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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm, 36mm | 36mm | 36mm | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47.3mm (40mm), 43.4mm (36mm) | 44mm | 45mm | 44mm |
| Band | Precious metal bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m | 10m | 0m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
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Buy Now at Ebay
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Buy Now at eBay
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Buy Now at AliExpress |
Rolex Day-Date
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm, 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47.3mm (40mm), 43.4mm (36mm) |
| Band | Precious metal bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
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Orient President
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Ebay
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Bulova Super Seville with Day
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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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Steel Bagelsport Day-Date
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 0m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at AliExpress |
The ultimate status symbol, there’s no bigger flex than Rolex’s Day-Date. For one thing, it’s built exclusively with precious metals.
Wearing one tells the world that not only can you afford such a timepiece, but that you can afford the risk of running around town in something expensively fragile.
Its iconic features, the day complication and fluted bezel for example, are exquisite. It’s no wonder collectors clamor for affordable watches adorned with similar qualities.
If you’re one of those collectors, read on. The six choice Rolex Day-Date homages in this roundup are the best on the market, while the three luxury competitor timepieces we’ve selected are effective alternatives.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Using my experience wearing and tinkering with various Day-Date homages and alternatives, as well as multiple variations of the Day-Date itself, I chose a pool of finalists in the homage and alternative categories.
I then consulted with countless forums and reviews, deliberated with watch experts in my field, as well as several watch collectors, old and new, to choose the final six and three. Each timepiece in this roundup boasts important qualities that make the Day-Date so legendary.
6 Best Rolex Day-Date Homages
Image Source: Ebay
The Orient President is an obvious pick, and there’s a reason for that. The long-running top-choice Day-Date homage pays compliments to its Rolex source material at a much affordable price—even as it slowly creeps higher, due to the President’s growing rarity and consistent popularity.
Orient showcases impressive attention to detail, from the flawless sunburst dial and pie-pan bezel, to the railroad minute track adorned with tiny Roman numerals.
The second generation of this model features faux diamond indices, while the first generation has batons. Still, the President comes in several colorways and dial variations, some of which take drastic turns away from the Day-Date.
The EV0J008W, which you can often find on eBay for example, sports illustrative Arabic indices, boldly outlined like aviator hour markers, filled in with a pale lume green.
Regardless of which version you go for, these in-house automatic-powered timepieces are reliable and accurate, often equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals.
What I Like
- The President is an accurate detail-oriented interpretation of the Day-Date with an almost one-to-one proportion between the dial and lugs.
- The in-house automatic movement is complex and impressively maintains its accuracy over time.
- It comes in several colorways and dial variations, including faux diamond-encrusted faces, two-tone constructions, and dials with completely unique features from the Day-Date.
What I Don’t Like
- While the 46E caliber is reliable and robust enough, it can’t be hacked or hand wound, which makes operating the day function more difficult.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Referred to as “a ringer” to the Day-Date, the Orient President continues to be as popular as ever on watch forums. This is despite no longer being in production and regardless of how many new homages have come after it.
And while it isn’t as affordable as it was when it first came out, reviewers are glad that the price tag’s ascent is slow, and that the price range is still wide.
There are complaints about the lack of hacking. The quickest way to set the day is to pull the crown out to the second level, then bring the hour to 12 o’clock, which then moves the date forward.
The Verdict
After all these years, the Orient President is still the favorite Day-Date homage of the watch community, both internet and beyond. It has premium features, including 100m of water resistance and a sapphire crystal, as well as an in-house automatic movement.
Regardless of its popularity and absence on gray market sites, its price only slowly rises, and its overall availability hasn’t waned.
After all these years, the Orient President is still the favorite Day-Date homage of the watch community, both internet and beyond. It has premium features, including 100m of water resistance and a sapphire crystal, as well as an in-house automatic movement. Regardless of its popularity and absence on gray market sites, its price only slowly rises, and its overall availability hasn’t waned.
Image Source: EBay
Made in the ‘60s prior to Bulova’s acquisition by Citizen, the Super Seville is a real collector’s item. It’s not impossible to find either. You just have to do your research to make sure you’re working with trusted sellers, and ensure you’re being diligent about what the price ranges are for the version you’re eyeing.
You can find both the Seville with no day (a Datejust homage) and the Seville with day made with different materials. This includes gold constructions, with faux diamonds, and with real diamonds.
The diamond-set Seville is still a fraction of the cost of a non-diamond Day-Date. Naturally, the prices for these automatic watches have a huge range, from $200 to $2,500 depending on what variation it is, and how worn it is.
What I Like
- A true collector’s item in the watch world, this homage possesses its own history and clout for being consistently popular for decades
- It comes in several high-end variations, including diamond-set versions that are still much cheaper than the Day-Date.
- It runs on either a 17-jewel or 21-jewel Swiss ETA-based fast-beat movement that’s easy to service despite being a vintage timepiece
What I Don’t Like
It’s not at all waterproof. I’d even be careful wearing this vintage watch in moderate rain
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love that the Super Seville comes with a well-respected brand name with heritage, a good movement, and wears like a Datejust.
