12 Best Affordable Alternatives to Rolex Datejust [Rolex Datejust Alternatives]
The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic and recognized timepieces in the world. Synonymous with class, elegance, and luxury, it is easy to see why this watch is so immensely popular, and how it can have a timeless design that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 70 years.
The Rolex Datejust is widely popular around the world and by all kinds of people. Not only does it have an iconic design that combines elegance with versatility, but it also offers unmistakable style and class.
Over the decades, the Datejust model line has grown, changed, and been revised. Whilst the overall concept and design of the watch look very similar today compared to the original, Rolex has done a number of changes, of course, most importantly in terms of technology and movement. The Rolex Datejust collection is today the largest collection of timepieces from Rolex today, containing hundreds of different versions and iterations. 31mm, 36mm, 41mm, steel, gold and steel, fluted bezel, smooth bezel, and of course countless dials to choose from.
But before we dig into our list, we need to define a few criteria. Firstly, we won’t particularly focus on homage watches that look exactly the same as a Rolex Datejust. Instead, we’ll focus on affordable alternatives which remind and are perhaps inspired by the Rolex Datejust in one way or another and thus work as a great substitute if you want an alternative to the Datejust.
The watches in this list include some of these elements, but not all, which have become characteristic of the Rolex Datejust:
- Fluted bezel
- Oyster or Jubilee bracelet
- Date window
- Cyclops on the crystal
- Baton markers and hands
- Metal bracelet
- A classic and timeless design
- Case size between 36mm and 41mm
- Priced under 1000 USD.
The alternatives in this list won’t include all of these factors, but will in general include several of them. For the best affordable alternatives to the Rolex Datejust, keep reading. Further on, we will also dig into the history and background of the Datejust, as well as how to pick the perfect Datejust alternative for you.
Best affordable alternatives to Rolex Datejust
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Seiko Presage Prestige line SARX033
First up, we have the Seiko Presage SARX033. This watch has a lot of similarities to the Datejust, but also a few differences.
Firstly, it features a 40.8mm which is similar to the Rolex Datejust 41, and a size that can be worn by people with different wrist sizes and isn’t too big nor too small for most men. To make the watch tougher and more durable, it is treated with Seiko’s Dia-Shield coating which protects it from scratches.
Furthermore, whilst it is beautifully finished and a step up from Seiko’s most affordable watches in terms of build quality and finish, it still has a versatile design that works on many different occasions – both formal and casual. Just like the Datejust, it makes for a perfect everyday watch.
The water resistance is, just like the Datejust, 100m. It is powered by the premium Seiko 6R15 caliber self-winding movement with hacking and manual winding function. The power reserve is 50 hours. The watch is equipped with a see-through case back which allows you to see the automatic movement inside, which is also better finished than Seiko’s most affordable timepieces. Whilst this watch is more expensive than Seiko’s most affordable, there are good reasons for that, and the movement is one of them. To give the watch a sportier and more versatile look, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.
The watch is presented with a beautiful white dial with applied baton hour markers with beautifully beveled edges. The blued hands help give it a more classic look, and on top of the case, it has a sapphire crystal. At 3 o’clock, you, of course, also find a date window which is practical for everyday use.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40.8mm
- Movement: automatic caliber 6R15
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Orient Maestro ”RA-AC0E” Automatic
If you are looking for minimalism and an understated class, the Orient Maestro RA-AC0E may be the watch for you.
The watch has a slim and elegant case with a diameter of 40mm with a smooth bezel and relatively small lugs. On top of the case sits a mineral crystal. The highlight of this watch is the dial, which is where all of the focus is put. Before we look at the dial, it’s worth mentioning that it is available in a few different iterations with different dial colors. The most classic is naturally the black version. The dial of course has a date window at 3 o’clock and sleek applied baton hour markers applied to the dial.
To make it more similar to the Datejust, it is presented on a three-link Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet which is both sporty and versatile. It is also powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Orient caliber f6722 with hacking and manual-winding function.
Just like the Datejust, it has a water resistance of 100m.
