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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 31mm, 36mm, or 41mm | 39mm | 36mm | 38mm |
| Lug to Lug | 37mm, 44mm, or 47mm | 47mm | 45mm | 45.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel or precious metal bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m | 10m | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
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Buy Now at Amazon |
Buy Now at eBay
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Buy Now at Amazon |
Rolex Datejust
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 31mm, 36mm, or 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 37mm, 44mm, or 47mm |
| Band | Stainless steel or precious metal bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
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San Martin SN059
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Amazon |
Bulova Super Seville
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 45mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 10m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at eBay
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Cadisen C8053
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 38mm |
| Lug to Lug | 45.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Amazon |
The Rolex Datejust is the watch equivalent of a person who has looks and depth.
Yes, it’s a striking head-turner, instantly recognizable, and meant to be seen. Still, this timepiece is also historically important in horology, being the first automatic date watch, as well as a direct descendant of the first waterproof timepiece.
Many of you want your Datejust homages to be as pretty as they are functional. Another many of you just want a decent watch at the lowest price possible.
Our six Datejust homages, and three substitutes, represent every priority. Read on and find the right one for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Since Rolex Datejusts aren’t as highly copied as other Rolexes like the Submariner, there’s a lot of junk out there. It’s as if these homagers just thought “I’ll slap a pie-pan bezel on some dud and call it a day.”
I had to dig deep, trying on and eliminating more watches from the running than I was qualifying.
Using my experience with the Datejust itself, the choice-watches here, and a handful of runner-ups, I rounded up the finalists. I then consulted with colleagues, watch experts, and other long-time collectors.
I also spent hours in watch forums and review sites. After all, no two wrists are made alike, and everyone has different priorities when looking for a watch substitute.
6 Best Rolex Datejust Homages
As with any effective homage, the San Martin SN059 is popular and respected because of how well it combines accurate similarities and thoughtful differences.
The pie-pan bezel and applied indices are crisply finished to Swiss standards. Even the light from the dimmest bulb would provide luster to its applications and 316L stainless steel body.
And despite being a fairly new model, the SN059 already has a signature feature with its beautiful dials that punch way beyond their price point. You can get them in silky sunbursts of varying colors, exquisite mother of pearl, or natural marble.
Plus, the pattern of each naturally-formed dial is unique.
The sapphire crystal protector has a subtle AR coating, which is perfect since that blue tint you sometimes get would get in the way of these excellent dials.
If you opt for the Chinese PT5000 movement, the watch will be $180 cheaper. Both the Swiss and Chinese movements are reliable, but the PT5000 is built with parts that are hard to find.
What I Like
- This watch is polished to Swiss luxury standards, with reputably distinct dials in sunburst, natural mother of pearl, or marble.
- San Martin offers customization inside and out, including a choice between a Swiss or Chinese movement and a San Martin logo, no logo, or custom logo.
- It’s equipped with premium features including a non-tinted AR-coated sapphire crystal and an effective blue-green Swiss lume.
What I Don’t Like
- Shipping from China can take one to three months.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Forum-goers and reviewers love the stunning dials and the finishing on the SN059. They’re also impressed with how strong the lume is. It’s so bright it works in the darkest situations, despite how thin the batons are.
Another plus is that the owner of San Martin has a good relationship with the internet watch community, often frequenting popular watch forums like Watchuseek.
The Verdict
The San Martin SN059 is an instant classic, thanks to its recognizable brand-specific dials and its accurate Datejust rendition. It also offers a compelling value proposition because of its premium build and choice automatic movements.
Best of all, with its several aesthetic custom offerings, you can turn the volume up or down when it comes to its similarities with its Rolex source material.
The San Martin SN059 is an instant classic, thanks to its recognizable brand-specific dials and its accurate Datejust rendition. It also offers a compelling value proposition because of its premium build and choice automatic movements. Best of all, with its several aesthetic custom offerings, you can turn the volume up or down when it comes to its similarities with its Rolex source material.
Image Source: EBay
The Bulova Super Seville is the only homage you can find that actually comes in precious metal and diamond-encrusted variations. It’s so premium, it almost creeps into alternatives territory.
Still, when Bulova built this now-collectible watch in the ‘60s, it was meant to be a more attainable homage.
And since you can get it in stainless steel and gold, as well as with baton indices or diamond indices, the prices range greatly. We’re talking anywhere from $200 to $2,500 depending on its construction and the shape it’s in.
