The Rolex Datejust is a classic timepiece among watch enthusiasts. Since it was first introduced, it has become one of the hallmarks of the Rolex Brand. As with any Rolex watch, the Rolex Datejust will cost you thousands of dollars if you wish to purchase an authentic copy. However, if you like the classic style of the Rolex Datejust, but don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, there are much less expensive alternatives. Other companies have naturally copied the style and design of this elegant watch. On that note, we have compiled this list of our top 5 picks for the best homage alternative to the Rolex Datejust!
#1: Seiko Men’s SNE098 Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
This Seiko model has an analog dial and uses Japanese quartz movement. It has a two-toned stainless steel gold and silver colored band, as well as sunray dial. The dial glass is made of hardlex crystal. It features Seiko’s Lumibrite luminous markers for visibility in the dark.
The band uses a deployment style clasp that has a push button release. It is water resistant up to a depth of 330 feet. The design is clearly inspired by the Rolex Datejust, and definitely has a premium look to it. One of the main design differences, is the addition of the day as well to the date window instead of just the date.
Quick Look
- 2 tone stylish color scheme
- luminous markers
- both day and date in the date window
- water resistant to a depth of 330 feet
#2: BUREI Men’s Luxury Automatic Watch
The Burei Watch has an analog dial and uses Japanese automatic movement. The dial window is made of sapphire crystal. This watch possesses a self-winding mechanism. Its case and band are both stainless steel and come in an assortment of different color combinations.
The style of the markers are a departure from those used in the Rolex Datejust in that they are modeled to look like diamonds instead of being straight lines. An exhibition style case shows of the moving parts on the back side of the case, which is always a distinguishing design choice. This watch is water resistant, but will not withstand swimming and diving.
Quick Look
- sapphire crystal window
- self-winding
- exhibition style case
#3: Stuhrling Original Men’s Symphony Regent Coronet Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
The Stuhrling Original uses Japanese Quartz movement. The dial and band are both stainless steel and come in different color variations. It has a coin edge style bezel. A Krysterna crystal window covers the dial. The style of this watch greatly resembles that of the datejust, with a key difference being that there are numerals at the end points of the markers. The Stuhrling Original is water resistant up to 330 feet.
Quick Look
- Krysterna crystal window
- water resistant up to 330 feet
#4: Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive
The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive uses Japanese quartz movement. It is made of stainless steel, with a mineral crystal dial window. This one is very similar in style to the Seiko watch at the top with the two tone gold and silver coloring, and the day and date window, but overall, it just has a less premium look to it.
It does have some great features though. The Citizen Men’s has a max power reserve of 180 days. It is light powered, so it doesn’t need a battery or winding, it has luminous hands, and it is water resistant for up to 330 feet.
Quick Look
- light powered
- max power reserve of 180 days
- luminous hands
- water resistant up to 330 feet
- less premium appearance
#5: Fanmis Luxury Unisex
The Fanmis Luxury Unisex watch uses Japanese quartz movement. It is made of stainless steel with a mineral glass dial window. The Fanmis comes in several different color variants.
It has a coin edge bezel and uses rhinestones as the numerals instead of lines or numbers, which gives it an even more luxurious look. It possesses luminous markers as well. The band length is adjustable. This watch is water resistant but shouldn’t be fully submerged in water.
Quick Look
- rhinestones as numerals look luxurious
- luminous hands
- adjustable band length
Conclusion
Those are our top 5 picks. Looking at these options, you can see that these watches definitely go out of their way to give that premium look, but do so at a more affordable price. The watches on this list certainly pay homage to the Rolex Datejust it in terms of style, and make a great inexpensive alternative! Also, feel free to check out our review of an original Rolex 1601 Datejust here!
