Luxury watches are not only about telling time; they are also symbols of art, precision engineering, and style. Among many luxury watch brands, some of the most popular are Tudor and Rolex.
If you’ve been in the watch collecting scene for a while, you’re likely aware of the connection between Tudor and Rolex. Yet, a question remains: Which is better, Tudor vs Rolex?
If you want to know more about these luxury brands, read this article to learn about the history, price, and similarities between Tudor and Rolex.
History of Tudor and Rolex Watches
It’s common knowledge among luxury watch fans that Tudor and Rolex are brands with a rich history. Both were founded by the same person, Hans Wilsdorf.
In 1926, six years after releasing Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf released Tudor as the less-expensive version of Rolex. The brand’s name ‘Tudor’ was inspired by the Tudor period in England, famed for adventure, artistry, and the beginning of a new era.
Various navies, including the US Navy SEALs and the French Marine Nationale, used Tudor and Rolex for their divers.
Since they originate from the same brand, many Tudor and Rolex collections share their names and designs.
Read more: Tudor vs TAG Heuer: Unveiling the Differences!
Differences Between Tudor vs Rolex
While originating from the same company, Tudor and Rolex exhibit several minor differences. Here are the specifics.
1. Watch design
Rolex watches typically have a more refined and classic design, emphasizing elegance and urbanity. They often feature smooth lines, polished surfaces, and a streamlined aesthetic.
On the other hand, Tudor watches tend to have a more adventurous and playful design, focusing on robustness and functionality. They often feature bolder lines, more colorful dials, and a more comprehensive range of materials.
2. Technology
Rolex is known for its in-house movements, which are produced entirely by the company. This allows for greater control over the quality and consistency of the movements.
Meanwhile, Tudor has historically used movements from external suppliers like ETA and Valjoux. However, in recent years, Tudor has started producing its in-house movements, which are now used in some of their models.
Read more: Understanding the Differences Between Luxury Watch Movements
3. Material
Rolex uses 904L steel, which is considered superior to the 316L steel used by Tudor. That is a more durable and scratch-resistant material for Rolex watches.
Meanwhile, Tudor watches use 316L, which is still a high-quality material but may not be as scratch-resistant as 904L steel.
Tudor and Rolex Watches Price and Resale Value
These well-known brands have unique appeal, characteristics, price, and resale value. Tudor watches are generally priced lower than Rolex watches.
Rolex watches are more expensive due to their reputation, in-house movements, and high-quality materials. The company intentionally offers more affordable watches under the Tudor brand, featuring designs similar to Rolex’s.
Additionally, Tudor watches have proven to hold their value for an unlimited time, similar to their parent company, Rolex. The prices of Rolex watches have increased rapidly over the years.
Tudor range prices start from IDR 28,000,000. Meanwhile, Rolex has a higher price range, starting from IDR 82,000,000.
Similar Tudor and Rolex Collection
Tudor and Rolex share numerous collections. They resemble each other in design, color, and features. Here are some examples of these parallel timepieces from both brands.
1. Tudor Black Bay GMT vs. Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi
Tudor Black Bay GMT features a 41mm stainless steel case, while Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi has a 40mm.
Both have a gradient blue-black dial. However, Tudor has a GMT hand, and Rolex has a red 24-hour hand with a ceramic bezel.
Tudor is powered by the in-house MT5652 movements, while Rolex is powered by the in-house caliber 3285 movements.
Both watches have a power reserve of 70 hours. Tudor is water-resistant to 200 meters, and Rolex is 300 meters, and both have sapphire crystal glass.
Read more: Decoding the Rumors: Is Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ Facing Discontinuation?
2. Tudor Submariner vs. Rolex Submariner
Tudor Submariner and Rolex Submariner watches have a 41mm stainless steel case, a black dial, a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, and a power reserve of 70 hours.
However, Tudor is powered by the in-house MT5602 movement, and Rolex is an in-house caliber 3230 movement. Tudor Submariner is water-resistant to 200 meters.
Meanwhile, the Rolex one is water-resistant to 300 meters. Tudor has a sapphire crystal glass, and Rolex has scratch-resistant crystal glass.
3. Tudor Black Bay vs. Rolex Daytona
The similarities between these watches are that both have a black dial. However, there are differences.
Tudor Black Bay has a 41mm stainless steel case, while Rolex Daytona has a 40mm one. Tudor has a black bezel, while Rolex has a black ceramic bezel.
Tudor Black Bay and Rolex Daytona also have different power reserves. The Tudor one is powered by the in-house MT5602 movements, and the Rolex is powered by the in-house caliber 4130 movements. Tudor Black Bay has a power reserve of 70 hours, and Rolex has 72 hours.
Both watches are equipped with their own water-resistant. Tudor Black Bay with 200 meters water-resistant, and Rolex Daytona with 100 meters water-resistant.
Tudor vs Rolex: Which One is Better For You?
The choice between Tudor vs Rolex depends on personal preference and priorities. If you are seeking prestige, heritage, and investment, Rolex may be the preferred choice. However, Tudor presents a compelling option if you seek quality, art, and value for money.
For entry-level, Tudor and Rolex often considered various types of entry-level watches. First, Tudor has Tudor Style, which is a chic watch with elegant lines that take notes from traditional watches from the 1950s to the 1970s.
On the other hand, for Rolex’s entry-level, they have the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36, a classic watch with a simple design that can also be passed down from generation to generation.
Regardless of your chosen brand, Tudor and Rolex offer high quality, reliability, and timeless style.
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