Top 16 Rolex Alternatives – Less Expensive, Just as Stylish!

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There are many brands in the world that need no introduction – McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Apple, and Rolex. Mention the name, and, really, anyone will know exactly what you’re talking about. While brands like Rolex are easily recognizable, there’s a problem: they’re really, really expensive. Although we might all want to own one, the reality is some of us can’t. So, we took the time to look into some affordable alternatives for you.

Please keep in mind that today’s round-up is our opinion. Obviously, not everything is going to be a one-to-one match, and also, please keep in mind that these watches might not necessarily fulfill the itch that you still have to buy the Rolex.

Why Rolex?

So, the first question to get out of the way is: why Rolex? Why are we doing this post when we have members on our team, like Raphael, who said he would never buy one? There are three reasons behind our decision.

First off, Rolex is a status symbol, and even if Raphael doesn’t want to own one, a lot of other people do. When we look back at history, Rolex has a solid reputation of watchmaking, it has Swiss Heritage, and it’s been worn by many influential and iconic people. Whether it’s royalty, film stars, or famous people, odds are we’ve all seen someone that we know wearing a Rolex. 

Raphael dons the Rolex GMT-Master II watch
Raphael dons the Rolex GMT-Master II watch

This leads us right to the next point, which is that they are excellent at marketing. Rolex can be seen much like Apple, whose technology isn’t always the most groundbreaking, but it’s always desirable.

Sure, there are other watches that can do everything that a Rolex can do, and there are watches that are even more luxurious. But at the end of the day, it’s hard to argue with their position as a status symbol.

Lastly, Rolex has some of the most iconic designs. People often say that imitation is the best form of flattery, and since there are so many fake Rolexes out there.

A real vs. fake Rolex [Image Credit: Watchfinder & Co.]
A real vs. fake Rolex [Image Credit: Watchfinder & Co.]

By sticking to a small catalog of simple designs, Rolex watches are easily-recognizable. And when it comes to aesthetics, who doesn’t love a beautiful watch?

So, how is this going to work? Here at the Gentleman’s Gazette, we do not stand for buying replicas or fake watches, so we’re not going to tell you to do that. I’m also not going to tell you to buy a watch that’s a one-to-one homage.

15 Reasons Not To Buy a Replica, Counterfeit, or Fake Watch

The reason why we don’t give this advice is that the entire purpose is to pass off that watch as the original, which we don’t stand for. And if you’ve seen our post on alternatives to iconic luxury watches, we’ll do the same today by naming an iconic Rolex model, and then, we’ll go through three different price tiers, one around $250, one around a thousand, and one above a thousand.

Rolex Watches & Alternatives: Rolex Datejust

First up is the Rolex Datejust – Rolex’s iconic date window watch. Since the 1940s, the Datejust has been a staple of the Rolex catalog. The size and case design has not changed much over the years, with really the only changes coming with the dial colors.

The Rolex Datejust watch [Image Credit: Rolex]
Rolex Datejust watch [Image Credit: Rolex]

This particular watch starts around $7,000, comes in a few different sizes, and is a great all-around watch. It has a refined elegance with a touch of luxury, but it still looks good with jeans and a T-shirt.

So, when it comes to affordable alternatives, we’re going to look at something that mirrors the design with a lot of versatility.

Datejust Alternatives

So, for under $200, we’re going to recommend the Timex Legacy. These actually have the exact same case sizes as the Datejust at 41 and 36 millimeters. This watch sits around $150 and is powered by a quartz movement.

Watch Movements Explained

At under a thousand dollars, we’re going to recommend the Hamilton Jazz Master. It has a sleek design, a really nice bracelet, stainless steel case, and sits around 600 bucks. This watch is also powered by a quartz movement, and it comes from a company with history and heritage like Hamilton.

At over a thousand dollars, there are many great options. So, we’ll give you a few. First up is the Omega Constellation Globemaster. This is a watch that I’ve worn many times, and I love it. It has the same look and design as a Datejust and has a very wearable size.

Also, at this price point, we would recommend the Grand Seiko SBGH277. Coming in at $6,100, this watch boasts an incredible amount of engineering. This Grand Seiko has a beautiful dial, and also a high beat movement, which will give you a much cleaner sweep across the dial of your watch. This timepiece is truly special, and it doesn’t have to have the Rolex name on it for you to know that it’s a great watch.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s entry-level, everyday sports watch. The Oyster Perpetual sits around $6,000, which is a lot of money for an entry-level watch. The OSU Perpetual is a clean and simple time-only watch, and its design really carries this out in a timeless way.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 watch with a bright blue dial [Image Credit: Rolex]
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 watch with a bright blue dial [Image Credit: Rolex]

So, for this category, we’re going to focus on watches that are very simple in their design.

