Tudor or Rolex..?

So I’ve always wanted a vintage Rolex GMT Master, as the newer models simply do not appeal to me. Then when I went poking around to find prices, trying to gauge where I needed to be to purchase one, I realized they’re a little high in price. When I realized the ones I would want were in the tens of thousands with faded out bezels and not in a great overall condition, I turned away and started looking for an alternative that had the same charm in my mind as the original. This is when I stumbled across the Tudor Black Bay GMT… now I personally like the design more so than the older GMT Masters. So I guess my question here is, how would you compare a Tudor and a Rolex based on movement, quality, stuff like that?

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I personally like the Tudor more

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Rolex mann.

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The Tudor I can't live with the bezels peeling off or scratched always a Rolex would be Rolex but I wouldn't pay the price of a new one for a vintage, Personally, if I like the modern ones, I have the one with the all black bezel and I love it.

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I mean either way it’s a win in my book 👍🏾

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Tudor is awsome for what they are but your want for wanting the Rolex will not go away with a Tudor. If you want a gmt master you need to get a gmt master. I almost got a black bay pro and I’m so much happier I got an explorer II

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I own both brands but I actually prefer Tudor. Not sure if that makes me mad or not?

So I would have the Tudor without hesitation and spend the difference on something else interesting!

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I have the Tudor GMT and the older GMT M2 ref 16710. As far as the movement, the Tudor has better specs in some areas, 70 hour power reserve (similar to the current Rolex GMT M2), and 200M water resistance and is a chronometer. Most Rolexes are labeled Superlative Chronometers (-2/+2) which is a more stringent regulation testing than COSC (-4/+6), sort of like METAS certification (0/+5). So the Rolex even the older 5 digit references are a tad more accurate. I can’t really tell the difference in accuracy to tell you the truth. I like the 70 hour power reserve though, but that’s similar to the current generation of GMT Master 2.

There’s a reason Hans Wilsdorf founded Tudor and why it’s less than half the price of a Rolex, quality. Even my 20 years old, 5 digit reference GMT M2 has quality not matched by Tudor. Better case and finishing, better bezel and bezel action. Better overall I’d say. It’s the reason why after the “honeymoon period” of about 6 months and wearing the Tudor GMT almost exclusively, it now usually sits idle in a box.

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Can't go wrong with either one, both are solid makes, for me I'd get the tudor just because its the more cost effective model and still a quality watch

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The Tudor is a great watch but before you bite go try it on. It is a thick watch and you feel it and see it on wrist.

The rolex is a much thinner case and feels more refined and just sits better, IMO, especially of you have a smaller wrist.

The fat case of the Tudor is what’s kept me away.

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Tudor every time.

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Even though I don’t own a Tudor yet since I’m a novice watch collector. I would personally opt for Tudor since the value for money and the ease of obtaining one is greater than Rolex.

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Tudor is a great watch, I’m a big fan and I own 3 currently. I’m just not a fan of there bracelets those side rivets drive me crazy!! If the would make a bracelet like the Pelagos in steal and put it on the BB’s I would LOVE them. I’m also not a fan of no clown guards. Other than that for the price point and the Hairitage of Tudor I’m not sure you can find a better watch quality and movement.

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I despise the bubble thing on Rolex so it’s the Tudor for me all the way.

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There’s no “right answer” to this. Personally I’m a bit of a Tudor fanboy so would be happy with the cheaper option. That said, although I’m not mega into Rolex - having recently tried on a nearly new Submariner and Explorer in my local jewellers/AD - it has to be said, Rolex has a sense of occasion other brands lack. There was something intangible in the experience of trying them on.

My recommendation is that you try them on for size back to back and go with your gut. There’s no “right answer”, but you should trust your gut

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Rolex for the dimensions and wearability

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You’ve already told us in your original post that you don’t want to buy a crapped out, old Rolex at an inflated price, so I am not going to tell you to “just buy the Rolex.”

I don’t know how much time you’ve spent with the GMT Master 2, but if you haven’t, you should try to find one and spend some time with it. (I know, easier said than done.) Maybe you will find that you like it more than you thought you would. If so, great! Buy it.

