Next Best Watch After Rolex 2024 that are Affordable
Last updated: January 2024
Rolex is undeniably the most recognized watch brand in the world. Over time, it has established a legendary status and became the go-to luxury watch brand.
In addition, it is the first brand that comes to people’s minds when they think of a luxury watch.
Also, Rolex has made a significant impact on the luxury watch industry. However, buying such a watch will cause you an arm and a leg.
In fact, one of its watches -- the Submariners -- gets huge sums at auctions. While a Rolex watch is truly a must-have, not everyone is willing to spend thousands of dollars for it.
That being said, a number of manufacturers have made inspiration in designing their own watches. For this reason, if you are someone who will not spend a huge amount on watches, you will have a cheaper yet luxurious-looking watch.
In case you cannot think of which timepiece you should purchase, then you are in the right place! In this article, we will be reviewing five of the best watches next to Rolex.
Here are some of our top picks on:
How to Choose the Perfect Timepiece
A watch is a little detail that can definitely complete your overall style. It is one of the most timeless and versatile accessories that you can pair with various outfits.
However, with so many options to choose from, it can be a challenge to know which pice will look best for your outfits.
To help you with the choosing game, here are some of the useful tips in choosing a watch:
Learn about your requirements
Every one of us has different personalities. To be able to get a wristwatch that matches your look, you need to deeply learn about your needs and requirements. This means that you need to understand the watch style that suits you best.
For instance, if you are a businessman who often wears formal like suits, a dress watch is something that will add up to your authoritative aura.
On the other hand, fashion watches will match people who love to flaunt their style wherever they go. If you want to show people your impeccable taste, then luxury watches will surely suit you.
Check the look, the craftsmanship, and the brand
A watch’s brand matters significantly. However, its craftsmanship and overall look are equally important.
When choosing a watch, you can opt-in for premier brands that promise quality, look, and excellent craftsmanship.
On the other hand, you can look for a brand that will not require you to spend much but will still give you the qualities mentioned above.
In terms of craftsmanship, you can choose a metallic chain, classy, or a leather strap. You can also choose from the different options that the trendy monochrome watches have right now.
Understand the movements and materials of the watch
This is a step that you should do before you set the budget that you are going to spend on your watch.
The reason is that the types of movements and materials of a watch greatly influence its price and the watch’s style.
For instance, timepieces with quartz movements are much less expensive than mechanical watches that have manual or self-winding features.
In addition, watches with a stainless steel material are often more budget-friendly compared to lighter-weight carbon fiber or titanium that you will find on most noble metals.
Set a Budget
We all know that the more expensive a watch, the more valuable it is.
However, that does not mean that you should head on to a watch store and purchase their most expensive piece, Rather, it is important to make sure that you are setting a budget.
This is because there isn’t any point in getting excited in choosing, only to find out later that your resources are not enough to buy it.
Read also: Next Best Phone to iPhone
| Best Watch After Rolex | Best Price (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Automatic Men’s Watch 79230B |
$5,620 |
|
Omega Seamaster Diver 300 |
$5,200 |
|
TAG Heuer Men’s Carrera Black Dress Watch |
$2,075.00 |
|
Panerai Luminor Base Logo Acciaio Men’s Watch |
$4,450 |
|
Breitling Superocean Heritage ll |
$4,525.77 |
5 Great Alternatives to Rolex that are Affordable
1. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Automatic Men’s Watch 79230B
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Automatic Men’s Watch 79230B - Watches that look like Rolex
Tudor is among the most popular brands in the market right now. But what other people do not know is that this watch brand is the sister company of Rolex.
The said brand is becoming more and more famous among watch enthusiasts. One of the timepieces that contribute to this popularity is the Heritage Black Bay Automatic Men’s Watch.
Its design has an excellent mix of contemporary and vintage craftsmanship.
Moreover, the Black Bay is a 60-year-old diving watch model. In 2016, it was updated with a mechanical movement manufactured by Tudor itself.
If you are someone who is eyeing the Rolex Submariner but do not want to spend too much on a watch, then the Black Bay is a great alternative. This is because this Tudor watch is half the price of the Submariner.
Will Tudor Black Bay hold its value?
Due to its popularity, there is no doubt that the Tudor Heritage Black Bay will increase in value over time.
For a brand as iconic and historical as Tudor Watches, it is important to keep an eye on its value. Since the company doesn't manufacture some vintage watch models anymore, this popular model will hold their value best.
At present, Tudor Black Bay watches are selling for considerably more than their average retail price from 10 years ago.
So far in 2022, models that were released in 2017 have seen a sharp increase in demand due to high demand for vintage pieces amongst collectors and investors. This has driven up prices even further – so much so that some models have reached unprecedented heights not seen since 2007!
Therefore, if you're looking to buy or sell a Tudor Black Bay watch online or at one of the many brick-and-mortar stores around the world, be sure to do your research first to ascertain whether its current marketvalue is justified by its historic significance.
Get this watch for
Recommended: Fake vs Real Rolex
2. Omega Seamaster Diver 300
Omega Seamaster Diver 300 - Watches that look like Rolex
This timepiece has already become an iconic watch. It consists of excellently detailed features and cutting-edge technology.
Those features include a glass case back that allows you to see the co-axial movement as well as a metal-injected ceramic bezel.
In addition, the Seamaster Diver 300 is one of the greatest-looking Omegas.
This is because the best elements from the previous Seamaster models were carefully collected and combined to create this functional and stylish watch.
Moreover, this watch by Omega is one of the best timepieces that you can purchase in the market. The reason is that its retail value is increasing faster than most watches.
Are Omega Seamaster watches valuable?