Since these were made before Citizen acquired Bulova though, they’re legitimate American watches.
What I Like
- The Super Seville was built by Bulova when they were at the top of their game, and is considered a high-end collectible representing the twilight of American watchmaking.
- Like the Datejust, the Super Seville comes in steel or precious metal constructions, a wide range of dial colors, and with real diamond indices or batons.
- It runs on a fast-beat and easily-serviced 17-jewel automatic movement.
What I Don’t Like
- Acquiring and maintaining the Seville comes with all of the problems of a vintage watch. Even like-models come in a range of prices, you can never be sure the state of the watch unless you can get your hands on it for a while before buying, and it’s not very waterproof.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Despite the difficulties you can experience with buying and owning vintage watches, the Seville is such a beloved collectible, that there’s a substantial online community you can rely on for support.
Many forums even have sticky-links dedicated to vintage Bulova reference materials.
Reviewers also appreciate the brand’s connection to heritage American watchmaking, and that this model comes from the pre-Citizen era of Bulova.
The Verdict
The vintage Bulova Super Seville is for two kinds of homage seekers.
If you’re looking for a Datejust substitute with its own lore and built-in community, you can opt for any version of the Super Seville. Just make sure to stick to trusted, well-reviewed sellers.
If you want a fancy DJ homage, a diamond-clad, precious metal Super Seville will still be a fraction of the cost of the cheapest Rolex. Plus, it will have a vintage cool factor about it,
Just as the Dayless Seville is a go-to if you’re looking for a high-end Datejust homage, the Bulova Super Seville with Day is as collectible, and as well-respected. Sure, vintage watches come with their challenges, but the Seville (both versions), come with a big community of online fans, so you’ll always have somewhere to turn if you need support.
If you thought Seiko did a great job at churning out cheap automatics, the Cadisen C8053 takes it to the next level. For between ~$70 to less than a $100, you get an automatic DJ lookalike with a sapphire crystal and solid end links.
The C8053 also comes with a Jubilee-style bracelet, which is more complex than the President-style ones so many homages come with. The center links and sides are polished, and all of the other surfaces are brushed, making the bracelet effectively shiny.
It comes with an exhibition caseback and the choice of a Seagull movement, or a Miyota movement for $15 more.
Both are pretty watchable, though the Seagull movement is a cool gold color. The Miyota is more reliable though. I find that a lot of Seagull movements have rotors that sometimes get stuck, like it’s not attached to the rest of the mechanism. This is often easily fixed with a few shakes, but that’s definitely something to consider when deciding on which movement you want.
What I Like
- This watch has a ton to offer for its sub-100 price point: A lustrous dial, a sapphire crystal, an automatic date movement, and a crisp fluted bezel.
- The golden Seagull movement is affordable and robust, and for just $15 more, you can opt for the reliable and serviceable Miyota movement.
- Cadisen offers a 30-day return policy and 12-month warranty with purchase.
What I Don’t Like
- The cyclops is nicely aligned, but doesn’t magnify very much.
- While not immediately noticeable, the alignment of the indices aren’t perfect.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
This Cadisen is widely reviewed and exceedingly popular in the Reditt world.
Some reviewers wish the watch was more polished and that the bracelet had micro adjustments, but most people agree that the Cadisen is more than worth its price.
I’ve also seen some videos in which reviewers claim that the hands seem a bit short. I don’t agree with this completely, since the minute hand still touches the indices, and both hands are long enough that telling time isn’t confusing.
The Verdict
The Cadisen C8053 isn’t just for the budget DJ homage buyer, but for the horologically curious. If you like looking at and playing with automatic movements, the C8053 gives you two options, at a below-market price point, and in a beautifully constructed Rolex-like body.
The Cadisen C8053 isn’t just for the budget DJ homage buyer, but for the horologically curious. If you like looking at and playing with automatic movements, the C8053 gives you two options, at a below-market price point, and in a beautifully constructed Rolex-like body.
Image Source: AliExpress
Visually, The Cronos Datejust boasts a dazzlingly burnished dial and a tightly-executed fluted bezel. Though the bezel is made of nickel and copper, it has a platinum PVD, which gives it a bit more shine and some durability while it lasts.
This homage has a lot to offer functionally too. It has 100m of water resistance, its sapphire crystal is AR-coated, the BGW-9 blue light on its hands and indices is extra bright, and it runs on a Swiss automatic movement.
