Mens Watches

Rolex is an iconic name in the watchmaking industry, so it’s little surprise that so many brands try to imitate this timepiece giant. Whether in form, style, or function, many of today’s smaller companies have borrowed concepts that were quite obviously Rolex material at one point in time or another. Here are just a few of the most popular on the market today.

Jacques Lemans Men’s Geneve Tempora Diver 20 ATM Collection Watch

While a high performance timepiece in its own right, this certainly isn’t the Rolex Submariner, but it certainly looks like it wants to be. A nearly identical stainless steel bracelet offers this model the look of a steel diver’s watch without the cost of the better known brands, and the noticeable black dial and date display may make someone think, at first glance, that you too sport the model worn in eleven James Bond films. This particular timepiece, though, takes things a step further by offering a case diameter and thickness quite near to the Rolex watches on the market today at a much cheaper price. The real drawback with this particular wannabe, though, is that the bezel’s borders are much rougher and the piece certainly doesn’t, and cannot, offer the reliability Rolex watches always have. In its own right, though, it’s a very affordable diver’s timepiece that offers a number of helpful functions. The fact that it resembles the most famous name in diver’s timepieces in the world is only an added benefit you get when purchasing this model. Most rate it very highly in terms of form and function, and while it may not last long enough to pass to your grandchildren, it should get you through a few years of dives.

Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Collection Stainless Steel Watch

Another rather affordable choice from a name that is increasingly well known in the watchmaking world, the font size and style are almost all that distinguish this wannabe from the real thing. Almost identical in terms of case size, dial and band color, and functionality, it’s not hard to imagine that this could actually be mistaken for a Rolex Submariner. While there is a substantial price difference, and probably a very real shift in long term durability, this is a phenomenal choice in its own right. Strong and sturdy, you’ll find accuracy, great size, and excellent function. There are, however, two main drawbacks many purchasers mention, and you probably wouldn’t find either if you’d purchased the real thing instead of a wannabe. The first is that the bezel is very tough to turn, but that’s often typical of inexpensive diving timepieces. The second, the quality of the bracelet, has everything to do with the price point of this model as compared to others that look similar but come with a much higher price sticker. Quality bracelets that withstand the test of time simply aren’t available on models that retail for less than two hundred dollars, but if you’re looking for a beautiful, yet helpful diving timepiece, this is a good bet.

Seiko Men’s Kinetic Dive Watch

At a glance, this model briefly resembles the Rolex watches so many consider king, but when you start comparing details, it’s easy to see the real differences between the two. That’s a rather helpful feature given that Seiko has actually managed to create a phenomenal product in its own right. While the bezel and the face are really quite similar, both the fonts used and the hands distance this model from its iconic and more expensive predecessor. The Seiko model is kinetic, and most divers find it to be accurate beyond belief given as little as the price point is with this one. A solid, smooth moving bezel and water resistance of up to two hundred meters, it’s a choice that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. What’s more is that it is a fairly substantial choice, slightly larger than its predecessor but not so large as to become unwieldy, particularly on dives. Both the hour and minute hands have luminescent properties, and the band offers a level of durability that should be present for several years to come. Ideally styled for both sports applications and casual dress venues, it makes a great alternative to the pricier choices that look just like it.