Oyster Perpetual Alternatives

At under $200, we recommend the Seiko SNE039. This watch is solar-powered, and it hangs around $200. If you want to get an automatic version that has since been discontinued by Seiko, we would recommend the SARB033. Although, you have to do some hunting to find them.

Both of these watches have very similar styling to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual without being a direct copy from a brand like Seiko, which has heritage.

The solar-powered Seiko SNE039 watch
The solar-powered Seiko SNE039 watch

At under a thousand dollars, we would recommend one of the watches from Tissot’s Powermatic 80 line, specifically the Gentleman model. Tissot has many great options in this Gentleman’s line, with quartz options being around $300 and automatics being between $700 and a thousand.

And at over a thousand dollars, one of my favorites is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. Coming in at $5,400 retail and less than that secondhand, this line of watches really does undercut the Oyster Perpetual.

I used to own one for a little while with a blue rubber strap and blue dial that cost me about $3,400, gently-used and it was a great watch that I really loved. Not to mention the Aqua Terra comes in different sizes for different-sized wrists, and it has an exhibition case back so you can see the movement.

There’s also different dial variations and colors. Typically, they all have a teak motif on the dial, but you can also get ones with a small seconds.

Rolex GMT

The iconic Rolex model MT Master II starts at $11,000, and that’s if you can even get one. There are many different options within the GMT line, and they all have fun names, such as Batman, Pepsi, root beer, and now the Sprite.

The Rolex GMT-Master II watch up close
The Rolex GMT-Master II watch up close.

But, regardless of all these different bezel combinations, the most iconic is the Pepsi. Having a GMT bezel makes a watch inherently sporty, so we’ll be looking at models that have that feature.

GMT Alternatives

At under $200, let’s look at the Timex Waterbury GMT. So, if you could scrape together $200, you can pick this watch up. It has a very similar look to the Rolex without being a direct copy – again, from a brand like Timex, which has history and heritage.

The Timex Waterbury GMT watch retails under $200
The Timex Waterbury GMT watch retails under $200

At under a thousand dollars, there are several options, but let’s highlight two. First up is the newly-released Seiko 5 Sports SSK003. This is an automatic Seiko, which takes many cues from the much-loved Seiko SKX, and it sits around $400 to $500. This watch has a chunky case and a jubilee-style bracelet with many different bezel and dial colors.

At over a thousand dollars, there are many options for different GMTs, but we’re going to highlight the Tudor Black Bay GMT at just around $4,000. We’re going to turn to Tudor for our higher-priced option.

What’s interesting is that Tudor and Rolex have actually been linked since 1926. That’s when Rolex’s founder Hans Wilsdorf decided to found Rolex’s sister company, Tudor.

Tudor offers Rolex quality and heritage at a much lower price point. Here, the Tudor Black Bay GMT offers many of the same characteristics as the Pepsi GMT. And if we’re being honest, this is as close as you can get to a Rolex without actually buying a Rolex.

Rolex Daytona

Next up, we’ll look at Rolex’s iconic chronograph at around $14,000. Again, if you can get one, it’s the Rolex Daytona. And if you’d like to learn more about chronographs, you can take a look at our guide on that. But, in a nutshell, chronographs are synonymous with precise timekeeping.

Chronograph – Watch Complications Explained

The Daytona gets its name from the iconic Daytona International Raceway in Florida as it’s been a favorite for many auto racers. One particular iteration of the Daytona was nicknamed “The Paul Newman” as it was a favorite watch by actor Paul Newman in the 70s and 80s.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 originally owned and worn by Paul Newman [Image Credit: Hodinkee]

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 originally owned and worn by Paul Newman

[Image Credit: Hodinkee]

A Wild Ride: The Rolex Daytona

So, when it comes to alternatives, we’re going to be looking at the sporty charm that comes along with the Daytona.

Daytona Alternatives

At under $200, let’s look at this Rotary 1977 chronograph. Purchasing these floats around $160 and can be a little more or a little less, depending on the variation. And at this price point, you get a really cool watch with some nice heritage from a Swiss brand. This watch emulates the Daytona without being a one-to-one copy.

At under a thousand dollars, let’s look at the Yema Rallygraf. This will be our choice for the mid-tier, coming in at around $350. This piece balances the 1970s racing design with a modern sensibility.

