Homage watches are timepieces that are designed to mimic the original. They are also much more affordable and realistic to most people to own. Homage watches are often manufactured by third-party watchmakers.
However, shopping for Rolex homage watches can be difficult. This is because homages can range greatly in price, quality, and performance. What are the best Rolex homage watches?
The 12 best Rolex homage watches under $300 include:
- Steeldive SD1953
- Invicta Pro Diver
- Loreo Submariner
- Cadisen C8053
- Stührling 3935
- Pagani Design PD1645
- Davosa Ternos Professional GMT
- Pagani Design PD1662
- Orient Panda Neo 70s
- Cadisen C8181
- Pagani Design PD1692
- Addiesdive AD2112
This article reviews the 12 best Rolex homage watches you can buy for under $300. We will examine their specifications and why they are the best Rolex homage watches your money can buy.
READ MORE: Why Are Homage Watches Popular?
READ MORE: 10 Reasons Why Homage Watches Are Better Than Replicas
How We Select The Homage Watches
When we selected these Rolex homage watches, we considered several important factors, such as design, reputation, maintenance, performance, movement, and price.
We look at several major factors when selecting homage watches in this list. Often these factors may clash with each other. For example, low prices may result in poor materials and movement.
However, we try to balance between these factors when producing this list:
Design
We try to select Rolex homage watches with good design. When we say good design, we mean the design is similar to the original.
This is because there are Rolex homage watches that may only faintly look like the original model they are designed after. These models may be called inspired designs and can stand on their own.
However, we are not after those watches. We only recommend Rolex homage watches that look similar to the original, with minor design differences.
Maintenance
One of the biggest worries about homage watches is maintenance. This is a legitimate worry, especially if you are buying Rolex homage watches that are unpopular.
As a result, when we recommend models here, we only list watches you can easily maintain. Some, such as Stührling or Orient, may have physical stores where you can walk in and have your watches serviced.
There are also brands with a solid online presence, where your watchmaker can easily order parts to service them.
Quality
Homages can be a minefield, especially when it comes to quality. This is because homages vary widely in build and finish. Low-priced homages may look crude and unrefined, while premium alternatives such as those from Steinhart may cost up to 4-figures.
Here, we only recommend Rolex homage watches that are built with quality parts and materials under $300. Watches in this list may come with solid water resistance, sapphire crystal, and stainless steel body.
Movement
Homages can also come with various movements, which can be difficult to service. Lower-priced Rolex homage watches may try to slip in some generic Chinese automatic or obscure quartz movement.
These movements may be hard to service and maintain since few watchmakers are familiar with them. Plus, parts may be hard to find when repairs are needed.
Price
We understand that some buyers of Rolex homage watches may operate with a tight budget and want to avoid splurging too much money on a watch.
However, we also understand that quality is still a key point for buyers of Rolex homage watches.
As a result, we try to recommend budget watches under $300, as we see that watches within this price range offer the best balance between affordable price and quality.
Best Rolex Homage Watches
| Original Model | Homage Models | |
| Rolex Submariner | Steeldive SD1953 | Check Prices |
| Invicta Pro Diver | Check Prices | |
| Loreo Submariner | Check Prices | |
| Rolex Datejust | Cadisen C8053 | Check Prices |
| Stührling 3935 | Check Prices | |
| Pagani Design PD1645 | Check Prices | |
| Rolex GMT Master II | Davosa Ternos Professional GMT | Check Prices |
| Pagani Design PD1662 | Check Prices | |
| Rolex Daytona | Orient Panda Neo 70s | Check Prices |
| Cadisen C8181 | Check Prices | |
| Rolex Explorer | Pagani Design PD1692 | Check Prices |
| Addiesdive AD2112 | Check Prices |
Homage Watches For Rolex Submariner
Aside from Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean or Seiko’s diver series, the Rolex Submariner is probably the most iconic dive watch ever.
As a result, it is also one of the most counterfeited watch models ever. Many makers of Rolex homage watches also have models looking similar to the Rolex Submariner.
Steeldive SD1953
Steeldive is a homage watch company from China. Aside from the Submariner, it also makes homage models for many watches, usually powered by Seiko movements. These include Omega Seamaster, Seiko Tuna, and more. The SD1953 is an affordable dive watch.
The SD1953 is built with 316 stainless steel, with a unidirect rotational ceramic bezel. The watch has a black dial, markings, and hands similar to the Submariner.
The watch is powered by a Seiko NH35 automatic movement, making service and maintenance a breeze.
Invicta Pro Diver
Invicta is an American watch company with a Swiss heritage. It used to make middle-range automatics but struggled to survive during the Quartz Crisis. It eventually pivoted into producing fashion watches and homages.
The Pro diver is the top-of-the-range model of their Rolex submariner homage watches. The watch is powered by a Sellitta SW-200 automatic, a popular and affordable Swiss movement.
The watch comes with a screw-down crown and a display caseback. It also has a water resistance of 200 M (660 ft.)
Loreo Submariner
Loreo is a Chinese homage watchmaker. Choose between a wide variety of color options, such as black, green, and blue dial, the most popular.
The watch is one of the most legit Submariner alternatives. It has a stunning design. The screw-down caseback is also slightly different.
The watch also has a domed sapphire crystal for a nice touch and an automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve.
Homage Watches For Rolex Datejust
One of the most iconic watches, the Rolex Datejust, has adorned the wrists of the world’s most influential persons. These include Winston Churchill, David Beckham, Roger Federer, and Jennifer Aniston.
