In 1926, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor as an affordable alternative to the premium prices of his flagship luxury brand. He had planned to found a sub-brand for many years, experimenting with names like Falcon, Genex, Lexis, Marconi, and even Unicorn. These ventures initially failed, and it wasn’t until Wilsdorf chose to promote Tudor watches as a Rolex product that the brand really took off. Tudor watches are not only budget friendly, they also mirror the impeccable quality and flawless craftsmanship of a Rolex. You might be wondering why anyone would splurge on a Rolex watch when they could save on a Tudor. Although Tudor timepieces offer the same precision and accuracy as a Rolex, there are some key distinctions between the two. If you’re in the market for a new luxury watch and are stuck deciding between Tudor vs. Rolex, we may be able to help. In this article, we’ll detail the differences between the two Swiss watch brands to help you decide which best suits your unique style.

The Movement

For many years, the most significant difference between Tudor and Rolex was the type of movement they used to power their watches. Tudor watches featured third party movements, purchased from manufacturers like Valjoux. Rolex, on the other hand, has always exclusively used watch movements that are designed in-house, giving them a unique advantage over their competition. This also allows them to charge significantly more than their counterpart. When compared to Rolex, Tudor watches look strikingly similar, but this small detail still manages to make all the difference in price. In recent years however, Tudor began developing its own in-house movements, though only for select watch styles. Updated versions of Tudor’s Heritage and Black Bay models feature these in-house movements, while several classic Tudor watches still use outsourced movements. While the addition of in-house movements allows Tudor to charge more for certain models, they still offer plenty of styles at affordable prices. In fact, the brand has made clear its intent to offer a range of products at various price points, allowing them to appeal to a wider array of consumers.

Style & Materials

When it comes to comparing Tudor vs. Rolex, there are plenty of similarities in style, and also some distinct differences. Tudor and Rolex share several of the same design elements such as the case, winding crown, crystal, and bracelets. However, Tudor has crafted its own identity in the world of watchmaking by positioning itself as an edgy, less traditional alternative to the time-honored designs of Rolex. Tudor often uses cloth watch straps, integrated cases, and bold, playful color palettes to diversify their watch models and give them a more modern, updated look. Rolex, on the other hand, has many models that have remained largely unchanged since their original unveiling. Simply put, Rolex manufactures classic, conservative timepieces whereas Tudor tends to offer more contemporary creations.

Which is the Better Watch?

Customers often wonder at the differences between Tudor vs. Rolex, trying to decide which is the better watch. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, as it’s strictly a matter of personal preference. If you’ve had your heart set on a Rolex, it might be worth it to spend the extra cash. You can always count on a Rolex to be accurate, reliable, and most importantly—timelessly stylish. Plus, Rolex watches tend to hold their value, so you can consider it an investment. By comparison, a Tudor timepiece will save you a nice chunk of change while offering similar style and functionality as a Rolex. Their diverse selection of watches ensures that shoppers have no shortage of options when choosing the best watch to fit their needs. If your style tends to be a little more modern and trendy, you’re sure to find a fashion-forward watch from Tudor.

Shop Rolex & Tudor in San Diego

If you’ve been searching all of San Diego for the best watches, you’ve come to perfect place! Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue offers one of the largest selections of new and pre-owned luxury timepieces. Whether you have your sights set on a pristine pre-owned Rolex or a trendy Tudor, you’ll discover the best deals here at Leo’s. Visit us today and let us help you find your next treasured timepiece!