Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary behind Rolex, set out to make luxury timepieces accessible to a wider audience when he founded Tudor in 1926. Initially, the brand came up with budget-friendly alternatives to Rolex’s iconic models, such as the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner after the Rolex Submariner was launched.
Fast forward to today, and TUDOR has stepped out of the shadows, carving its own path in the horological world. It has its own devoted fanbase, drawn not just to its affordability but also to its distinct identity and craftsmanship. In this guide, we’ll get to know these two sister brands and explore their differences.
TUDOR vs ROLEX: Quality Runs in the Family
Branding
While Rolex and TUDOR are owned by the same company and have many things in common, they have their own distinct personalities. Rolex, being the household name it is, exudes prestige and professionalism. It’s the watch you might see on the wrist of a CEO or a Hollywood A-lister.
On the other hand, Tudor is like the rebellious younger sibling without the hefty price tag, daring to be different while still paying homage to its heritage. TUDOR is known for drawing inspiration from its vintage models, while also infusing them with a modern aesthetic that appeals to those with a penchant for the unconventional.
Just by looking at these two brands’ choice of ambassadors, you can see the difference in their branding. Rolex tends to align itself with the crème de la crème of various spheres, such as tennis icon Roger Federer. Meanwhile, Tudor opted for ambassadors with a sense of individuality and creativity, such as David Beckham and Lady Gaga.
Design
Rolex is known for its legacy models like the Submariner, Daytona, and Datejust. These classics have been gracing wrists for decades, with Rolex opting for technical prowess over flashy aesthetics. On the other hand, Tudor brings a sportier vibe across almost all its model families. While Rolex does have its fair share of sporty models, TUDOR’s designs lean heavily towards the rugged type.
Material
TUDOR tends to stick with stainless steel as its primary metal, while experimenting with a variety of materials like bronze, titanium, and ceramic. Conversely, Rolex traditionally leans towards stainless steel and precious metals in crafting their timepieces.
Movement
Historically, the biggest difference between the two brands was the movement. While Rolex watches have in-house movements, TUDOR relied on Swiss ETA movements to power their timepieces to keep costs lower without sacrificing quality.
In 2016, TUDOR came up with its own manufacturing arm, Kenissi, dedicated to producing movements for its watches. With Kenissi at the helm, Tudor gained greater control over the quality and precision of its timepieces.
The Difference Between TUDOR and Rolex Watch Models
While both brands come from the same lineage, there are distinct differences between their watch models. Let’s explore some of the most popular watches from each brand and their counterparts.
TUDOR Black Bay vs Rolex Submariner
The Black Bay and the Submariner are both classic dive watches. While the Submariner maintains a sleek profile, the Black Bay exudes a rugged charm with its vintage-inspired design elements. As expected, the Submariner commands a higher price tag. The TUDOR Black Bay, while still offering exceptional quality and craftsmanship, provides a more accessible entry point into the world of dive watches.
TUDOR Royal vs Rolex Datejust
If you’re shopping for sporty chic dress watches, both the TUDOR Royal and the Rolex Datejust are something to consider. Both collections exude timeless sophistication, featuring clean lines, understated dials, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The Datejust maintains a more traditional aesthetic with its iconic fluted bezel, while the Royal offers a modern twist with its notched bezel with alternating cut grooves and polished finish.
TUDOR GMT vs ROLEX GMT
The Pepsi color scheme (red and blue) found in the Black Bay GMT serves as a direct nod to the Rolex GMT Master design. While both watches feature dual time zone functionality and rotating bezels, each brand puts its own spin on the classic GMT look. TUDOR adds a touch of vintage flair with its snowflake hands and robust case design, while Rolex maintains a sleek and refined profile with its signature Oyster case.
TUDOR is emerging as a shining star in its own right. While Rolex is known for its prestige, TUDOR brings a refreshing perspective to the table, offering exceptional quality and craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. This is a brand that not only honors tradition but also embraces innovation, pushing the boundaries of what a watch can be.