Many Reddit users believe it’s also a sign of a discerning buyer.
As we mention in our Datejust homage roundup.
The Verdict
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.
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.
Image Source: AliExpress
Available in both gem-clad and baton-equipped dial faces, the Steel Bagelsport Day-Date is as low-priced as it gets at this decent level of finishing. It’s also about the same price as many other quartz-equipped homages.
The finishing isn’t perfect, especially on the bracelet which is frankly a bit unevenly polished, but the dial is beautifully glossy and the fluted bezel is crisp. Plus, the indices are all neatly applied.
There’s a lot of function and design here. The automatic DG28 movement is rough, but accurate and reliable.
My advice here is to make sure you’re getting this watch from a well-reviewed seller, with a good return policy. I highlight some customer examples of why this is important in the Other Reviewers section below.
What I Like
- As an automatic timepiece with a day and date, the sub-$100 price tag offers a rare and impressive value-for-money ratio.
- Details like the applied indices, glossy subdials, and good finishing make this watch look more luxurious than its price.
- It’s equipped with a Rolex-like screw down crown, which is also surprising for this price point.
What I Don’t Like
- The bracelet is super rattly and roughly-finished, but also easily replaceable.
- This watch isn’t waterproof.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Beloved in the Reddit community, many reviewers claim Day-Date homages don’t get any better for around $60. “It’s not perfect,” says one poster, but it’s great for the price.
Since it’s so affordable, this timepiece is also a popular subject for experimental modding.
Half of the reviewers claim their watch came with weak or no lume, while others report fine lume—for the price. A reviewer on AliExpress who had movement issues with his watch, claims his issue was dragged out by the seller, and that he never received a replacement.
Again, keep in close touch with your seller to ensure you’re getting exactly what you think you’re getting, and pay attention to return policies.
The Verdict
The Steel Bagelsport Day-Date is popular because of its low price and its automatic movement. It’s an effective budget homage, looks-wise, and also a fun option if you want to try modding a Day-Date, without the financial risk of modding an actual Day-Date.
The Steel Bagelsport Day-Date is popular because of its low price and its automatic movement. It’s an effective budget homage, looks-wise, and also a fun option if you want to try modding a Day-Date, without the financial risk of modding an actual Day-Date.
Claude Bernard was founded in 1973 in the Swiss Jura mountains. It may not be in the top tier of Swiss hard-hitters, but the 83014 boasts a perfectly legal “Swiss Made” moniker on its elegantly-designed dial.
The center is decked with a beautiful embossed pattern that complements the smooth index track, both sections lined with fluted accents. The dotted hands look to be inspired by Breguet hands, and they definitely help with legibility.
It runs on a reliable Sellita movement that you can watch through the sapphire window caseback. It’s a pretty watchable caliber, with gold accents and attractive purple jewels.
What I Like
- This watch is tastefully designed with a balance of negative space and subtle texture, using the Day-Date template, but also creating a distinct aesthetic from it.
- It runs on a Swiss automatic movement that can be viewed in the exhibition caseback.
- The day and date are both easily adjustable from the crown, creating no need for extra pushers.
What I Don’t Like
This recently discontinued watch can be a bit elusive. You’ll have to keep tabs on its availability with online sellers like Jomashop, Amazon, and eBay.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The 83014 has a loyal online following, especially since its subline successors are much less like the Day-Date. Reviewers love that despite its popularity, you can find it for under $300 even though it was about $800 when it was new.
Some believe that a Day-Date homage shouldn’t be over 40mm, while others enjoy the modern bigger-is-better approach. I’m somewhere in between, in that I think dress watches should be smaller, but that the bigger dial gives the 83014’s beautiful texture more room to shine.
The Verdict
The Claude Bernard 83014 leans more into the elegant and classic side of the Day-Date, versus the flashy status symbol side. Still, its sheer size adds a touch of showiness. On top of that, it’s a Swiss-made automatic that can often be found for less than $300.
The Claude Bernard 83014 leans more into the elegant and classic side of the Day-Date, versus the flashy status symbol side. Still, its sheer size adds a touch of showiness. On top of that, it’s a Swiss-made automatic that can often be found for less than $300.
Image Source: Watchuseek
As Alpha does, their Day-Date is as close to being a full replica without breaking the law. Instead of choosing between the 40mm or 36mm, they go in between at 39mm, though the proportions are nigh similar.
The dial has a satiny sheen, perfectly complemented by the shiny bezel. The day and date are printed in the exact same font as its Rolex inspiration, while the polished applied indices are dotted at the outer track.
The main differences are the smaller date window and, of course, the logo, which is applied, not printed.
What I Like
- Alpha pays close attention to small details, from the luxe dial, the crisp font on the day and date, to the slim Day-Date like lugs.
- Alpha’s one year manufacturer warranty adds a level of confidence with purchase.
- The finishing on the applied indices and fluted bezel are well-executed, offering stunning lightplay at every angle.
What I Don’t Like
- Even after charging for a good hour, Alpha’s lume often lasts only for a few minutes.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
As with so many of their homages, Alpha’s Day-Date is considered one of the best in the watch forum world.