All in all, this is a minimalistic and contemporary timepiece with a timeless design. Whilst it is by no means a homage to the Rolex Datejust, it still achieves a similar result of a classic, elegant, and timeless watch that works great on many different occasions – but of course at a much lower price.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: automatic caliber f6722
- Crystal: mineral
Orient “RA-AA0C” Japanese Automatic
The Orient RA-AA0C is a popular watch from Orient offered at an affordable price. It is also a great alternative to the Rolex Datejust because it looks relatively similar. It is a versatile timepiece that works great on virtually any occasion as it has a nice balance between sportiness and versatility.
First and foremost, it has a 41.9mm stainless steel case with a classic and refined design that, in some ways reminds of the Datejust. The watch does not have a fluted bezel, but it does have a smooth brushed bezel. For a versatile and sporty look, it is presented on a three-link Oyster style bracelet with a brushed finish.
Powering it is the automatic Orient caliber f6922 which has hacking and manual-winding functions. The water resistance isn’t that good however at 50m.
The highlight of this watch is certainly its beautiful blue dial which has a stunning dark blue sunburst finish. But if you’re not a fan of blue, it is also available with a few other dial colors as well. At 3 o’clock, it has both a day and date window which is always practical. What it does not have, however, is a cyclops on top of the crystal, but the legibility of the day and date is quite good anyway. The dial has applied metal hour markers and pencil-shaped hands with luminescence.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41.9mm
- Movement: automatic caliber f6922
- Water resistance: 50m
Seiko Japanese-Automatic SARB035
The Seiko SARB035 combines sportiness with elegance and is one of Seiko’s more premium alternatives, meaning a higher price tag, but also a greater quality, better finish, and improved attention to detail.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a reasonable size of 38.4mm. It’s nice to see that just like with the Datejust, Seiko skipped the crown guards. And whilst the watch has an overall simple case design, it does have what are essentially beveled edges which enhances the watch’s impression and gives it a more premium look. The bezel has a smooth finish and on top of the case sits a sapphire crystal.
Inside this watch is an automatic Japanese movement with a power reserve of 50 hours, 23 jewels, and a frequency of 21600 BPH. A nice touch to the watch is that it has a see-through case back which allows you to see the movement inside. Naturally, this is a popular feature amongst watch enthusiasts.
The water resistance is 100m/330 feet which is okay for an everyday watch.
Apart from the movement, the dial is where Seiko has really put a lot of energy into it. It has a cream/white color with nicely finished metal hour markers and hands with luminescence. Being an alternative to the Rolex Datejust, it naturally has a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. A nice touch is that the date window has a metal frame around it.
All in all, this Seiko combines elegance with sportiness, resulting in a timeless watch that works well on many different occasions. It has premium materials and great attention to detail. Last but not least, it is presented on a three-link Oyster bracelet which adds to the resemblance to the Datejust.
Specifications
- Diameter: 38.4mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Frequency: 21600 BPH
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko SGF204 Two-Tone Watch
Now, this watch is the given choice for someone who really wants an affordable alternative to the Rolex Datejust and also wants something that looks very similar to it. And this one ticks many of the boxes.
First and foremost, it is presented with a case that has a diameter of 36.5mm. The standard and iconic size for the Datejust has always been 36mm, so the choice of size makes sense. Then we have the fact that it is presented on a Jubilee-inspired bracelet which looks just like the iconic Rolex Jubilee bracelet. And for the bezel, Seiko has added a fluted bezel to continue on the Datejust theme. This is also a two-tone watch, meaning it is finished in gold and steel, and even this is done in the same way as Rolex where the center links of the bracelet are finished in gold, just like the crown and the bezel. On top sits a Hardlex crystal.
Even the dial features many of the iconic design elements of the Rolex Datejust with applied baton markers and hands that look very similar to those that the Datejust uses. At 3 o’clock, it also has a day and date window with a metal frame around it. The dial has a classic silver color with a beautiful sunburst finish, a combination that Rolex has used for the Datejust for many decades.
This watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet. This watch has a lot of similarities, but it cannot be called a homage because there are enough differences to say that it is its own model. If it were a homage, Seiko would have done it exactly the way a Datejust is done, but Seiko is not known for this.
With its affordable price, this is a really great choice that gives you a lot of the iconic design elements of the Datejust but without the hefty price tag that comes with it. Its smaller case size ensures a classic design but also makes it suitable for many different wrist sizes.