The 26-jewel STP 1-11 movement isn’t just easily serviceable and built with easy-to-find parts, but it’s rated as Top Grade as well. It has an accuracy of +/-4 seconds up to +/- 15 seconds a day. This ranking is second only to COSC Chronometers.
What I Like
- The shiny dial material and platinum-coated pie-pan bezel makes this watch look way more expensive than it is.
- It runs on a Top Grade automatic movement, meaning it’s reliable, accurate, and just a grade below COSC.
- Even when they’re sold out on AliExpress, Cronos watches are and have been consistently available on eBay. Basically, there’s usually always somewhere you can find one of these
What I Don’t Like
- While the platinum plating is impressive at this price point, it’ll eventually wear off.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers and forum-goers consider this Cronos “the best $200 Datejust homage.”
It costs a touch more these days, but it still seems to hold that title, according to Reddit and Watchuseek frequenters. Generally, reviewers recommend this watch if you want something a little more than a budget-buy, but don’t want to spend the time looking for a Bulova Super Seville, or the $300-$500 on a San Martin.
Also, since it’s based on the Datejust, some reviewers think that the 40mm size is a little big.
The Verdict
I consider the Cronos Datejust the happy medium homage. With its 100m of water resistance and Top Grade Swiss automatic movement, it’s as functional as you’d expect a $200 watch to be. It isn’t just relying on its looks to catch the attention of Datejust homage hunters.
I consider the Cronos Datejust the happy medium homage. With its 100m of water resistance and Top Grade Swiss automatic movement, it’s as functional as you’d expect a $200 watch to be. It isn’t just relying on its looks to catch the attention of Datejust homage hunters.
The Alpha Datejust is so close to being a one-to-one rendition of the Rolex, it’s practically a legal replica. The details are impressive, seen especially with the dotted batons, all of which are accurately proportioned. Even the lugs are slim and long, a detail many homagers tend to overlook.
he finishing is impressive considering this Alpha watch is available for around $100. It looks perfect at first glance, though most of the rougher finishes are strategically hidden in places like the underside of the lugs.
This watch is also the second-most affordable option on the list, just a few dollars more than the Miyota version of the Cadisen.
What I Like
- The design admirably honors the Datejust, from its dotted markers, Jubilee bracelet, to its slim, sharp lugs.
- The watch’s 316L stainless steel construction and smart finishing is a real bargain for around $100.
- Alpha offers a one year manufacturer warranty making each purchase secure, no matter how affordable.
What I Don’t Like
- The lume isn’t great and sometimes will only last a few minutes, even after charging in the sun for an hour.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Most reviewers are impressed with the finishing.
aSince Seagull movements are often noisy and unserviced, many people (including myself) mention being concerned before trying the watch out.
Still, most reviewers report zero movement issues. My experience with Alpha is that they’re likely servicing all of the Chinese movements before equipping their watches with them.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for an almost exact copy of Rolex’s DJ, go for the Alpha Datejust. Impressive and well-finished aesthetics aside, it also happens to be an affordable and fully-serviced automatic with a respectable warranty.
If you’re looking for an almost exact copy of Rolex’s DJ, go for the Alpha Datejust. Impressive and well-finished aesthetics aside, it also happens to be an affordable and fully-serviced automatic with a respectable warranty.
The Parnis President is another super-close visual homage, with slight differences that would appeal to people who prefer heavier-looking watches. The lugs are shorter, thicker, and blunter, while the dial face features a thin but boldly-outlined outer ring.
It’s also thicker, at 13mm, compared to the 11.7mm Rolex.
While this gives the President a more rounded and modern look, it’s actually closer in size to the original Datejust at 36mm. It can still be styled the same, but for those of you who want a visually bulked-up Datejust, minus the actual bulk, the Parnis is the answer.
What I Like
- The President is slightly remixed for a heavier look, without the heavier wear.
- The 21-jewel automatic movement and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal add a lot of functional value for the watch’s price.
- The 36mm diameter and smooth lugs provide a comfortable wear for most wrist sizes.
What I Don’t Like
- The screw-in crown is hard to use, and it’s almost impossible to catch the threads.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
There are very few complaints about the way the President looks. Reviewers praise the well-executed sunburst, and how affordable this sapphire-clad automatic is.
I always recommend being diligent when dealing with online homage sellers from Asia. For some reason, the Parnis President specifically gets a lot of customer service complaints.
