Tudor Movement vs. Rolex: Which brand is better? [2026]

Tudor offers high-quality Swiss-made watches with in-house movements and vintage-inspired designs at a relatively accessible price point, often between $3,000 and $5,000. As its sibling company, Rolex represents the pinnacle of luxury, prestige, and investment value, with its watches starting around $6,000 and representing an industry benchmark for timeless design and durability.

Let's compare these two horological heavyweights to help you decide which brand is the right fit for your wrist and your wallet.

Tudor: The Adventurous & Accessible Luxury Watch

Founded by Rolex visionary Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor was created to offer the reliability and dependability of a Rolex at a more approachable price. The brand has since carved out its own distinct identity with a focus on vintage-inspired, sporty designs and robust in-house movements, appealing to a new generation of watch enthusiasts who value performance and heritage.

• Product mix: Known for tool watches with a retro aesthetic. Key collections include the iconic Black Bay (vintage-inspired diver), the high-tech Pelagos (professional titanium diver), and the versatile Glamour line of dressier watches.
• Price point: Most popular models range from $3,000 to $5,000. A Tudor Black Bay, for example, is typically a fraction of the cost of a Rolex Submariner, making it a compelling entry point into luxury Swiss timekeeping.
• Quality & Materials: Tudor uses high-grade stainless steel and titanium, sapphire crystals, and offers excellent water resistance on its sports models (often 200 meters). The build quality is solid, designed for an active lifestyle without constant worry.
• Movement & Technology: Since 2015, Tudor has shifted heavily to in-house "Manufacture Calibres" like the MT5602, which often feature 70-hour power reserves, chronometer certification (COSC), and anti-magnetic silicon balance springs - features often found in much more expensive watches.

Tudor delivers exceptional performance and value, blending modern technical specifications with a celebrated heritage style, all backed by Rolex-level manufacturing standards.

Shop Tudor: tudorwatch.com

Rolex: The Symbol of Prestige & Precision

Rolex is the world's most recognizable luxury watch brand, a universal symbol of success, achievement, and uncompromising quality. Known for pioneering waterproof wristwatches and automatic movements, Rolex sets the standard for precision, durability, and timeless design. Its watches are built to last for generations and are often considered a sound financial investment.

• Product mix: Spans classic, professional, and elegant timepieces. Iconic "Professional" models include the Submariner, GMT-Master II, and Daytona, while the Datejust and Day-Date collections define classic luxury.
• Price point: Retail prices start around $6,000 for an Oyster Perpetual and can exceed $75,000 for models made from precious metals or with exclusive features. Demand far outstrips supply, leading to long waitlists and high prices on the secondary market.
• Quality & Materials: Built with proprietary Oystersteel (a highly corrosion-resistant 904L steel), precious metals, scratch-proof ceramic "Cerachrom" bezels, and hermetically sealed "Oyster" cases. Rolex watches are engineered for extreme durability under pressurized conditions.
• Movement & Technology: Rolex's in-house movements like the Caliber 3235 are industry benchmarks. They feature innovations like the high-efficiency Chronergy escapement and blue Parachrom hairspring for superior resistance to shocks and magnetism, all certified as "Superlative Chronometers."

Rolex is defined by its pursuit of perfection, offering iconic designs, unparalleled brand recognition, and a proven history of holding or increasing in value over time.

Shop Rolex: rolex.com

Tudor vs. Rolex Comparison

Price & Value Proposition

There is a clear divide here. Tudor’s core collection resides in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, offering what many consider the best price-to-performance ratio in the Swiss luxury watch world. You get a COSC-certified in-house movement and robust build quality for a price that feels reasonable.

Rolex operates in a different universe. With prices starting at nearly double a typical Tudor and climbing steeply, the Rolex price tag is justified by brand prestige, near-perfect finishing, innovative materials, and exceptional resale value. While you pay considerably more, a Rolex often acts as a long-term asset, making its "cost" subjective.

Tudor offers better immediate value for the engineering, whereas Rolex provides better long-term investment value and brand cachet.

Movement & Technical Excellence

Both brands produce excellent, trustworthy movements. Tudor's move to in-house Kenissi movements was a significant step, putting its watches technically on par with competitors in a higher price bracket. A 70-hour power reserve and silicon hairspring are impressive features that prove Tudor is not just a high-end parts producer.

However, Rolex's movements remain the benchmark. Decades of gradual, relentless refinement have resulted in calibers that are exceptionally dependable, precise, and easy for watchmakers to service. Rolex's "Superlative Chronometer" standard actually exceeds COSC requirements, promising an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day. While Tudor is highly competitive, Rolex still holds the crown for proven, long-term performance.