At over a thousand dollars, there are many great options but let’s take a look at this Tag Heuer Carrera. When it comes to chronographs and racing, it’s hard to beat Tag Heuer when it comes to legacy. With decades of history of creating timepieces for racers, you know that this watch will mean business. And although Tag Heuer might have lost its way in recent years, this Carrera model has been a flagship since 1963. And with prices being $6,000 new and a lot less for gently used, you can get a whole lot of racing chronographs for a lot less than a Daytona.

Rolex Submariner

Last but certainly not least is maybe Rolex’s most iconic watch, the Submariner. The Submariner’s arguably Rolex’s most recognized watch, and it starts at $9,000 and up.

Rolex Submariner watch [Image Credit: Rolex]
Rolex Submariner watch [Image Credit: Rolex]

Submariner Alternatives

Let’s look at a couple different price tiers for some alternatives to the Submariner. Kicking things off with our most budget-friendly option, let’s look at the Casio Duro. Coming in around $60, my real question is, why don’t you have one yet?

Taking cue from the easy legibility of the Submariner, the Casio Duro is a classically-styled dive watch. And with 200 meters of water resistance and a durable Casio case, which is god-tier, this watch is really something you can’t pass up.

The Casio Duro watch is a budget-friendly option for a classically-styled dive watch
The Casio Duro watch is a budget-friendly option for a classically-styled dive watch

At under a thousand dollars, there are many great dive watch options, but let’s look at the Doxa SUB 200 Shark Hunter. At under a thousand dollars, this Doxa is a great choice, and you can find options for a little bit cheaper if you choose a rubber strap.

Doxa has a history of rich heritage when it comes to their dive watches, so this is a great piece to pick up.

And at over a thousand dollars, let’s look at the Omega Seamaster 300. At around $5,000 and less for gently used, you can get a really great piece of Omega’s history and heritage with this diver, and we discuss more of our thoughts about the timepiece in our in-depth review.

Omega Speedmaster: Is It Worth It? Men’s Swiss Watch Review

The Seamaster is a serious dive watch and boasts 300-meters, unsurprisingly, of water resistance, which is perhaps why naval commander James Bond has used this as his watch since the mid-1990s.

Conclusion

As we draw our list of budget alternatives to a close, it’s kind of cool to think that you could own an entire collection of alternatives for less than a thousand dollars. Each of those pieces would present an element of the various Rolex models that we brought up without copying them one-to-one.

Nathan sports the Timex Waterbury GMT watch as an alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II watch
Nathan sports the Timex Waterbury GMT watch as an alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II watch

Whatever your budget is, watches should be about enjoyment. It doesn’t matter how much you paid, just as long as you buy something with heritage, craftsmanship, and that you love wearing.

If you’re a Rolex owner or aspiring to own one, let us know in the comments which model you want or which model you have. And if you don’t want to buy a Rolex, what would you buy as an alternative?

Outfit Rundown

Today, I’m wearing an outfit that is casual for the changing seasons here as we move into fall all in Minneapolis. I’m wearing an army green field jacket. This is one that I wear quite often, and I picked it up from Nordstrom a few years ago. It has a bunch of pockets, which is great for the cold months to keep my hands warm. It’s also great for bringing items along on a hayride or to go to the pumpkin patch.

Nathan in a transitional casual look
Nathan in a transitional casual look

Sticking with our fall transition, I’m wearing a denim shirt. This is made-to-measure by Beckett & Robb. I’m wearing a brown leather belt and a pair of British khaki chinos from L.L. Bean.

My shoes are my trusty Wolverine 1000 Miles. This was the first expensive pair of shoes that I bought when I got into menswear. My parents thought that I was crazy, but here they are, still going strong.

On my wrist is the Timex Waterbury GMT. This is a really cool watch that we got, and it’s a great Rolex alternative. Many of the watches in today’s post were supplied by Federico over at Delray Watch. They’re not a sponsor of the Gentleman’s Gazette, but we always appreciate them sending watches over.

If you need any great accessories in your fall transition, maybe some orange or red pocket squares or brown socks, go check out the Fort Belvedere shop.

Transition in style with Fort Belvedere accessories!