Its popularity also means there are tons of fake watches around. The good news is that homages are also widely available across many retail price ranges.
Cadisen C8053
Cadisen is a Chinese homage watchmaker. The watch carries a jubilee bracelet and a fluted, stainless steel bezel for that Datejust look.
READ MORE: Best Cadisen Homage Watches Under $200
It is also powered by Miyota 8215 automatic caliber. A cyclops magnifier and date window are also present at 3 o’clock, with sapphire crystal protection. The watch has 50M (165ft) water resistance.
When shopping for the C8053, choose between the textured silver, black, or blue sunburst dial. All variants come with stainless steel band, an oyster design, and a fold-over clasp.
Stührling 3935
Stührling is a recent watchmaking company launched in the early 2000. Since then, Stührling makes such as homages and skeleton watches.
READ MORE: The Truth About Stùhrling Watches
The 3935 may be a good, affordable alternative to the Rolex Datejust. It has a stainless steel round-shaped case with a polished coin-edged bezel. It carries a white dial with a date window.
This watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement, with a stainless steel link bracelet. The watch is water resistant to 100M (330ft) and has Krysterna mineral crystal.
Pagani Design PD1645
Pagani Design is a Chinese homage watchmaker. It is known for making quality watches and remains one of the most affordable watch brands. Some of their homages have been seen as ‘gold-standard’ in homage watches.
The PD1645 has a stainless steel case with a fluted finish. The jubilee bracelet further brings in that iconic Datejust look. The cyclops magnifier and date window complete the homage.
The watch is powered by a Seiko NH35 automatic caliber with hacking, and 100M (330ft) water resistance. There is also a screw-lock caseback.
Homage Watches For Rolex GMT Master II
The Rolex GMT is one of the most famous watches in the GMT style. Rolex also makes them in many color combinations, resulting in funny nicknames, such as ‘Pepsi’ (Red and Blue) or ‘Batman’ (Black and Purple). You can find many Rolex homage watches made after the GMT.
Davosa Ternos Professional GMT
If you only want Swiss watches, check out Davosa, as their watches are manufactured in Switzerland. They also use Swiss parts, making them a more premium homage watchmaker. However, the retail price is still affordable and within this list’s price range.
It is the most expensive watch on the list, but you get premium stuff out of your money. Inside is an ETA2893 GMT automatic caliber, with 42 hours of power reserve. ETA makes movements that power many Swiss watches, including high-end models such as Omega or Breguet.
You also get a ceramic bezel and stainless steel band with solid steel links. There is also a display caseback for a premium feel.
Pagani Design PD1662
The Pagani Design PD1662 is often dubbed the best-looking Rolex homage watches out there. It is built in the same dimensions and size and comes with a combination of colors to suit your taste. The stainless steel bracelet also comes with an extension clasp.
The movement is also a GMT movement, which functions similarly to the original. This is, however, a Chinese movement, which could present some issues with servicing. However, parts should not be an issue since Pagani Design is a large homage maker.
Homage Watches For Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster are the most iconic racing watches. Some vintage models of Daytona, such as the ‘Paul Newman,’ may cost up to 6-figures. There are also many Rolex homage watches made after the Daytona.
READ MORE: Homages To Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch
Orient Panda Neo 70’s
Orient is a Japanese watch company known for making beautiful yet affordable automatic watches. Most models are budget watches, but you can find gems resembling expensive luxury watches.
The Neo 70’s is a good homage to the Rolex Paul Newman. It retains the spirit of the design yet still has some notable differences. The watch keeps a sports watch feel, with popular designs similar to the Daytona.
It features a 42mm diameter case in stainless steel. The watch operates on an Orient’s Solar power movement. Also, the watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet with 10 Bar water resistance.
Cadisen C8181
If you want a more contemporary Daytona, check out the Cadisen C8181.
The watch looks very similar to the original Daytona, with a functioning chronometer. It also comes with a screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback.
The watch is given sapphire crystal, with the dial print identical to the original Daytona. Some subtle differences remain, such as the logo and letterings. It is also sold at a reasonable price.
Homage Watches For Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer is a fine example of an adventure watch, famously worn by Sir Edmund Hillary as he hiked up Everest. Its simple design, black dial, and large letterings never fail to mesmerize watch fans worldwide. There are also many Rolex homage watches made after the Explorer.
Pagani Design PD1692
The watch is made with a 39.7mm case. The watch face is also designed to look like an Explorer. The key difference is in the lettering and logo. The watch has the look of expensive luxury watches without the price.
Inside is either a Seiko NH35 or NH36 or a Miyota 8215 movement. These workhorse movements will tick reliably for a long time and are easily serviceable too. The stainless steel band also has solid steel links with a fold-over clasp.
The watch also has such as sapphire crystal and a good 200M (660ft) water resistance. This is definitely a better alternative than buying fake watches.
Addiesdive AD2112
Addiesdive is a homage watchmaking company with offices in China and Germany. They mostly make homage dive watches for the Submariner or Seamaster. There are also other Rolex homage watches too.
The AD2112 is their take on the Explorer. The watch is given a Seiko NH38 automatic movement, making it a reliable workhorse that should be easy to service. The lume is BGW9 bright blue, and the watch is given a stainless steel body and bracelet.
The stock strap is a stainless steel bracelet. The watch’s face is identical to the original, with the key difference in the hands and logo.