Want something different from the Sub or sporty Daytona? Here are some equally-as-attainable or cheaper men’s watches that look like Rolex but aren’t.
I like the look of a Ferrari. The fusing of an iconic brand image with high-performance engineering is complete perfection in a car. But it doesn’t mean I want to own one, let alone can afford one. The car manufacturer has become an icon of performance and luxury. But maybe brand status is not everything to me. Some people consider the Ferrari flashy in the same way that many find the Rolex too ostentatious.
It begs the question: do we really need a Rolex on our wrist? Can we find joy in cheaper, more modest alternatives? Sure, the brand makes a statement. Its many iconic designs are a way to show people you’ve reached some level of success in life. But there are alternatives, which we will look at today.
How Watches That Look Like Rolex Can Save You Money
It’s OK to desire something other than a Rolex Daytona or Datejust, you know? Even if you have the finances, it doesn’t mean you need to own one for the sake of owning one. While I like Rolex watches, I also favor a non-conformist approach to luxury watch collecting. And I’ve got some solid alternatives to Rolex that I want to show you.
Rolex watches may be some of the most recognizable worldwide, but they aren’t for everyone. Some people find them unadventurous, and they could be right. Considering the brand is a leader in sports and tool watches, new collections are few and far between. To back this point further, Rolex was one of the last manufacturers to jump on board the use of titanium. How did it mark the occasion? A new collection, you’d think? Nope! Just another Sea-Dweller!
It’s not that watches like the Sea-Dweller aren’t cool. But you can see my point. Rolex is not the most adventurous of watchmakers. Its most sophisticated complications are the yacht timer and the annual calendar, and we rarely see anything new from the brand.
The good news is that there are heaps of cool alternatives. And I don’t mean homage watches. Some share the same strong materials and features of a Rolex but look different. Let’s tuck in, and you can let me know what you think in the end. Could these be some of the best watches that look like a Rolex?
Five Best Rolex Alternative Watch Options
Sorry, avid Rolex fans, but there are a ton of brands out there doing more interesting things than Rolex right now. TAG Heuer entered the realm of lab-grown diamonds recently. Even Grand Seiko’s sports watches offer a remarkable level of dial and case finishing at a lower price.
As I said, the alternatives in this list don’t necessarily have to look like their famous counterparts. Moreover, they may be cheaper, more interesting, or just great value-for-money buys. However, there are similarities in quality materials, reliability, and functionality. So, without further ado, let’s check out these best Rolex alternative watch options.
1. Omega Constellation Globemaster
The Omega Constellation Globemaster was the first of the brand’s innovations to achieve Master Chronometer status. It belongs to the broader Constellation family and features a special nod to the Observatory of Geneva on its caseback. Like the Rolex Datejust, it features a fluted bezel, which first gave the icon its sophistication and elegance. This Globemaster is a watch for special occasions thanks to its mix of precious metal and steel.
Like the Datejust, it has the solid value retention you want in a luxury timepiece. This compact 39 mm model features a gold bezel framing a simplified silver dial, just like Rolex’s famous chronometer. The only difference is the date window, which is at 6 o’clock rather than 3.
Price comparison:
- Omega Constellation Globemaster – $13,000
- Rolex Datejust – $17,000
2. Girard Perregaux Laureato
I can forgive you for thinking the Girard Perregaux Laureato looks more like a Royal Oak alternative than a Rolex substitute. But the devil is in the details. This chronograph is a large 42mm size for maximum wrist presence and distills the essence of sports-luxe simplicity. Its panda chronograph layout resembles the Rolex Daytona, though the Laureato features an integrated bracelet.
Rooted in motorsport spirit, like the Daytona, the Laureato is a 1960s icon thanks to Milanese architect Adolfo Natalini. Another bonus is that Girard Perreagaux makes its own movements, allowing it complete control over its design engineering and quality testing.