Specifications
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Diameter: 36.5mm
Tissot Gentleman T1274071104100 Powermatic 80
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 T1274071104100 is a great value proposition from Tissot due to the great automatic movement it uses, impressive build quality, and overall finish. And whilst it is by no means meant to be a homage to the Datejust, it shares a lot of similarities.
First and foremost, the 40mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 11.5mm has a similar case design with no crown guards and a smooth polished bezel in a similar size as on the Datejust 41m. Overall, the case is well-finished with brushed elements contrasted by polished edges. For the crystal, Tissot uses sapphire.
The movement is an important part of this watch as it is Tissot’s Powermatic 80 automatic movement which has a power reserve of an impressive 80 hours which is in fact better than the power reserve of the Rolex Datejust which is 70 hours. A nice touch is that you can also view the movement through the see-through case back.
The dial is also well-executed and is made to be sleek and classic but not boring. It has a blue dial with a beautiful sunburst finish and applied metal hour markers. At 3 o’clock, it has a nice date window with a metal frame around it. Even the hands of the watch look quite similar to the Rolex.
Lastly, the watch is presented on a three-link Oyster-style bracelet, and unlike the other watches we have looked at in this list, this one has brushed center links as well – just like the Oyster bracelet on the Datejust for a more elegant look. The water resistance is also the same at 100m/330 feet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Seiko SNK361
The Seiko 5 SNK361 is an affordable automatic watch with a versatile design. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a great automatic watch but at an affordable price.
It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 37mm which is similar to the Rolex Datejust’s iconic 36mm size and a smooth polished bezel. What differentiates the Seiko however is that the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock instead of the standard 3 o’clock position. The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet which reminds a bit about the Rolex Jubilee but isn’t straight-up copied with an identical design.
Like all Seiko 5s, it is powered by an automatic movement. This movement has proven to be robust and long-lasting. The water resistance is 30m/100 feet.
It features a black dial with applied metal hour markers and hands which have a very similar design to those found on the Datejust. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window with a metal frame around it.
With its signature Seiko 5 case design, simple and classic dial, automatic movement, and very affordable price, this is an unbeatable everyday watch. And with several design elements reminding of the Datejust, it is a great affordable alternative to the Datejust.
Specifications
- Diameter: 37mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 11mm
- Movement: Automatic
Orient ‘Bambino Version 5’ Automatic
The Orient Bambino collection is one that doesn’t need much of an introduction. It is widely popular when it comes to affordable automatic watches due to the great relation between price and quality that they offer. It also happens to be a good affordable substitute for a Rolex Submariner.
The Orient Bambino version 5 has a minimalistic, contemporary, and simple design. It primarily leans towards dressy but also works great for everyday use -particularly if you tend to wear formal clothes.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a reasonable diameter of 40.5mm with a slim design featuring a thin smooth polished bezel and relatively small lugs. As a result, most of the focus is left on the dial. The watch is presented on a three-link style bracelet which naturally adds to the Datejust style. On top of the case, it has a domed mineral crystal.
One of the most important reasons why it is so popular, apart from its appealing design, is its high-quality automatic movement, caliber. This movement has proven to be sturdy and robust, which certainly cannot be said about all automatic watches in this price range. In addition, the movement can be seen through the back which is a bonus.
The water resistance of this watch is 30m/100 feet, and you could view this as a downside, but at the same time, it’s not really a sports watch.
Although simple, the dial is striking and features beautiful details. This timepiece is also available with several other dial designs, which is worth knowing. The dial has slim metal hour markers and beautiful dauphine hands. To go with the Datejust theme, it naturally has a date window at 3 o’clock.
This is simple a watch that can be worn on most occasions and offers great value for money, but it particularly stands out as an elegant dress watch, or for more formal occasions and attire.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40.5mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Movement: automatic caliber F6724
Orient “President” Classic Automatic EV0J002B
The Orient President EV0J002B is another watch that has taken a lot of design cues and inspiration from the Rolex Datejust, making it more similar than all the others we look at in this list. But this may be a positive if you really like the classic style of the Datejust but don’t want to spend the thousands and thousands that one costs.
