Skip to main content

Tudor vs Rolex watches: What’s the difference?

What are the differences between Tudor and Rolex watches?

Tudor watch on model
Tudor

When it comes to luxury watches for men, Tudor and Rolex are some of the most respected brands around. But, exactly who is better? If the pair were fighting it out in a ring, UFC style, Tudor vs Rolex, who would get knocked out first? They’ve both got hardcore fans on each side, screaming their names, with each believing their fighter is at the top of their game. Both brands are famous for their long history and just absolutely superb, quality watches, but there are certainly some major differences that set them apart. Let’s dive into these differences, and put a Tudor vs Rolex matchup to the test.

Tudor watch promo shot
Tudor

Tudor vs Rolex watches: The differences

Tudor and Rolex definitely appear on the same family tree, as Tudor is the sister company of Rolex, established in 1926 by the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf. Tudor was made to offer watches of high quality but with price tags that the average person can actually afford. Being that Rolex is considered a major status symbol, not least because of their exorbitant price tags, it’s a smart move for the founder to come up with a brand that is in the same solar system as the brand, even if it’s not on the same planet.

Recommended Videos

While there are obviously price differences, the looks of the watches vary quite a bit as well. While Rolex is much more conservative, Tudor likes to get a bit more creative with their watches, including by using unorthodox materials like bronze. Basically, Tudor is the younger sibling who likes to get into trouble, while Rolex follows the rules.

In the Tudor vs Rolex debate, Tudor has some major differences in how they manufacture watches. While the brand was made to be an affordable alternative to Rolex, that came with some compromises. Tudor relied on ETA movements when they first started, which were not made in-house, while Rolex has created their own movements since starting in Aegler, Switzerland.

Rolex GMT Master II watch promo
Rolex

Design and aesthetics

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Owning a Tudor is certainly not the same as owning a Rolex. Their components are completely different and while Tudor does share some of that famous Rolex prestige, it’s on a much smaller scale. Rolex completely eclipses Tudor in its global fame, however, the latter is still a firm fan favorite. One of the biggest differences between Tudor and Rolex is their approach to watch design in general. While Rolex watches are dripping with luxury and a classic appeal, Tudor watches have a more sporty, slightly rugged energy.

When it comes to a Tudor vs Rolex watch, especially looking at models like the Rolex Pepsi, there are some pretty major differences, even when they use the same colors. Rolex uses Cerachrom bezels complete with white gold or platinum numerals, a feature Tudor watches definitely don’t have. Not only that but Rolex uses highly advanced bracelet mechanisms such as the Easylink or Glidelock systems, contrasting with Tudor’s sole use of an easy adjust system.

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi
Rolex

Movement and technology

Rolex is known for using extremely high-quality Swiss movements. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be as famous as they are, but don’t let Tudor fool you; they use Swiss movements as well, but in a different way. Tudor uses ETA movements (a Swiss manufacturer), meaning they can give their customers a good quality watch without the incredibly high price tag that Rolex watches are known for. Rolex, on the other hand, manufactures their famous movements in-house, and their watches are put through rigorous tests and certification processes, something other brands are not known for.

Tudor watches promotional shot
Tudor

Price and accessibility

When talking about the differences between Tudor and Rolex watches, you would be crazy not to point out the big neon sign or pink elephant in the room, right? Yes, it’s the price. Rolex watches are seen as investment pieces just as much as they are arm candy, and they come with the wait lists to prove it (some up to 2 years!). Tudor, on the other hand, makes it easier for someone just starting to dip their toes in the world of luxury watches and doesn’t have the wallet or knowledge quite yet.

Tudor watches give buyers awesome value for money, and they come with many of the same features that Rolex watches have for way less. This affordability makes Tudor highly popular with watch fans looking to own a piece of the cake without breaking the piggy bank. From the design to the functionality and price points, both Tudor and Rolex watches will make customers happy, no matter which brand they choose.

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
This new Bell & Ross looks like it belongs on a fighter jet
French watchmaker creates ceramic skeleton watch inspired by stealth aircraft technology
BR-05-Skeleton-Phantom-Ceramnic. press shot

Bell & Ross has introduced the BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic, a striking limited edition that continues the brand's tradition of creating timepieces inspired by stealth aircraft while showcasing the versatility of its integrated bracelet design first launched in 2019.
The latest release draws from Bell & Ross' long lineage of "phantom" watches dating back to 2007, inspired by the dark, radar-absorbing livery of stealth aircraft. The all-black aesthetic creates a sculptural, almost architectural design that emphasizes the BR-05's distinctive square case profile.
The 41mm case is crafted from black ceramic, featuring vertical satin brushing combined with highly polished elements on the case sides and center bracelet links. Ceramic offers practical advantages including exceptional durability and lightweight construction, making it ideal for a sporty bracelet watch.
To prevent the monochrome design from appearing monotonous, Bell & Ross has skeletonized the dial, revealing the Caliber BR-CAL.322-1 movement developed specifically for the brand. A tinted transparent dial plate provides clear visibility of the mechanical movement while maintaining the stealth aesthetic.
The prominent dial flange holds baton hour markers filled with grey Super-LumiNova, which produces a bright green glow in low light conditions. The hands feature matching luminous material, ensuring excellent readability while preserving the watch's tactical appearance.
The BR-CAL.322-1 automatic mechanical movement offers a 54-hour power reserve and displays hours, minutes, and seconds. The visible movement components add visual interest through the skeletonized dial while demonstrating Bell & Ross' commitment to developing its own calibers.
Measuring 41mm by 11.2mm, the case provides 100-meter water resistance suitable for daily wear. The watch is available with either a matching black ceramic bracelet or black rubber strap, offering versatility for different wearing occasions.
This release demonstrates how the BR-05 collection has evolved since its 2019 debut, when Bell & Ross surprised the market with its interpretation of an integrated bracelet sports watch. The refined square case has become increasingly important to the brand's portfolio, proving its adaptability across different materials and complications.
The Skeleton Phantom Ceramic shows Bell & Ross maintaining its core identity of square, function-focused watches inspired by aviation instruments while retaining contemporary appeal. The stealth aircraft inspiration connects directly to the brand's aviation heritage while offering a modern interpretation of military aesthetics.
Limited to 500 pieces, the BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic continues Bell & Ross' exploration of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. The combination of ceramic construction, skeletonized movement display, and stealth-inspired design creates an appealing package for collectors seeking aviation-themed timepieces.
The release reinforces the BR-05's position as a strong competitor in the integrated bracelet sports watch segment while maintaining Bell & Ross' distinctive square case DNA.

