Comparing Tudor Watches with Rolex

As you probably are well aware, Rolex also controls the Tudor brand.  And, although Tudor seems to be a bit more aggressive in its styling, and cutting edge in its approach, the models for the most part look awfully similar to their Rolex counterpart.

As prices in Rolex continue to skyrocket, it might make sense for first collectors to start their collection with a lower priced Tudor rather than a Rolex they can't yet afford.  So, in the article that follows I am going to compare some of the models and show  you how similar these models appear to be.

The GMT

The fantastic GMT tool watch has a utility that allows the owner to track two time zones at the same time, while also knowing the day of the month from the date window.  However, the timepiece is much more than just a tool.  It has an exceptional beauty and a distinctive look that is recognizable by all as a fashionable icon of pure value.

Rolex GMT Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II comes in with a price tag of $9,250, but communicates tremendous value and nostalgia to the wearer and to anyone that comes to view this piece of jewelry on his wrist.  Two color tones on the bezel, in Pepsi colors of Red and Blue are offset by engraved numerals and graduations, provide the ability to keep track of a 2nd time zone, as notated by the big 24 hour Red Hand and arrow tip.

A world traveler, businessman, a sports icon or artist who is often in a different city from night to night, might use the bezel to easily rotate to the current time rather than needing to adjust the hands using the winding crown.  A useful feature, indeed.  Even digital watches or cell phones for that matter, would take longer to set the time than a GMT timepiece.  However, the original time is still fully preserved, allowing the wearer to know what his home city's time is currently at.

If they might need to call their wife, say goodnight to their children, or even call the office, knowing what time their home base is at becomes essential.

Tudor GMT

The Tudor comes in at less than half the price of the Rolex - clocking in at a mere $3,625.  Although you might notice the fabric strap pictured above, the Tudor GMT also comes on a steel bracelet or a brown leather strap.

The look and feel is almost identical to the Rolex GMT Master II.  The same Pepsi colored dial and 24 hour hand in matching Pepsi Red gives you that important 24 hour adjustable clock.

Both dials are black and have luminescent hour markers and luminescent hands.  Even the 24 hour and seconds hands have luminescent tips that  provide exceptional visibility even on a plane at night time when business travelers might be catching a red eye.

There are some slight variations on the numeral prints around the rotatable bezel.  The Rolex does have a useful cyclops lens over the date aperture.  The Tudor has a slightly larger case at 41 mm to the Rolex 40 mm case.  And the Tudor features a waterproofness system that surpasses the Rolex with a 660 feet depth of support, as compared to the Rolex support for only 330 feet of depth.

The Tudor has a larger winding crown, but the Rolex features two crown guards on either side of its winding crown.

However, both models are featuring the new power reserve with 70 hours of reserve power.  The bezel can be rotated in either direction with speed and precision.  Both exceptional models feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the timepiece underneath.  Both timepieces are certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.

The Rolex GMT II is one of the top Rolex timepieces made today.  However, the ability to use the Tudor GMT as a diver's watch adds another level of utility to already useful tool.  I'd give the slight edge to Tudor in the battle of the GMT's for this solitary reason.

The Chronograph Car Racing Timepiece

The Chronograph and the Rolex Daytona have taken the world by storm.  Although this has not always been the case, Rolex Daytona has become valued as one of the most precious Rolex timepieces, and certainly the most collectible models around.  So, for this section we will compare the Daytona to the Tudor counterpart - the Black Bay Chrono.

Rolex Daytona in 18 ct Gold

The Rolex Daytona has seen tremendous attention by Rolex in recent years.  It hasn't always seen this kind of scrutiny and was relegated for many years to the backburner while other models received more attention and focus.  The surge of collector interest has made Rolex really drive their car-themed timepiece and put development into overdrive.  

The Rolex Daytona pictured above comes in at a pricey $27,500.  However, it features the new Rolex Oysterflex bracelet.  This black rubber band provides comfort and a color continuity matching the black bezel and inner dials on the champagne colored dial.  Even the hour markers have touches of black surrounding the luminescent white hour markers.  

The champagne and gold coloring throughout the Rolex Daytona work in perfect harmony with the black coloring.  It is as if these two colors were always meant to be together.  

Tudor Black Bay Chrono

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is an all steel chronograph coming in at only $5,100.  Not only is it only a fifth of the price of a Daytona, but it is far more accessible since the Daytona is backlogged with a waiting list.