Price comparison:
- Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph – $18,600
- Rolex Daytona – $17,000
3. Tag Heuer Autavia
The most expensive Rolex watch to sell at auction was legendary Hollywood actor Paul Newman’s Daytona. Of course, core models from the range don’t sell for the same extortionate prices. Nevertheless, even the cheapest Rolex watches are expensive. The TAG Heuer Autavia watch is a more affordable option than the Daytona.
Like the Laureato, it features a panda chronograph layout with sub-counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Instead of the black tachymeter scale, the Autavia has a 60-minute bezel. TAG Heuer ensures this watch is ready for the racing track with its dashboard-inspired dial, just like the Daytona. Rugged and reliable, this sports watch tastefully reflects the brand’s racing heritage without looking too generic.
Price Comparison:
- Tag Heuer Autavia Chronograph – $3,500+ (used market)
- Rolex Daytona $17,000
4. Tudor Black Bay 54
Tudor is Rolex’s more affordable sibling. It’s common knowledge that wristwatches bearing this brand’s logo borrow Rolex’s techniques, materials, and technology but sell at a lower cost. Admittedly, they also share the same style, which is excellent for those who long to own a watch from the Crown brand. Despite looking slightly different, the Black Bay is an excellent alternative to the Submariner.
It boasts all the visual hallmarks of a classic diver, and its dial promotes superb unity and balance. The dial is a soft black, and the unidirectional bezel wears a satin finish. The snowflake hands are a good substitute for Rolex’s Mercedes hands. Some of TUDOR’s models are METAS-certified now, as well as chronometer-certified.
If original dive watch aesthetics appeal to you most, the Black Bay 54 wins hands down. Its compact 37mm diameter is perfect for small wrists and is true to the original TUDOR dive watch. You can buy this watch on a three-link steel bracelet to give you that Sub look and feel. But I have to say, the sport black rubber option looks pretty neat, too.
Price Comparison:
- Tudor Black Bay 54 – $4,050
- Rolex Submariner – $11,500
5. Oris Aquis
It may be an unpopular opinion, but some people prefer the Oris Aquis to the Rolex Submariner for a few key reasons. Number one is obviously its price. The Oris Aquis is a much more affordable option, there are no two ways about it. The bracelet tapers dramatically, allowing it to fit comfortably and compactly on the wrist.
It also has an attractive gradient dial, like this green iteration. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the case is chunkier. Some even accuse it of looking like a hockey puck. I happen to disagree. Still, there is no denying that the Oris Aquis packs a load of character and some cool details, albeit without the Glidelock offering on the Sub. Although that’s a shame, Oris gets my vote for price and styling.
Price comparison:
- Aquis Date – $2,700
- Rolex Submariner – $11,500
Three Budget Rolex Alternatives
If the watches on this list are outside your price range so far, check out these great budget Rolex alternatives.
1. Seiko Prospex SPB143
As a world-leading manufacturer of diving watches, it’s no surprise that this next Rolex alternative comes from the Japanese brand Seiko. The Seiko Prospex SPB143 is versatile and wearable regardless of your lifestyle. As the king of affordable divers, Seiko kits this Prospex with an impressive spec list.
This is a higher-priced Prospex than some models in the collection, but you can see why. It has the same clean dial and solid bracelet, thanks to its Diashield coating. The drilled lugs also make strap changes super easy. Other features include a compact 40mm case diameter and reliable automatic movement.
This Seiko Prospex has a soft anthracite grey dial, which goes well with the mix of brushing and polishing on the case. And in comparison to the price of a Rolex Sub, it’s one of the best affordable Rolex alternatives out there.
Price Comparison:
- Seiko Prospex SPB143 – $1,200
- Rolex Submariner – $11,500
2. Timex Expedition North GMT
Next on this list of watches similar to Rolex is Timex, with its recent release, the Expedition North GMT. It marks a move away from the over-stacked department store pieces the brand has focused on over the last few years. This model benefits from the lightweight qualities of titanium and features an automatic movement and GMT complication—three things that Timex wouldn’t even touch a few years ago.