Firstly, it has the Datejust’s classic 36mm diameter and also a case design that looks almost identical to that of one. In particular older Datejust models such as the 1601. Secondly, it is executed in the same two-tone style that Rolex uses, meaning a gold bezel, gold crown, and gold middle links for the bracelet. Speaking of the bezel, this one features the iconic fluted bezel which is a distinct element of many Datejusts. In addition, it is presented on a Jubilee-style bracelet which looks almost identical to the Rolex Jubilee as well. On top of the case, it has a sapphire crystal. The water resistance is even the same too – at 100m/330 feet
The dial of this watch follows the same theme as the rest of the watch. It has a black background and applied crystals for the hour markers. At 3 o’clock, it has a date window, and just above the date window sits a Cyclops to make it easier to read the date – a distinct and crucial element of the Datejust.
The watch is also powered by an automatic movement which is something that watch enthusiasts, in particular, will enjoy.
As you can see, the inspiration has clearly been the Rolex Datejust when designing this watch, which has led to a result that is strikingly similar. It looks luxurious, elegant, and extremely classy.
Specifications
- Diameter: 36mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Seiko SNXS79K Automatic
Next up is the Seiko SNXS79K – another highly popular affordable automatic watch. It has a stainless steel case with an elegantly curved shape and the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock which is Seiko’s signature. For the crystal, it uses Hardlex. It is presented on a three-link bracelet that tapers to make it more versatile. As for the bezel, it is thin, smooth, and has a polished finish.
Inside this watch is a 21-jewel automatic movement which is a bonus – especially considering its price. This movement can also be viewed from the case back.
The dial is really well made and has a charcoal color with a beautiful sunburst brushed finish. The dial of this watch actually reminds of Rolex’s black sunburst dial which is also available for the Datejust. In fact, the design of the hands is similar too, and they have luminescence applied to them. Just like the Datejust, it has applied rectangular hour markers filled with luminescence. It also has a day and date window at 3 o’clock, although the Datejust obviously only has a date.
If there is one thing I can complain about, it is its water resistance of 30m. It can only handle water splashes but not swimming, which would have been nice for an everyday watch.
As a versatile everyday watch for many different occasions and a hard-to-beat price, you really cannot go wrong with this one. Especially if you like the design of the Datejust.
Specifications
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Japanese automatic
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Jewels: 21
Burei Automatic
Although we are not particularly fond of homage watches, there are a lot of people who are. This watch is a homage to the modern Datejust and is also available in a number of different versions. Since it is a homage, you can expect it to be more or less the same in design. It has the same case shape and design with no crown guards and a fluted bezel. It features a Jubilee bracelet, has a cyclops, the same dial layout, and design, as well as a date window at 3 o’clock.
Whilst it is naturally a more affordable and lower-quality watch than the Rolex Submariner, it still offers great value for money in relation to its price and uses premium materials like sapphire crystal as well as has an automatic movement.
If you are all about homage watches and particularly like the Rolex Datejust, then this one is definitely for you.
Specifications
- Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
- Water resistance: 50m
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko Automatic
Last but not least, we have the Seiko SZSB018. This is one of my personal favorites, and it also happens to be a great affordable alternative to the Rolex Datejust.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39.9mm which is beautifully finished with brushed lugs and a smooth polished bezel. The case is not bulky or clumsy but instead rather slim and elegant, which naturally goes well with the ethos of the Datejust. In addition, it offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet.
Powering this watch is the automatic Seiko caliber 4R35 which operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, has manual and automatic winding capabilities, as well as a power reserve of 41 hours.
Perhaps the most distinct feature is that the crystal has a cyclops on top which enlarges the date window at 3 o’clock making it easier to read. This version is available in a number of different iterations, with strap or bracelet, but the one that looks most similar to the Datejust is naturally, the one that is presented on a three-link Oyster-style bracelet.
The dial is really nicely executed as well with applied metal hour markers and beveled hands. This watch is slightly more expensive than Seiko’s most affordable dive watches, but it is interesting to see just how big of improvements Seiko can make with that.
This timepiece really looks great but also great when looking at quality and materials. Just like the Datejust, it is the ultimate classy everyday watch.