Omega Seamaster watches are known for their high quality and durable wrist presence. This makes them a valuable collection over time, as steel quartz and automatic models tend to increase in value faster than other types of watches.
Some popular Omega Seamaster models that may be worth investing in include the GMT Master II Steel Quartz Diver's Watch, the Professional Diving Watch replica OMEGA Co-Axial 42 mm with Blue Dial Silliams Leather Strap - Silver Bracelet, and the Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Watches (Steel & Gold).
Each of these watches offers unique features and qualities that could make it a good choice as a practical, purposeful watch.
So long as you take care of your Omega Seamasters and regularly inspect them for damage or wear, they should maintain their value over time.
Get the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 for
3. TAG Heuer Men’s Carrera Black Dress Watch
TAG Heuer Men’s Carrera Black Dress Watch - Watches that look like Rolex
After many years of being popular in the market, the TAG Heuer became very closely associated with motorsports. So close that when people hear of motorsports, the first timepiece they will think of is the TAG Heuer Carrera Black Dress watch.
The TAG Heuer Carrera is a motorsport watch that was launched in 1963. It has a precise and simple to use chronograph.
Additionally, its look is stylish and you have a number of colors that you can choose from.
Moreover, this timepiece typically costs almost half the price of a Rolex watch. Yet, it still continues to increase in value.
For this reason, the TAG Heuer Carrera is an excellent investment.
Get this elegant timepiece for
4. Panerai Luminor Base Logo Acciaio Men’s Watch
Panerai Luminor Base Logo Acciaio Men’s Watch - Watches that look like Rolex
When we think of Panerai, the first thing that will come to our minds to describe it is “simple.” The Panerai Luminor Base Logo has a big bold look and does not have fanciness on the dial work.
This simplicity in style works well with its utilitarian case and the locking crown that made Panerai very popular.
The Panerai Luminor Base Logo first hit the market in 2004. It was a real winner considering that the brand was still in its early days back then.
Still, people could not get enough of the Luminor Base Logo. The reason is that it brought fans a timepiece that they have not seen since the days of the Panerai Pre-Vendome.
Moreover, this watch has a hand-wound Panerai OP I caliber that has a 56-hour power reserve.
Get this product for
5. Breitling Superocean Heritage ll
Breitling Superocean Heritage ll - Watches that look like Rolex
This watch by Breitling is an excellent alternative to the Rolex Submariner. It is available in several iterations and sizes.
This means that you will be able to find a model that matches your size and preference in design.
In addition, you have variants of the Breitling Superocean that you can choose from. However, it is important to note that the Superocean Heritage ll is the most classic among them.
This is because it has a unique design and great quality.
Similar to the Rolex Submariner, the Breitling Superocean Heritage ll uses a ceramic bezel. However, it only has 200-meter water resistance.
Its timeless vintage design will also never go out of style. In terms of the price, the Superocean Heritage II is about two-thirds of the price of the Submariner.
Get this vintage-inspired timepiece for
What is a better watch than Rolex?
Best Watches to Invest This Year
When it comes to watches, there are a variety of types and styles that a collector may be interested in.
Whether you're looking for vintage watches or modern timepieces, the options are endless. However, if you want to invest in a watch that will last longer than usual, then something on the grand scale might be a better idea.
Watches with engraved cases can often hold their value well over time due to collectors' demand and rarer materials used in construction.
Here are some watches to invest this year, if your pockets are deep enough.
- Chanel J12 Diamond Tourbillon Caliber 5
- Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon
- Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
- Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro ESteel
- Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante
- Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
- Rolex GMT-Master II
- TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma
- Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
- Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra
- Baume & Mercier Hampton 10666
- H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept
Is Rolex still the best watch?
Rolex watches are known for their impeccably precise timekeeping and their timeless design.
Rolex is also renowned for their durability and high resistance to wear, making them a watch that can last for generations.
While there are many other watch brands that have made waves in the industry, Rolex remains one of the most respected and luxurious options available.
With its classic designs, reliable precision, and unmatched durability, it's easy to see why Rolex is still widely regarded as the best watch brand in the world.
Which watch will be the next Rolex?
However, one could speculate that the next Rolex watch to come out could be the Rolex Day-Date 40 watch, as this model has been gaining in popularity.
Along with its timeless design, the Day-Date 40 features a modern 36mm diameter case, a Caliber 3255 movement, and a selection of eye-catching dials. Other potential options could be an updated version of the classic Datejust 41, the Oyster Perpetual 36, or the Sky-Dweller.
Ultimately, the next coveted Rolex watch remains to be seen.
Is Omega or Rolex better?
For those seeking a luxury watch, especially a more classical and refined look, Rolex may be the better choice.
Rolex watches come in a variety of styles, from the iconic Oyster Perpetual to the subtle Cellini.
Omega on the other hand, offers a slightly more modern vibe, with a range of watches designed for modern lifestyles.
For those looking for a balance of sporty yet classic styling, Omega timepieces such as the Seamaster, Speedmaster and Constellation series have become particularly popular.
Eventually, the decision of which is better has to come down to personal preference, but both Omega and Rolex offer some of the best luxury watches available.
Next Best Watch After Rolex
With luxury watches being among the most popular types of timepieces today, it only seems natural for the market to be full of options.
For many watch enthusiasts, the Rolex brand is the ultimate luxury watch. But the fact that Rolex watches are really expensive makes them inaccessible for some.
Fortunately, there are a number of excellent timepieces that sit next to Rolex in the list of best watches.
What is even better is that they are much more expensive while retaining the highest possible quality.
Moreover, a watch is something that can complete your overall style. For this reason, it is very much important that you carefully choose which one you are going to purchase.
Also read: