5 Watches Better Than Rolex (2024)

Rolex might be one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. Don’t get me wrong; the brand is more than deserving of its adoration among the watch-collecting masses with some serious heritage and a staunch dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and reliable mechanical movements. Still, many options available to collectors today might be considered better than Rolex, particularly when it comes to movement decoration and complications. The following are our top five watches better than Rolex.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique Ref. 5015 1130 71S

It’s a tough task to beat what is perhaps one of the most well-known luxury watches in existence today, the Rolex Submariner. For many, it is the watch to buy, whether you plan to dive with it or not, because it is such a tremendous status symbol. Alternatively, some subscribe to the idea that the Rolex Submariner, and its massive aftermarket resell values, is a tad overrated and that there are far more superior options on the market that offer similar dive watch functionality.

No matter which camp you side with, most agree that the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a worthy rival for the Rolex Submariner. From Flyback chronographs and moon phases to GMT models and annual calendars, the Fifty Fathoms is home to a broader range of sophisticated complications compared to the Submariner, which only features time-only and date models.

The most comparative model to the Rolex Submariner is the Fifty Fathoms Automatique ref. 5015 1130 71S, which features a similar date dial, 300-meter depth rating, and striking 60-minute bezel. Automatic movements power both current-production models, with the Submariner featuring the caliber 3235 and 3230 with a 70-hour power reserve and the Automatique featuring the caliber 1315 with a more impressive 120-hour power reserve. Furthermore, the Blancpain model is significantly more expensive, retailing at $18,100 for ref. 5015 1130 71S, compared to the similar Rolex ref. 126610, which retails for $10,250. The biggest selling point for the Fifty Fathoms is that it typically trades hands for below retail, while the Submariner usually resells for around $15,000.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique Ref. 5015 1130 71S Specs

Discover More Rolex Alternatives:
Best Rolex Submariner Alternatives
Best Rolex Oyster Perpetual Alternatives
Best Rolex Daytona Alternatives
Best Rolex Explorer II Alternatives
Best Rolex Day-Date Alternatives

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.05

It’s hard to compare Rolex and Audemars Piguet because the brands have two entirely different design languages. Rolex will always be associated with luxury and sophistication. Still, it pales compared to AP because it is more precision-driven, while Audemars Piguet values a high level of artistry and sports a very distinctive Gerald Genta-derived aesthetic. In that regard, the argument between the two is very subjective. If you prefer a chronograph that better embodies the essence of haute horlogerie, Audemars Piguet wins over Rolex every time.

The Rolex Daytona is every bit the classic chronograph, complete with a tri-register dial, Tachymeter bezel, and side pushers. In true Rolex fashion, the collection has a round, waterproof Oyster case. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.05, on the other hand, exudes the unique AP aesthetic with an angular case, octagonal bezel with visible screw heads, waffle-pattern dial, and integrated bracelet. Both current-production watches have self-winding movements and similar power reserves of around 70 hours, with the modern Royal Oak boasting the convenience of a Flyback chronograph.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.05 Specs

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Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 6119R

The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s signature time-only watch, distinguished by a round waterproof Oyster case and automatic Perpetual movement, hence the name Oyster Perpetual. It is widely celebrated for its versatile design set and affordable entry point to Rolex ownership. It isn’t hard to beat a time-only watch, but the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 6119R does it with an added flair, featuring a sophisticated silhouette, unique small seconds, and luxurious rose gold.

If you asked a watch collector to think of “watches better than Rolex,” the odds are good that the name “Patek Philippe” would immediately come to mind.

Historically, Rolex had produced gold and two-tone versions of their classic entry-level watch. But the current production lineup is only available in the brand’s signature 904L-grade Oystersteel. On the other hand, the broader Calatrava collection is available in rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, and even platinum. There are a handful of different complications to choose from as well, from time-only to simple date models. In their own ways, both models are the epitome of the classically elegant round watch, with the Calatrava far surpassing the Oyster Perpetual when it comes to prestige and movement decoration. You could say that the solid gold Rolex 1908 is more of a direct competitor to the Calatrava, but for the price, most enthusiasts would likely choose the Patek.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 6119R Specs

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Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar Ref. 4000E/000R-B438

The eponymous Vacheron Constantin “Fiftysix” is modeled after a watch released in, you guessed it, 1956. Since its inception, the collection has embraced a perfect juxtaposition of classic dial design elements and a fashion-forward case inspired by the brand’s emblem – the Maltese cross. Today, the modern Fiftysix includes a variety of automatic movements, complete with a striking oscillating weight decorated with the Maltese cross, which can be appreciated through the exhibition case back.

Like the Rolex Day-Date, the Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar also has two window displays on the dial. While the Rolex model displays the day spelled out in full at 12 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock, the Fiftysix Complete Calendar displays the abbreviated day of the week and month side-by-side just below 12 o’clock. It one-ups the Day-Date with additional date and precision moon phase complications. The complex yet elegant dial, fascinating Maltese cross-inspired case shape, and exquisite Vacheron Constantin craftsmanship are all reasons to choose this Fiftysix over a Rolex Day-Date.

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar Ref. 4000E/000R-B438 Specs

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Ref. Q1238420

The calendar display wasn’t invented by Rolex, but they were the ones most responsible for popularizing it. The Rolex Datejust, originally released in 1945, has been a strong seller ever since its debut. It is the quintessential dress watch and arguably a necessity for any watch box with decent variety. It’s been over 75 years since the Datejust took the world by storm, plenty of time for other brands to develop watches better than Rolex. And many formidable competitors have since entered the chat, namely the impossibly sleek Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin ref. Q1238420.

Like the Datejust, it has a simple, three-hand dial with a convenient date window. However, Rolex presents its calendar display at the 3-hour marker, while the Ultra-Thin’s sits at the 6-hour marker. As its name suggests, the JLC model is also incredibly modern and svelte, thanks to a sleek 7.8mm case profile, broader 21mm lugs, and 39mm diameter. For comparison, similar Rolex models are at least 11mm thick. So if you’re looking for dress watches better than Rolex, the JLC Master Ultra-Thin is tough to beat.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Ref. Q1238420 Specs

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These are just a few examples of the watches that are better than Rolex when it comes to classic design elements with exquisite finishing. For an everyday watch that can take a beating, though, a Rolex is still tough to beat. When someone says “better than Rolex,” what comes to mind for you?

More on the Brands in This Article:
The Best Entry-Level Blancpain Watches
The Cheapest Audemars Piguet Watches (If You Can Call any AP Watch “Cheap”)
Entry-Level Patek Philippe Watches
What is the Price of a Vacheron Constantin Overseas in 2024?
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso x Batman: Bruce Wayne’s Watch of Choice