Read more
Rolex Land-Dweller auction reaches $51,250 on eBay
New Rolex sports watch commands premium pricing in secondary market debut
Rolex Dynapulse promo image

The first publicly available Rolex Land-Dweller has sold for $51,250 on eBay Live, more than three times its $15,350 retail price and confirming the watch's status as a serious competitor to integrated luxury sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
The unworn 40mm stainless steel model, complete with box and papers, was listed by Tanner and Company with a starting bid of $15,000, just below the suggested retail price. However, intense bidding drove the final sale price to $51,250, just $2,000 shy of the combined retail prices of a Land-Dweller and Royal Oak "Jumbo."
Introduced earlier this year at Watches and Wonders Geneva, the Land-Dweller represents Rolex's most significant watch release in a generation. The timepiece features an integrated bracelet design inspired by 1970s sports watches and incorporates a revolutionary new escapement called Dynapulse, positioning it as a direct competitor to established luxury sports icons.
At retail, the Land-Dweller appears attractively priced compared to its competitors. The popular "Jumbo" Royal Oak in steel retails for $37,900, while the Patek Philippe Nautilus no longer exists as a three-handed men's model in stainless steel. The alternative 45mm Cubitus commands $43,263 at retail.
However, the secondary market tells a different story. The post-pandemic watch market has calmed from its highs but remains intensely competitive for hyped luxury sports watches. Both the Royal Oak and Cubitus command well into six-figure prices on used and gray markets, reflecting sustained demand that far exceeds supply.
The Land-Dweller's astronomical first sale price places it firmly in this rarefied territory, suggesting that Rolex's most hyped new model in years will follow similar secondary market trajectories to its Swiss competitors.
Two scenarios emerge for future Land-Dweller pricing. Either this first sale represents an inflated outlier that will normalize as more examples reach the market, or the extreme sale price will further inflate collector desire, driving values even higher for subsequent sales.
Given Rolex's history with secondary market pricing and the general trajectory of integrated luxury sports watches, the latter scenario appears more likely. The Land-Dweller's combination of revolutionary movement technology, integrated bracelet design, and Rolex's unparalleled brand recognition creates perfect conditions for sustained secondary market premiums.
The $51,250 sale price demonstrates that despite the Land-Dweller's relatively accessible retail pricing, actual market access remains limited to those willing to pay significant premiums. This reality reinforces the watch's position as a true competitor to the Royal Oak and Nautilus, not just in design and technical execution, but in market desirability and pricing power.

Read more
Norqain makes Independence Skeleton smaller and smarter
Swiss watchmaker Norqain refines skeleton collection with transparent mainplate design
Norqain new slimmed skeleton promo

Norqain has added two new 40mm models to its Independence Skeleton collection, offering slimmer, more refined options than the earlier 42mm watches. The updated timepieces feature a transparent mainplate design that enhances visual depth while showcasing the brand's commitment to innovative skeleton watchmaking.
The first model features a classic stainless steel case with brushed, polished, and sandblasted surfaces, accented by subtle turquoise details. The second adopts a bolder aesthetic with a black DLC-coated case, khaki rubber strap, and vibrant orange accents, creating a stealthier and sportier appearance.
Both versions are powered by the Norqain Caliber NB08S, a mechanical automatic skeleton movement that has earned COSC chronometer certification. This high-performance movement features 26 rubies and a personalized oscillating weight bearing the brand's logo. It offers a 41-hour power reserve, with the balance frequency operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), ensuring precise timekeeping.
The standout feature of these new models is the transparent mainplate positioned above the anthracite openworked dial. This innovative design element adds visual depth while housing Norqain's logo, marking a significant improvement from the previous 42mm versions where the logo was printed on the sapphire crystal.
The dials incorporate faceted black-plated indexes and diamond-cut hands filled with white X1 Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. The second hand's tip comes in turquoise on the steel version and orange on the DLC model, providing distinctive color coordination.
Measuring 40mm in diameter and 12.05mm thick, both models offer 100-meter water resistance and feature double anti-reflective, scratch-proof sapphire crystals on the front and back. The reduced case size makes these watches more wearable while maintaining the collection's bold skeleton aesthetic.
The steel version is priced at $4,490 on a rubber strap, with the matching steel bracelet option increasing the price to $4,790. The DLC-coated model comes with a choice of black or khaki rubber strap, both priced at $4,690.
These new Independence Skeleton models represent Norqain's evolution in skeleton watch design, combining traditional Swiss watchmaking excellence with contemporary aesthetics. The transparent mainplate innovation demonstrates the brand's commitment to advancing skeleton watch construction while preserving the visual drama that defines the collection.

Read more