Specifications
- Diameter: 39.9mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Seiko automatic caliber 4R35
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Power reserve: 41 hours
Background and history of Rolex Datejust
First presented in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first timepiece to incorporate a date function on the dial. The Datejust was launched in celebration of Rolex’s 40th anniversary, and to make it more special and distinct, Rolex released a brand new bracelet design to go with it – appropriately named the ”Jubilee bracelet”.
Another innovative solution that it offered was a cyclops on top of the crystal to magnify the date and make it easier to read (although this came at a later stage). This is an element that has become synonymous with Rolex today, and something that many other manufacturers have adopted as well. Whilst the Rolex Datejust is available either with an Oyster bracelet or a Jubilee bracelet today, the Jubilee is the bracelet that has become the most iconic and most closely associated with the Datejust model.
Rolex Datejust alternatives- distinct design elements
To many, the Rolex Datejust has become the ultimate definition of class and style. And whilst the Datejust has a rather simple design, it does have a number of distinct and iconic elements that make it immediately recognizable.
These iconic design elements are important to keep in mind when looking for affordable Rolex Datejust alternatives.
Whilst the Rolex Datejust is a highly popular watch, it is a luxury item. A Rolex Datejust starts at a few thousand dollars and goes up to more than ten thousand dollars depending on which version you choose. Naturally, most people are not willing to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a watch, but the good news is that if you like the Rolex Datejust, there are plenty of affordable Rolex Datejust alternatives to choose from.
As discussed, there are a few key design elements that make the Rolex Datejust so iconic. Below are the criteria we have used for the selection in this article. Watches only have to meet at least one but usually meet several. They all, however, check the criteria of being priced at less than 1000 USD.
- Fluted bezel
- Oyster or Jubilee bracelet
- Date window
- Cyclops on the crystal
- Baton markers and hands
- Metal bracelet
- A classic and timeless design
- Case size between 36mm and 41mm
- Priced under 1000 USD.
Affordable Datejust alternatives – buyer’s guide
As mentioned, most Datejust alternatives are available with a wide array of designs. Since there are no official criteria for what a Datejust alternative should you, you can decide what design features it should have, but also how similar or different it should look from a Rolex Datejust.
Homage watches are designed to look more or less identical to Datejust watches, which is appropriate if you want something as close to the real deal as possible, but if you want something with a bit of a more unique design that isn’t a blatant homage, then there is plenty to choose from as well.
Because they can be so different, here are a few things that you want to consider when making your pick:
Size
The size is always an important aspect of any watch that you buy because different people have different wrist sizes, and will thus need to choose a size that fits them. The Datejust has two main sizes today: 36mm and 41mm, with the 36mm size being the original and most iconic size for the Datejust.
Alternatives to the Rolex Datejust may come in different sizes, but the most important thing is that you know your wrist size and know which sizes you are comfortable with. This will help you narrow down your options and find one that is perfect for your needs.
Water resistance
Water resistance is another thing that is also important to consider when buying any watch. If you intend to go diving or swimming with your watch, then obviously you want to make sure that it is suitable for just that. On the other hand, if you plan to use it as a dress watch and don’t intend to come near water, then this will be less important. Just make sure that if you do plan to go swimming with it, you look at the water resistance to make sure the watch can handle it.
Movement
When we’re talking about Datejust alternatives, you’ll be looking at either an automatic or quartz movement. In traditional Rolex fashion, all Rolex Datejust watches are powered by automatic movements, but if you’re looking for a Datejust alternative, you’ll be able to find alternatives with either quartz or automatic watches.
With that said, think about which type of movement you prefer and select the watch accordingly. In general, quartz watches are more accurate and more affordable, but automatic watches tend to be more popular amongst watch enthusiasts who enjoy fine mechanics and the complicated craftsmanship behind them. Automatic watches also tend to last for a really long time with the proper care and maintenance.
Bracelet
The original bracelet for the Rolex Datejust is the so-called Jubilee bracelet. This bracelet was named due to the fact that it was released to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary. This is the bracelet that is most synonymous with the Rolex Datejust but today, the model is available either with the Oyster bracelet or the Jubilee bracelet.
Some of the Datejust alternatives seen above have bracelets that are very clearly inspired by the Rolex Jubilee bracelet whilst others have a more unique design. If you want a more sporty feel, some of them also have bracelets that are more inspired by the Oyster bracelet with their three-link designs.
