Tudor vs Rolex: Differences, Movements and Prices in 2026
Tudor and Rolex share the same founder: Hans Wilsdorf registered the name Tudor in 1926 and founded the company Montres Tudor SA in 1946. The idea was a watch with Rolex quality at a lower price. For a long time, Tudor was therefore seen as the little sister. Today Tudor builds its own manufacture movements, has a distinctive design and a loyal following. This comparison shows where the differences lie in 2026 and who each brand suits.
In short: a Rolex costs roughly twice as much by list price as a comparable Tudor, and usually trades well above that on the secondary market. Tudor offers manufacture movements with 70 hours of power reserve, very good finishing, and is available immediately, but holds its value only close to list price. Anyone looking for a rugged sports watch to wear gets more watch for the money with Tudor. Anyone who wants value stability and the very last degree of finish chooses Rolex.
The key differences at a glance
| Tudor | Rolex | |
|---|---|---|
| Price level | mostly 3,000 to 7,000 euros | steel sports models from around 7,850 euros list |
| Movements | own manufacture calibres in the MT series, mostly 70 hours of power reserve | own manufacture calibres, mostly 70 hours of power reserve |
| Rate accuracy | COSC chronometer; many newer models certified as Master Chronometer by METAS | Superlative Chronometer with a tolerance of –2 to +2 seconds per day |
| Availability | usually available immediately | sought-after models have long waiting times at authorised dealers |
| Value retention | secondary market usually close to list price | steel sports models usually well above list price |
| Design | vintage elements, snowflake hands, bolder colours | timeless classics, careful evolution |
Movement and technology
For a long time, Tudor relied on bought-in movements, while Rolex built its calibres in-house. Since 2015, Tudor has developed its own manufacture movements, the MT-series calibres. They have a silicon hairspring, around 70 hours of power reserve, and are certified as chronometers, with many newer models even meeting the stricter Master Chronometer standard from METAS. Rolex additionally tests its watches in-house after COSC certification and, as a Superlative Chronometer, guarantees a deviation of no more than two seconds a day. Technically, the two brands are closer than ever before.
Finish and design
The differences show up in the details. Rolex uses its own alloys such as Oystersteel, ceramic bezels made of Cerachrom, and bracelets with fine adjustment such as the Submariner's Glidelock. Tudor works with stainless steel and often with aluminium bezel inserts. With the T-fit clasp, Tudor has developed its own quick adjustment system. On dials, hands and case edges, Rolex still comes across as a touch finer. In design, Tudor goes its own way: the Black Bay draws on 1950s dive watches, and the angular snowflake hands are a trademark. Models such as the titanium Pelagos or the new Monarch show that Tudor has long stopped being a Rolex copy.
Tudor and Rolex head to head
Dive watches: Black Bay 58 versus Submariner
The Rolex Submariner 124060, with 41 millimetres, a ceramic bezel, calibre 3230 and 300 metres of water resistance, is the benchmark among dive watches. The Tudor Black Bay 58 is slightly smaller at 39 millimetres, water-resistant to 200 metres, and likewise has 70 hours of power reserve. The price gap is large: the Submariner costs 9,750 euros by list from January 2026 and is available from us from 12,790 euros, while the Black Bay 58 is available from 4,390 euros.
GMT watches: Black Bay GMT versus GMT-Master II
The Rolex GMT-Master II has a 40-millimetre case, a two-colour ceramic bezel, and is water-resistant to 100 metres. The Tudor Black Bay GMT is 41 millimetres, has an aluminium bezel, and is water-resistant to 200 metres. Both show a second time zone with a separately adjustable hour hand. The GMT-Master II costs from 11,350 euros by list and usually trades well above that on the secondary market, with the Batman at around from 16,490 euros. The Black Bay GMT is around 5,000 euros.
Chronographs: Black Bay Chrono versus Daytona
The Rolex Daytona 126500LN, with calibre 4131 and 72 hours of power reserve, is the most sought-after Rolex of all. Its list price is 16,200 euros, and it trades from 29,900 euros. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is 41 millimetres, has 70 hours of power reserve, is water-resistant to 200 metres, and costs with us from 6,350 euros, around a fifth of a Daytona's market price.
All-round watches: Ranger versus Explorer
The Rolex Explorer 224270, at 40 millimetres, is a simple, rugged everyday watch, available from us from 9,590 euros. Its Tudor counterpart is the Ranger, at 39 millimetres with a manufacture movement, which you can get from 3,200 euros.
Value retention: Rolex clearly ahead
When it comes to resale, Rolex is clearly ahead. Steel sports models trade almost always above list price, with the Daytona nearly at double. Tudor models usually sit on the secondary market close to list price or a little below. In return, with Tudor you pay no premium at purchase and get the watch immediately. Anyone who sees a watch primarily as an investment should go for Rolex; more on that in our article Rolex as an investment. Anyone looking for a watch to wear often loses less in absolute terms with a Tudor, because the entry price is much lower.
Tudor or Rolex: which watch suits you?
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Tudor, if you want a rugged sports watch with a manufacture movement to wear, have a budget under 7,000 euros, want the watch right away, or like the vintage design of the Black Bay.
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Rolex, if value stability matters to you, you want the finest finish and the best-known brand, and are willing to pay the market price for sought-after models.
At HORANDO, every watch is inspected again before shipping, and the reference and serial number are checked against each other. New watches come directly from the brands or their authorised dealers and are delivered with the manufacturer's warranty. You can find all models in our Tudor and Rolex collections; an overview of all Tudor lines is given in our article Tudor watches: all model lines at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tudor a Rolex?
Tudor is Rolex's sister brand and, like Rolex, belongs to the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. The watches, however, are built under their own name, with their own movements and their own design.
Does Tudor have its own movements?
Yes. Since 2015, Tudor has built its own manufacture calibres in the MT series with a silicon hairspring and mostly 70 hours of power reserve. Many newer models are certified as Master Chronometer by METAS.
How much cheaper is Tudor than Rolex?
By list price, a comparable Tudor costs roughly half of a Rolex. Measured by market price, the difference is even greater: a Black Bay Chrono costs around a fifth of a Daytona.
Do Tudor watches hold their value?
Tudor watches are usually traded on the secondary market close to list price. They therefore hold their value well, but unlike many Rolex sports models, they generally do not rise above the original price.
Which Tudor is the counterpart to the Rolex Submariner?
That would be the Black Bay, especially the Black Bay 58 at 39 millimetres. It costs from 4,390 euros at HORANDO, while the Submariner is 9,750 euros by list.
Further reading: Rolex as an investment · Watches that hold their value · Tudor model lines
Sources: Rolex and Tudor · Rolex list prices for Germany, January 2026, according to WatchTime · Tudor 2026 novelties according to Wristler · HORANDO stock and price data, October 2026.
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