch world. Founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the same man behind Rolex, Tudor was created as a more affordable alternative to its older sibling. The idea was to create another brand that offered the same Swiss quality and craftsmanship of Rolex, but at a more accessible price point.
For many years, Tudor has been known as the “younger sibling” to Rolex, slowly but surely gaining a reputation for rugged, reliable watches. But as you may have found out for yourself, Tudor watches are growing in popularity now more than ever. Part of that is down to the release of models like the Tudor Black Bay and Tudor Pelagos, two durable diver’s watches that prove you don’t need to break the bank to own a well-made, high-performing Swiss watch.
Tudor Black Bay – Launched in 2012, the Tudor Black Bay combines classic dive watch aesthetics with modern technology. It’s well known for having a handsome vintage-inspired design at incredible value, looking sneakily similar to the Rolex Submariner.
Tudor Pelagos – Best known for its insanely lightweight titanium case and bold design, the Tudor Pelagos is a diver’s dream. It’s light, tough, and perfect for underwater adventures (or just looking like a boss at a dinner party).
Tudor Heritage Chrono – Fun fact: Tudor originally created watches for the racetrack and their Heritage Chrono collection remains a homage to that. These chronographs are sleek, sporty and offer plenty of handsome 1970’s-inspired features designed to take you back to the golden age of motorsport.
Ah, Rolex. The luxury watch brand that pretty much everyone and their grandmother knows. The original baby of Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex was founded in 1905 and was one of the first companies to produce wristwatches that were both high-quality and extremely precise. It’s for this reason Rolex has built its unrivaled reputation for making not just timepieces, but status symbols.
From the very beginning, Rolex’s commitment to innovation has set it apart. It was the first to create a waterproof watch (the Rolex Oyster, 1926), the first self-winding watch (the Rolex Perpetual, 1931), and the first watch to be worn on the summit of Mount Everest (the Rolex Explorer, 1953). So when it comes to groundbreaking horology, Rolex is synonymous with pushing boundaries. They’re also well-known for using some of the world’s strongest steel, 904L-grade steel, and movements that are accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day (also known as Superlative Chronometer movements).
Rolex Submariner – Perhaps the most famous dive watch in the world, the Rolex Submariner was introduced in 1953 and has been the standard-bearer of Rolex’s durability and precision. Whether you're diving to 300 meters or just grabbing drinks with friends, the Submariner is kitted out for it all.
Rolex Daytona – One for motorsport enthusiasts, the Rolex Daytona is one of the most coveted chronographs in the world—and not just because of its sleek, sporty design. It also has a fascinating connection to Hollywood legend Paul Newman, who was often photographed wearing the design during his racing days.
Rolex Datejust – Released in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date display. It’s still well known for its versatility and timeless design and is often spotted on the wrists of celebrities and famous watch collectors.
Rolex GMT-Master II – Originally designed in 1955 at the request of Pan American Airways, the Rolex GMT-Master II has become an essential tool for those that frequently cross time zones. It’s two-toned bezel and four-handed dial display multiple time zones at once, so you know the time at home and the time at your current location.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of these two Swiss titans, you’re probably wondering which out of the two is truly the best? Should you go all in with a Rolex, or is Tudor the better choice for your wrist and wallet?
If you're looking for a watch that feels like a luxury timepiece without draining your bank account, Tudor might be the perfect brand for you. Tudor’s watches are generally priced lower than their Rolex counterparts, but they’re still crafted with the same levels of Swiss precision and attention to detail.
With models like the Tudor Black Bay or Tudor Pelagos, you’re getting watches that offer great value for the money. The Black Bay, for instance, comes with a stunning design, a highly reliable movement, and a price tag that’s far more approachable than a Rolex Submariner, which has similar characteristics. Tudor also uses top-notch materials like stainless steel, bronze, and titanium, making their watches both durable and beautiful.
Rolex watches are often seen as investments. Thanks to the brand’s consistency in quality and demand, Rolex watches tend to retain and even increase in value over time. Many collectors buy Rolexes simply to store them in a safe in the hope they’ll someday increase in value – which they often do.
Part of this is down to exclusivity. Getting your hands on a Rolex isn’t all that easy, so owning one is like holding onto a high value asset you can later sell for a higher price. Beyond that, Rolex watches also come with the added bonus of supreme durability and precision. From the Rolex Oyster case to their movements (many of which are made in-house), Rolex watches are built to last.
Despite being around for half a century, Tudor is only just beginning to grow in popularity, and for good reason. The brand’s resurgence over the past decade, especially with releases like the Black Bay, has solidified its place as a modern luxury brand. What Tudor offers is similar Swiss craftsmanship to Rolex, but without the hefty price tag.
Plus, Tudor is known for taking risks with designs and materials, such as the titanium case on the Pelagos or the vintage-inspired aesthetics of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. If you like a watch with a little more personality and flair, Tudor might be more up your alley.
Rolex is often seen as the gold standard in watches. The brand’s rich history, innovative designs, and impeccable craftsmanship all make it a symbol of prestige. Rolex offers a sense of exclusivity, and many buyers love that feeling of owning a piece of horological history.
Furthermore, Rolex watches are incredibly versatile. Whether you're wearing a Datejust to a black-tie event or rocking a Submariner during a weekend adventure, Rolex timepieces can adapt to nearly any situation, making them an ideal choice for those who value both style and performance.
So, after all the comparisons, which is the better brand? The truth is, both Tudor and Rolex are exceptional, and the one that’s best for you depends on what you're looking for in a watch.
If you're after a high-end, Swiss-made watch with incredible technology, and you have the budget to back it up, then Rolex is the way to go. It’s the ultimate symbol of luxury, prestige, and timeless craftsmanship. Plus, it’s a great investment that could increase in value over time.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of quality Swiss watches but you’d rather not spend an arm and a leg, then Tudor may just be your new best friend. With Tudor, you get exceptional craftsmanship, stunning designs, and great value for the price. Plus, it’s a brand that’s only growing in reputation, so you’ll be getting in on the ground floor of something special.
In the end, both brands offer incredible timepieces, and choosing between them is really about what speaks to you. Whether you're drawn to Rolex's legendary status or Tudor’s modern luxury, you can’t go wrong with either. Choose a watch that suits you, one that fits in with your lifestyle and makes you look and feel good. That’s what watch collecting should be about.