If not, you will then need to look deep into your soul to learn if what you really want is a watch with the word “Rolex” on the dial. If you learn that is what you want, then you’re stuck. Go buy something else from the Rolex catalog. The end.

But if you learn that what you really want is a very good GMT, then the Tudor would be a good alternative, but it is a larger watch than the Rolex GMTs. So, you should also try on one of those and see if you are OK with the size and weight. I own one, it’s terrific, but it is a bit chunky.

And, while a good alternative, the Tudor is just one of many alternative luxury GMT watches available for you to purchase.

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Timex Pepsi

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DrewP94

I have the Tudor GMT and the older GMT M2 ref 16710. As far as the movement, the Tudor has better specs in some areas, 70 hour power reserve (similar to the current Rolex GMT M2), and 200M water resistance and is a chronometer. Most Rolexes are labeled Superlative Chronometers (-2/+2) which is a more stringent regulation testing than COSC (-4/+6), sort of like METAS certification (0/+5). So the Rolex even the older 5 digit references are a tad more accurate. I can’t really tell the difference in accuracy to tell you the truth. I like the 70 hour power reserve though, but that’s similar to the current generation of GMT Master 2.

There’s a reason Hans Wilsdorf founded Tudor and why it’s less than half the price of a Rolex, quality. Even my 20 years old, 5 digit reference GMT M2 has quality not matched by Tudor. Better case and finishing, better bezel and bezel action. Better overall I’d say. It’s the reason why after the “honeymoon period” of about 6 months and wearing the Tudor GMT almost exclusively, it now usually sits idle in a box.

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How would you compare legibility between the two? are they similar?

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The Black Bay GMT is a chunky boy, though. Nothing like the vintage GMT Master.

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Elcaballero

How would you compare legibility between the two? are they similar?

The Tudor is only 1mm larger, but yeah, it’s more legible, I’d say.

By the by, that burger looks tasty and is making me hungry. ☺️

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Night and day. You have to look at the two of them simultaneously.

When I picked up my first luxury watch, they showed me a Tudor first. I thought it was amazing. Then they pull out the Rolex and it completely outshined the Tudor.

Now it depends what you’re looking for. The Tudor def has a more vintage feel, and assuming they fixed the date wheel issue, it is a strong reliable watch.

The Rolex movement is a powerhouse, strong and reliable. Obviously with the Rolex you’re going to wait or pay a premium.

The Tudor can be had at a discount, which is a plus. Just depends what you’re looking for.

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Finishing on my sub 41mm is far superior than the Tudor but that's to be expected considering the difference in pricepoints. I prefer to wear the Tudor as it feels like more of a tool watch.

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Chill dude or you will get the admin down on you.

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The key word is something and not someone. Personal attacks get the admins involved and they will fix it quietly. Everything watch is fair game but not the poster.

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Tried both on, to be truthful they don’t really ring my bell….

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casiodean

Tudor is trash which nobody cared about and forgot even existed until 5 years ago. Rolex is trash too but holds its price better because of brainwashing. Buy a Pagani Design GMT instead.

I bought the Full Black version and absolutely love it.

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Ehh I wouldn’t say they’re trash… I’ve been up close with a couple. They’re great watches lol… also I’m not a fan of rip off watches, or “homages” if I’m going to get a watch like that it’s going to be a little closer to an original design y’know

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casiodean

The person I was replying to must have deleted his post, I guess, leaving my reply all abandoned. LOL

Now I've deleted my reply too because it's out of context and meaningless. This thread will be even more confusing to anyone scrolling through it. 😬

Ok then lol, yeah it was confusing to me…

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Go for the investment of the Rolex movement if you can afford it, other wise Tudor for this expensive model?I can't afford a white gold Day Date...

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These are two very different watches that convey different messages, and if you have the budget, I would have both. #tudor has been more faithful to the tradition of aluminum bezels that develop a pleasant patina over time; #rolex incorporates ceramic, which is beautiful and stays shiny and new always. Tudor is more millennial, more geared towards adventure; Rolex is more conservative and iconic, but both watches are worthy additions to any collection.