Notable markings indicating speed in kilometers or miles per hour, the Tudor has the capacity for up to 500 mph/kph as opposed to 400 mph/kph on the Daytona.  The Rolex has a small seconds at the 6 o'clock position.  Tudor has replaced that with a date window aperture.  Like the GMT, the Tudor version is 1 mm larger in its case size than the Rolex - sporting a slightly heftier 41 mm over the 40 mm Rolex case.  Again, crown guards appear on the Rolex model and not on the Tudor.

The Tudor is also waterproof to 660 feet as compared to the 330 feet of resistance for the Rolex.  However, both are powered by the new calibre with 70+ power reserve in each model.

Although there is so much going for the Tudor, and you can't go wrong with owning the Black Bay Chrono, the Rolex Daytona is far worth the extra money to own this rare collector's item.  The beauty of this Rolex Daytona model is off the charts.  Although Tudor designers might say that having the date aperture gives it a utility that outstrips the Rolex Daytona, the classic Newman 3 dial that has become so sought after by Rolex collectors has a distinctive look and appeal that should not have been messed with.

And although the ability to dive with the Tudor is a fantastic feature, this isn't enough to overcome the new reworked luxury that the new Rolex Daytona communicates with its Gold and Black coloring.  The Rolex Daytona wins - and it isn't even close.

Day + Date

Rolex Presidential Day-Date

The Presidential Day Date, at a price of $34,850, is one of the most glamorous and fashionable men's timepieces that communicates status in an authentic and nostalgic manner.  Presidents have actually worn this timepiece as have many other top luminaries world-wide.  

Besides this, the Presidential Day-Date from Rolex is a perfectly designed work of art.  The above shows a yellow gold model and Roman numerals on the white dial.  The bezel is fluted and a presidents bracelet with semi-circular three-piece links gives a fantastic beauty to the overall look of this timepiece.  This is a perfect compliment to a man's suit - speaking power and style without overstating the obvious.

Tudor Glamour Day + Date

I admire Tudor, priced at $4,350, for attempting to put out a Day Date model of their very own.  However, it won't take long to see that the Rolex timepiece is in a class of its own.  The Tudor doesn't even have the new features that the Rolex has packed into it.  The Rolex has a 70 hour power reserve as compared to the 38 hour reserve for the Tudor.  The Tudor doesn't have any more waterproofness built into its model - featuring only a a 330 ft depth support - identical to the Rolex.

The Tudor case is also slightly less beefy at 39mm as opposed to 40 mm on the Rolex.  This is where the Tudor starts to lose tremendous ground to the Rolex - clearly being lapped multiple times over.  The bezel is hardly spectacular - almost non-luxurious.  Even though there are diamonds as hour markers, the small form factor isn't as luxurious as the more useful and luscious gold roman numerals. The date aperture is way too small compared to the Rolex which is also enhanced by the cyclops window.

The bracelet is nice with its 5 piece links but incomparable against an all gold presidents style bracelet which speaks luxury in every language.

Clearly in the first two head to head battles, I would say Tudor has a foothold and I wouldn't knock anyone for beginning their collection with either model.  The features matched Rolex and the look also was comparable.  However, in the Day-Date battle, Tudor has dropped the ball and didn't make an effort to keep up with Rolex.  They appear to be playing little league and aren't even on the same playing field as Rolex.  I wish Tudor would step up and make a better attempt.  I would start by removing the word "glamour" from the name and then look at the elements of the Presidential Day Date that have made it an iconic timepiece for decades.

Winner the Rolex Presidential Day-Date.

Overall, in this competition, Rolex wins 2 to 1.  And in the first challenge I'd say that Tudor just barely pulls out the victory over the Rolex GMT Master II.

Tudor Black Bay Bronze

I do have to say that Tudor has really come out with some truly exciting timepieces.  Most notably the Black Bay Bronze model which has a 43mm bronze case and yellowed patina luminescent hour markers and hands that give it a classic look that collectors look for in older Rolex models.  However, it is new, powered by a 70 hour power reserve calibre MT5601 and supports a waterproofness depth of 660 feet.  This is a stunning timepiece that Rolex doesn't really have a comparable model to compete with it.  At only $4,050, I'd put this Tudor first on my wish list.