Brick Red Pocket Square Art Deco Egyptian Scarab pattern in green, orange, yellow, blue with green contrast edge by Fort Belvedere

Brick Red Pocket Square Art Deco Egyptian Scarab pattern in green, orange, yellow, blue with green contrast edge

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Brown and Blue Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Brown and Blue Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

Off White Rabbits on Wine Red Silk Wool Pocket Square

Off White Rabbits on Wine Red Silk Wool Pocket Square

Reader Comments

  1. Interesting video. I find it funny how much people focus on Rolex.

    I bought a new stainless steel DateJust Rolex in the mid 80’s. I put a deposit down and eventually bought it. I wanted a stainless steel and gold, but it was too expensive. The other models, although popular did not appeal to me.

    In 2000, I gave my DateJust to my brother and bought a new gold Day-Date Rolex for cash. I lived in NYC and bought it through a salesman who used to work at the store that I bought my first Rolex from who later established his own store in Boston. I paid $25.000. I did not pay any sales tax because it was shipped to me in NYC. I saved $2,125.

    I love my Rolex. Love the gold bracelet. (The leather band on the Rolex in this video is tacky. Also, what is difference between a used watch and a gently used watch?) I don’t look at it as an investment, I just love the look, weight, classic simplicity and heritage.

    Rolex is my only timepiece.

  2. Wearing a Rolex is like driving a Beemer or a Cadillac. It is something you like and something that satisfies you.

    I have a basic stainless steel Rolex and have had it since 1980. It has never required service. It keeps accurate time. It still looks as good as it did when it came out of the box.

    I have other watches, Le Coultre, Baum Mercier, and others and they just aren’t quite the reliability of the Rolex

  3. It took me a long time before I decided to spend the money for a Rolex. Sadly I wasted way too much money on cheap alternatives that never really fed my desire for a Rolex.

    I came close with a Omega Speedmaster (the original moon watch). NASA thought the Speedmaster was good enough for the Apollo astronauts. It was a good watch but a bit too busy. What I really wanted was a Rolex Submariner.

    I began my Rolex journey while I was working an assignment in the Middle East. When faced with the choice of a Submariner or a GMT Master. I opted for the GMT (Pepsi model). The dual time zone feature is what sold me. That was 1991 and it’s been on my wrist almost constantly since then.

    I’ve toyed with the thought of other watches. I keep thinking I want a Rolex Explorer (essentially a white faced GMT). I was seriously interested in the Sea Dweller. I still haven’t made the “dive”. I was really excited about the Omega Speedmaster Dark of the Moon edition but the band is too small. Sure I could have added an after market band but that’s like putting a tractor engine in a Porsche.

    The only fill in that I’ve found acceptable for my GMT when it’s getting maintenance is a Marathon GSAR. It’s big and heavy and best of all keeps great time.

    1. Very nice choice, Steven! I particularly like Longines watches, especially at their price point.

  4. Greetings,

    Ironic that Our Founder would object to buying a Rolex watch when, by nearly identical criteria, his Fort Belvedere site offers socks at $70.00 per pair, an atrificial boutinniere that goes for $40.00, and where gloves are almost $400.00 a pop.

    Clearly, the beholder’s eye prevails in all fashion.

    Sincerely,

    Andrew Gregg,
    Palm Springs, California.

    1. Hi Andrew,

      Raphael laid out his thoughts about Rolex in a separate post. Ultimately, some people like Rolex watches, and others don’t. It comes down to what you value, and someone like Raphael values an elegant pair of gloves higher than a status symbol sports watch. Plus, Raphael has stated before that he’s not a watch guy, so his choice not to spend $10,000 on a watch perhaps doesn’t come as a surprise.

      Here’s to our different tastes!

  5. I own about 40 wristwatches. Collected over 40 years. They range from a humble vintage Seiko through 1920’s/‘30’s Bulova and Waltham, ‘60’s Omega Seamaster 300 Professional, Oris, Hamilton, Longines, Tissot, Chanel J12, and many other brands of various status.
    I just love watches. My Grandfather was a watchmaker. My Father left me a 60’s Tudor dress watch and a 1947 Rolex Oyster. I bought a rare 1968 Rolex Perpetual Air King DATE when I came in to a small amount of money.
    I play drums and so also wear a good quartz watch, Citizen, when doing so.
    My point is I have no snobbery about watches. Not their movements, nor their style or their value. I dress well and have a watch for any particular occasion. Like shoes or boots. It’s amazing how many people will notice when you make the effort of matching your watch, cufflinks, tie, and shoes to the right outfit for any moment, or the right watch to go with rugged or smart casual.
    I’ve spent 40 years learning this.
    Great article.

    1. So lovely to hear your thoughts about watches, Neil, and glad to know you enjoyed the article. It’s great to know that watches are your passion, and you gain enjoyment from collecting styles and models you like. Keep on living stylishly! :)

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