Now, venturing out from its sub-$100 cave, this model constitutes a great alternative to the Rolex Explorer II. You can double time zone track with this companion, while an exhibition caseback shows off the movement within. Other features include a cool yellow-colored GMT hand, luminous indexes, and a 200M water resistance. Timex experts even finish this watch off on a high-quality silicone band. It’s not quite a Rolex Explorer alternative under $500, but it’s pretty darn close.
Price Comparison:
- Timex Expedition North GMT – $549
- Rolex Explorer II – $8000
3. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
Tissot does some Rolex-like watches, too. Take a look at this Seastar 1000. For many, the 43mm proportions of the 600-meter water-resistant Tissot Seastar were just too big. However, the downsized 40mm model gives the Sub a good run for its money. It matches the iconic dive watch’s 300M water resistance and offers a superb 80-hour power reserve.
The dial’s texture is a nice touch, too. The Seastar has a sporty aesthetic that proves popular en masse. But it’s the more minor details Tissot adds that really make a difference. For example, the clasp on the bracelet has a micro-adjustment feature for on-the-fly strap changes.
Doing so can give the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 watch a whole new look. Put it on a rubber band, and it’s suitable for the gym. Wear it with a canvas strap, and your wrist gets a dose of “vintage military.” What I’m saying is that this Rolex alternative has the potential to become your GADA watch of 2025. It’s perfectly versatile and suitable for the tasks most outdoorsy types need in the Sub.
Price comparison:
- Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 – $750
- Rolex Submariner – $11,500
What Watches Look Like Rolex or Have Similar Designs
You may have seen something else while browsing the market for watches that look like Rolex or have similar designs. Homage watches. We have to be careful not to confuse an homage watch with a replica or fake watch. Fake watches pretend to be the real deal. They feature cheap materials and bear a name illegally on their dial.
An homage watch is different in that it takes inspiration from a particular design. It may add its own spin, be that more affordable materials or a much smaller, subtler difference. Either way, homage watches take inspiration from a popular model and provide accessibility to those looking for a cheaper alternative.
In many ways, homage watches are a great way to pay tribute to important models of the past. And for most collectors, acknowledging that one brand got an idea from another is quite OK. After all, no watch is truly original. However, the limits that define what a homage watch is or is not can often become blurry. For example, where do you draw the line between a watch that looks like another and one that feels like a rip-off?
Still, when it comes to homage Rolex watches, a few stand out in particular. One is the Ginault Expeditioner. It’s a 40mm steel watch with brushed and polished finishes and a lume-treated black dial. As I mentioned, homage watches don’t have to be identical to their inspiration. This one goes without the Mercedes-style hands and features a light grey bezel insert. The option of an ocean blue, pearl white, or cherry blossom dial color also adds an interesting spin to these Submariner homage watches.
Another Rolex homage watch worth mentioning is the Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Classic watch. Personally, I classify this as an homage watch for one reason. It’s not just a loosely based alternative to any Rolex, mainly because it offers a good mix of quality materials, robustness, and legibility. Of course, those watches that do, like those from Ginault, are excellent.
But the Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Classic is a direct homage because it looks so much like the Rolex GMT-Master Batman. It features the iconic “Batman” bezel in blue and black ceramic and a black dial. The Mercedes-style hands are there in full force, as are the steel bracelet and 24-hour hand. It even features the Cyclops date. Suffice it to say that if you want a direct alternative to the GMT-Master II, Steinhart is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
Rolex couldn’t sell over a million watches yearly by making niche designs. The brand’s success relies on creating designs that appeal to the masses. While they’re undoubtedly steadfast and reliable, they aren’t the only options out there. And even if your budget is of no concern to you, the alternatives on this list serve as food for thought.
Don’t feel bad about having the budget for a Rolex but not actually wanting one. Watches like Rolex are aplenty on the market. And with enough reputable watchmakers providing excellent alternatives, there’s a price to suit everyone.
Have you tried any of these options yourself? What would you recommend as the best watches that look like Rolex but aren’t? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to sign up for the Modest Man newsletter to get articles like this straight to your inbox.