This Reddit user mentions that he received his watch with a bracelet that doesn’t fit, while this reviewer claims he requested extra links and didn’t get them.
Only shop with reputable sellers.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a sub-200 Datejust look-alike that’s just slightly bolder, go for the Parnis President. It adds the slightest bit of visual weight, without actually making it big. In fact, at 36mm, it suits most people, especially the slender-wristed.
If you’re looking for a sub-200 Datejust look-alike that’s just slightly bolder, go for the Parnis President. It adds the slightest bit of visual weight, without actually making it big. In fact, at 36mm, it suits most people, especially the slender-wristed.
3 Quality Rolex Datejust Alternatives
An homage is an affordable option designed to look like a more expensive watch model, or at least offer its general vibe. Alternatives are different in that they’re comparable models, and they aren’t necessarily more affordable.
If you’re seriously considering a Datejust, then you definitely need to check out its competition. You just might prefer one of its contenders.
Like the Datejust, the Omega Constellation Globemaster is a luxury dress watch with a fluted bezel. The brushed face, however, is more dimensional, featuring pivots on the outer dial like the surface of a jewel.
Each section on the outer dial is marked with a month of the year in cursive font. It has a more fanciful look overall, in the same way that the blue-wave Seamaster is the irreverent answer to the traditional Submariner.
The Globemaster runs on Omega’s in-house COSC 8922 Calibre, which is an antimagnetic co-axial automatic. Meanwhile, its fluted bezel is made of tungsten carbide for extra durability and shine.
Image Source: Ball
The Ball Engineer II Marvelight is an elegant Swiss-made dress watch built with premium materials and a 25-jewel antimagnetic movement. Visually, I consider the Marvelight a “reverse Datejust.” Both incorporate a mix of classic design features and bolder components. But in the places where the Datejust is more classic, the Marvelight is more modern, and vice versa.
For example, the Marvelight has thicker indices resulting in less negative space on its dial, compared to the traditionally clean dial of the Datejust. Unlike the DJ though, the bezel is modest and unfluted, so visual balance is brought back. Still, both can be styled in the exact same way.
The Tudor Royal sports a distinct bezel and comes in stainless steel, precious metals, or with a diamond-clad dial, just like the Datejust. And just like its Rolex cousin, it’s functionally impressive and features an in-house Swiss movement.
The Royal’s applied Roman indices make it look more regal though, especially in yellow gold. And the bezel has a sort of deconstructed pie-pan look, with linings grouped together, taking turns with smoother sections all around. Overall, the Royal has a more straight-forward modern silhouette, but the design within that simple silhouette is more ornamental.
Which Rolex Datejust Homage Should You Get?
The San Martin SN059 is the best overall, thanks to its mix of similar and unique features, and it’s capacity for personalization. If you want to spend a little more time, and possibly a lot more money, the Bulova Super Seville is a legend in the watch collector’s world.
The San Martin SN059 is an instant classic, thanks to its recognizable brand-specific dials and its accurate Datejust rendition. It also offers a compelling value proposition because of its premium build and choice automatic movements. Best of all, with its several aesthetic custom offerings, you can turn the volume up or down when it comes to its similarities with its Rolex source material.
On the other end of the spectrum, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Cadisen C8053, while the almost one-for-one Alpha and Parnis watches aren’t too far behind, price-wise.
The Cadisen C8053 isn’t just for the budget DJ homage buyer, but for the horologically curious. If you like looking at and playing with automatic movements, the C8053 gives you two options, at a below-market price point, and in a beautifully constructed Rolex-like body.
The Cronos Datejust also looks a lot like the Datejust, and it runs on a Top Grade Swiss movement.
Or maybe you’d now rather go with an alternative, like the Omega, Ball, or Tudor.
It’s all about choosing which homage best exemplifies the specific qualities you love most about the Datejust.
FAQs
Who makes the best Datejust homage?
It depends on what you’re looking for, but our top pick, the San Martin SN059 has the most effective balance of Datejust similarities, slight differences, premium function, and price.
Is a Datejust Rolex a good investment?
As with any Rolex, you likely won’t lose any money with a Datejust. However, it doesn’t tend to increase dramatically in value and isn’t as market-consistent as a Submariner.
Is the Rolex Datejust a good everyday watch?
Yes, it’s appropriate in professional events, and pairing upscale watches with casual clothes isn’t considered a faux pas.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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