Design & Aesthetic

Tudor has succeeded by leaning into a more adventurous, vintage-inspired design language. The Black Bay line, with its oversized crown, snowflake hands, and rivet-style bracelets, directly references diving watches from the 1950s. This gives Tudor watches a distinctive, handsome, and slightly more rugged character that appeals to modern enthusiasts.

Rolex thrives on consistency. Its core designs - the Submariner, and Explorer - are timeless and have hardly changed in over 50 years. This conservative approach ensures that a Rolex is never out of style. The design is classic, versatile, and instantly recognized as a symbol of luxury, making it suitable for both a boardroom and a boardwalk.

Durability & Build Quality

Both brands make watches built to last. Tudor's models are robustly constructed with high-quality steel, sapphire crystals, and reliable water resistance, perfectly suited for daily wear and adventure.

Rolex, however, pushes durability to an extreme. The use of 904L Oystersteel, which is harder and more corrosion-resistant than the 316L steel used by Tudor and most of the industry, is a key differentiator. Combined with features like the Triplock crown and Cerachrom bezels, a professional Rolex model feels practically indestructible and is trusted by deep-sea divers and mountaineers.

Brand Prestige & Resale Value

This is Rolex's biggest win. No other watch brand comes close to its global recognition and status. Due to controlled supply and incredible demand, many new Rolex models sell for well above their retail price on the secondary market. They are one of the few luxury goods that can genuinely be considered an investment.

Tudor is a highly respected watch enthusiast brand whose prestige is growing rapidly. Its watches hold their value reasonably well, especially sought-after models like the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. However, they do not appreciate in value the way a Rolex does and are not seen as status symbols in the same way.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities, budget, and what you want from your watch.

Choose Tudor if:

• You want a high-quality Swiss watch with an in-house movement that offers outstanding value for money.
• You appreciate a sporty, vintage-inspired aesthetic that feels both classic and contemporary.
• You're starting your luxury watch collection and want a reputable brand without the Rolex waitlist or price.
• You plan to wear your watch every day for any activity and want something durable without being excessively precious about it.

Choose Rolex if:

• Brand prestige, recognition, and investment potential are your primary concerns.
• You prefer a timeless, classic design that is versatile and will remain in style forever.
• You want a watch to commemorate a significant life achievement that can be passed down as an heirloom.
• You need a watch with proven, extreme durability for professional or demanding environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tudor or Rolex more expensive?

Rolex is significantly more expensive. Most new Tudor models cost between $3,000 and $5,000, while new Rolex watches start around $6,000 and can easily exceed $15,000 for popular steel sports models from authorized dealers, with market prices being even higher.

Which brand holds its value better?

Rolex holds its value better and often appreciates over time, making it a strong investment. Tudor watches hold their value well compared to many other luxury brands, but they typically depreciate slightly after purchase rather than appreciate.

Are Tudor movements just rebadged ETA movements?

Not anymore. While Tudor historically used modified movements from suppliers like ETA, most of their current lineup, especially in the Black Bay and Pelagos collections, uses high-performing in-house "Manufacture Calibres" made by Kenissi, a movement manufacturer of which Tudor is a part owner.

Is Tudor owned by Rolex?

Yes. Tudor was founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, to serve as a sister company. Both Tudor and Rolex are owned by the private Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which ensures enduring quality across both brands.

Which watch is more durable?

Both are extremely durable, but Rolex has a slight edge due to its use of proprietary materials like 904L Oystersteel and ceramic Cerachrom bezels, which are more resistant to scratches and corrosion. Rolex's professional models are also often engineered for greater water resistance.

Why is there a waitlist for Rolex but not for most Tudor watches?

The demand for Rolex watches massively exceeds the annual production, and Rolex maintains strict control over its supply chain. This deliberate scarcity creates long waitlists. While Tudor is very popular, its production is better aligned with demand, making most models available for purchase with minimal waiting.

Is a Tudor a "poor man's Rolex"?

This is a now outdated and inaccurate perception. In the last decade, Tudor has successfully established its own strong brand identity with unique designs, in-house movements, and a passionate following. It is now widely respected as a brand that offers incredible value and stands confidently on its own merits.

Can you get a Tudor serviced at a Rolex Service Center?

Yes. Since they are part of the same corporate family, you can have your Tudor watch serviced at an authorized Rolex Service Center, benefiting from the same network and high standards of service.