The Differences Between Rolex and Tudor

Tudor and Rolex are two watch companies that are backed by decades of long-standing relationships. The former was founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1926, the same person who established Rolex in 1905. This, in an effort to make a watch that is backed by Rolex-like standards of dependability but comes at a modest price. 

But the question still stands: What are the differences between a Rolex and a Tudor? Well, the answers to this question are elaborated below.

Movement

In the past, Tudor watches like the Rolex Submariner, Black Bay, Pelagos, and Royal, among others, used the same case materials, design, bracelets, and dials. However, the movement that they use is usually a Valjoux movement or a Swiss made ETA, instead of an in-house Rolex one. 

At present, Tudor offers several in-house movements, which are used in many of its watch models. Of course it’s backed by Rolex’s knowledge as well as expertise when it comes to employing in-house movements, giving them an edge over other competitors. 

Materials 

Traditionally, Rolex timepieces exemplify “evolution” and not “revolution.” With this in mind, watches in the Tudor line are markedly different from watches in the Rolex line. Also, Tudor permitted Rolex to experiment with materials and styles. 

Both entities have their trademark use of materials. Tudor, for instance, utilizes cloth watch straps that are complemented by titanium cases. It is important to note that early Tudor watches came with a Tudor Rose emblem, which was changed to the Tudor shield in the 1960s. 

Rolex on the other hand, utilizes 18-carat gold that is complemented by the right mixture of silver and copper to produce different types of 18-carat gold. They include Everose (Rolex’s pink gold alloy), yellow, and white. 

With regard to steel watches, Tudor utilizes 316L stainless steel while Rolex utilizes 904L stainless steel. 

Styles

At present, Tudor employs its own designs, many of its models still carry similar traits as well as design elements from many Rolex watches. Yes. There are many similarities between Tudor and Rolex watches, particularly from the former’s vintage watches and the latter’s modern watches. They are much more obvious if you take a look at the back of the latter’s vintage watches. The Tudor Submariner, for instance, looks pretty similar to the Rolex Submariner. 

Prices

Tudor and Rolex are priced differently since the former is meant to attract the entry-level audience, while the latter is for the luxury and prestige market. For example, the most affordable modern Tudor watch price is about 2,000 USD, while the cheapest Rolex watch, the lady Oyster Perpetual is priced at about 5,000 USD. 

Summing up 

Both Tudor as well as Rolex make great watches and they are both backed by many years of expertise in watchmaking. However, comparing the two is not fair as they focus on different target markets. One thing is for sure, though, Tudor watches that are backed by in-house movements offer value for money that’s unlike any other. 

So, if you’re on the market for that Tudor Submariner that you’ve always wanted, then give it a shot. It’s a good-looking watch that’s functional, robust, refined, and everything in between.

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