8 Rolex Alternatives for Those Who Want to Look Their Best
When it comes to symbolism Rolex has managed to create a mindset amongst consumers that wearing a watch bearing this brand name conveys a message of success and wealth.
Discerning buyers know that there are other options out there that are just as iconic and also manage to look just as good. If you are a person who wants the sort of craftsmanship and design features that show you are someone with taste and high standards, there are definitely some alternatives to consider that are just as attractive and also help you look your best.
There is no question that stunning timepieces and collections such as Rolex Cellini watches really do set the standard for quality and craftsmanship. However, it is always worth knowing what sort of alternatives are available, if budget or a lack of availability are making it difficult to get the watch you want.
Here is a look at some of the best alternatives that are capable of giving Rolex a run for their money in terms of style and design features.
Tudor Heritage Ranger
This watch has been designed to compete as an alternative to the Rolex Explorer.
If you are familiar with the Rolex Explorer range you will know that it offers steel sports watches that are deliberately plain and simple in the way they look and don’t come with a plethora of complicated functions.
It has to be said that the quality of the bracelet that comes with an Explorer is one of the reasons this Rolex range has become so popular. The Tudor Heritage Ranger can’t compete when it comes to the standard of craftsmanship involved, but it does win some admirers because of its looks, plus, it has a price tag that is about half of an Explorer.
Grand Seiko Sport
If you start a conversation about iconic diver’s watches it is highly likely that the Rolex Submariner will be a prime candidate for being the model that sets the standard that all other watches will struggle to match or surpass.
How do you compete with such a tough benchmark as the Submariner?
You could do worse than consider the Grand Seiko Sport as a worthy challenger. The Seiko SBGA229 is a standout model in the Seiko Sport collection and it has many design features and functions that compare favorably to the Submariner.
Longines Record Automatic Chronometer
Longines is also a name that is synonymous with quality and it should be no surprise to discover that its Record Automatic Chronometer is considered to be a worthy competitor for the Rolex Datejust models.
Datejust is a dress model that comes in at a reasonable price point when you consider it’s a Rolex and Longines definitely sits alongside this range in terms of quality and specifications.
Longines actually goes further than its Rolex rival by offering an accuracy certification guarantee. The attractive seven-link bracelet also helps seal the deal and confirms this Longines offering as a timepiece that you will be happy to have on your wrist.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre
The Rolex GMT-Master 11 that was released in 2018 created a deep impression and quickly established itself as a modern horological icon. Not surprisingly, TAG Heuer didn’t waste any time coming up with a rival offering.
Its Aquaracer Calibre 7 retails for considerably less than the Rolex it is emulating and you will find differences between the two, but not as many as the price tag suggests.
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero
If you are familiar with the Rolex Daytona and it is a watch that you covet for your collection it is well worth taking a look at the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero as a viable alternative.
Zenith has not long launched this model and it has carried out some noticeable improvements and changes to previous versions, such as offering a very striking ceramic bezel.
It is not just aesthetic improvements that are worth noting. The Zenith Chronomaster has upgraded its movement so that you can time intervals that are as small as 1/10 of a second.
When comparing prices, the Chromomaster El Primero delivers a lot for the money when compared against the Rolex Daytona.
Chronomaster Sport
In addition to the Chronomaster suggested, Zenith have also now launched an even more direct rival to the Rolex Daytona in the shape of the Chronomaster Sport.
This new model represents a noticeable upgrade. Some key characteristics include a very striking and distinctive cermaic bezel and black and white dial variations to choose from that complement the tri-color subdials.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Although we have suggested some comparable alternatives to the various Rolex offerings it still remains the case that many readers might want to try and have that iconic name on their watch and nothing else will do.
If you are someone who simply wants to wear a timepiece that bears the famous Rolex name you might want to consider some entry-level options.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a model that is the lowest price range for this watchmaker but it’s easy to fall in love with the distinctive blue sunray dial. It also delivers a level of quality that you would expect from a Rolex, even if you are buying a more basic model.
Rolex Oysterquartz
It might come as a surprise to some that Rolex decided to join the quartz revolution. They did this with the Oysterquartz Datejust.
This watch is an interesting throwback to the classic 1970s Rolex look and feel combined with modern quartz technology. The Oysterquartz is a fairly unique offering from the Rolex stable and the price range does not currently reflect a potential rarity value that may send its value upwards in the future.
Owning a beautiful timepiece that is aesthetically pleasing on the eye and delivers a level of precision that you would expect from renowned Swiss watchmakers is something that is a given if you are buying a Rolex.
There are alternatives that strive to match this very high benchmark and if any of these suggestions take your eye, you will be wearing a watch that speaks volumes about your sense of style and lifestyle.
