How To Replace A Classic Rolex Datejust – Five Alternatives For Every Budget

The classic Rolex Datejust is an icon and an excellent every day watch. Unfortunately the price has more than quadrupled in the last decades. Many people therefore look for alternatives. In this video I present you five of them. They all are neither copies nor clones but watches with an own identity.

00:00 Start
01:48 Christopher Ward C63 Sealander
03:15 Longines Spirit 37
04:32 Lorier Astra
06:03 Maen Brooklyn
07:31 Traska Commuter
09:05 Rolex Datejust 16030 from 1986 in review

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[Ecoat]

All five are winners in my books. But the Maen and Traska are standouts for me. Thanks for the always interesting videos.

[David_]

Some great recommendations here. One thing I feel is important to note about your Rolex is the engine turned bezel. It’s more subtle than the fluted bezel in a good way. It’s one of the main reasons why I went with a vintage 16220 rather than a new model.

[OmegatRG]

Nice alternatives.
But I'm a sucker for the Rolex lug.All their watches have a familiar case profile, which is perfect.

[dannyg]

Good suggestions. While none of these can replace a Datejust, the Traska and Lorier are good lower priced alternatives. The Commuter resembles an OP36, which is a compliment. I tried on an Astra at a watch show (and met the owners, a very nice couple) and it feels like a new vintage watch from the 1960's - quite an achievement. Miyota 9 series movements are robust, durable and can be quite accurate.

[ccooper]

The bezel on your Datejust is the best I have seen ! It is absolutely superb !

[canadianwatchmonkey]

1970’s Omega Seamasters and Constallations are my favourite vintage watches and are pure class! 😊 specially the cushion case shape

[peakrider]

Great choices for different budgets Tim, and all stick to the ideology of the DateJust, apart from the Maen. I have the same Lorier Astra, and I love it. I think you could also add in a 90’s era Oris Pointer Date, or even the Seiko ‘baby’ Alpinist.

[jeffreyromain]

Another informative video. I have the first 2, and obviously the wearing experience is different but enjoyable non the less.

[guenniffm]

Noteworthy on the Traska is also the quick adjust on the clasp. Well made. The current green dial is also way lighter than the pics would suggest. It looks very cool but different from the website.

[LordBergkamp]

For me, the best alternative to the Datejust is the original IWC Yacht Club from 60s/70s. Robust, brilliant movement, and pulls off the same trick of looking great in nearly all situations.

[tagada]

Hello. We could have mentioned the Milus Snow Star or possibly the Formex Essence 39.

[cosmodoc]

great video! The no-date Traska is more like an OP, rather than an Explorer!

[canadianwatchmonkey]

The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider is truly beautiful !!! 😊

[oliver]

Good comparison. Love to see also my Longines in your list. Love the piece since 2yrs. Get going 🚀

[TerrySteiner]

Monta Noble. I cannot recommend it enough.

[inglebybhoy]

Hi Tim, your Datejust is sublime. There isn’t an attractive alternative IMHO. It would be better to do the necessary due diligence and buy a mid-eighties Datejust

[williammiller]

You got me wanting to buy another Rolex! 😳 Thanks Tim for the update. ❤

[brianhinson]

Great video 👍 I’m only a bit surprised that you didn’t choose the new Conquest as the Longines offering.

[kaledev]

I'm surprised there was no mention of Tudor. The Royal looks very similar to both the Datejust and day date without being a clone. And it's the price of what a datejust should be. The ones on here don't give me a datejust feeling, though they are great watches.

[josephkelly]

Well..I sold my datejust 41 (actually 39.5) and bought a Tissot Gentleman (modern I know same premise)