The brand’s price-to-quality ratio has spawned a whole community of Alpha-specific homage collectors. These collectors, like this one on watchuseek, often recommend buying Alpha watches second hand or with AlphaUSA to avoid QC issues.
The Verdict
The Alpha Day-Date is for you if you’re looking for a close Rolex look-alike that’s high-functioning. There are plenty of $50 clones on Amazon that run on quartz movements. This is for the clone collector who’s also horologically inclined.
The Alpha Day-Date is for you if you’re looking for a close Rolex look-alike that’s high-functioning. There are plenty of $50 clones on Amazon that run on quartz movements. This is for the clone collector who’s also horologically inclined.
Image Source: EBay
The Felca Sportmaster is a cross between a Rolex Day-Date and the Bulova Seville. It follows the basic Rolex outline, but like the Bulova, has a slightly thinner bezel and a much simpler outer track, giving it a looser look.
Qualities unique from both the Rolex and the Bulova include cursive printing indicating the watch model below the hands, and Felca’s Art Deco-like logo above the hands. Overall, this gives the Sportmaster a swanky Sinatra-esque vibe, which makes sense since it’s a vintage piece.
The black dial, gold application variation leans particularly hard into this swinging’ ‘60s and early ‘70s aesthetic.
What I Like
- This watch features a Day-Date-style aesthetic with a splashier throwback twist thanks to brand-unique features, like its retro logo.
- The vintage 25-jewel movement is easy to service and will last forever if taken care of.
- This watch often sells for around $300, which is a great value considering its rarity.
What I Don’t Like
- It’s a hard-to-find vintage piece. People who own it tend to hold on to it.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers, these Watchuseek forum-goers for example, consider this watch an homage to the Bulova Super Seville. So in a way, it’s an homage to an homage.
Regardless of how rare it is, the Felca brand has a following on watch sites all over the internet.
Many agree that the Seville is a better buy, partly because Bulova is still around today, but the Sportmaster is often a fraction of the cost of a Super Seville.
The Verdict
If you prefer the swankier Day-Dates of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, then the charmingly retro Felca Sportmaster is for you. Its unique features, the Deco logo for example, also make this timepiece stand on its own, while its serviceable automatic movement adds horological intrigue.
If you prefer the swankier Day-Dates of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, then the charmingly retro Felca Sportmaster is for you. Its unique features, the Deco logo for example, also make this timepiece stand on its own, while its serviceable automatic movement adds horological intrigue.
3 Quality Rolex Day-Date Alternatives
While a Day-Date homage is designed to be an affordable look-alike, alternatives are in the same buying category as the Day-Date, and aren’t always that much cheaper. They aren’t modeled to look like a Rolex, but designed to stand out as a distinct competitor. Before pulling the trigger on a Day-Date, check out one of these alternatives.
Image Source: Patek Philippe
In addition to the day and date, this complex Patek Philippe also has the month, leap year, and moon phases, among several other attractive complications. Equally as impressive as a Rolex Day-Date, and with a price tag to match, the Patek has less of a bling aesthetic and more of a dreamy and romantic one.
It’s adorned with a vintage-style white gold case with three-tier lugs, and a lacquered cream dial, with luxurious-looking gold applied numerals. The reliable and accurate 324 caliber is made from a whopping 213 parts and 29 jewels. Plus, Patek is arguably the only brand that can match Rolex when it comes to investment value.
The Tudor Royal looks like a remixed Day-Date, featuring the distinct bezel, and the two namesake complications. While Tudor counterparts to Rolex models tend to be more modern, that interestingly isn’t the case with the Royal and the Day-Date.
The Roman indices look more traditional and ceremonial, while the ornamental bezel is slightly cleaner because of the smooth sections. The silhouette is more modern and gradual though, creating a perfect balance of contemporary and classic.
The Tag Heuer Link’s day and date complications are consolidated on the 6 o’clock position. This timepiece has an overall sportier look than the Rolex Day-Date, with its numbered bezel, much bigger case diameter, and simple bracelet with puzzle-like links.
It runs on Calibre 5, an in-house automatic movement with a rapid date correction. Unlike Rolex, Tag Heuer allows you to actually see their exquisite movements, via a sapphire caseback.
Which Rolex Day-Date Homage Should You Get?
The Orient President has been a consistently popular Day-Date homage because of its looks and function. If you want to level up, the Bulova Super Seville is a historically important timepiece that comes in a diamond-set variation.
After all these years, the Orient President is still the favorite Day-Date homage of the watch community, both internet and beyond. It has premium features, including 100m of water resistance and a sapphire crystal, as well as an in-house automatic movement. Regardless of its popularity and absence on gray market sites, its price only slowly rises, and its overall availability hasn’t waned.
Steel Bagelsport offers an excellent budget version, while Alpha’s homage is a dead-ringer for the Day-Date at first and second glance.
The Steel Bagelsport Day-Date is popular because of its low price and its automatic movement. It’s an effective budget homage, looks-wise, and also a fun option if you want to try modding a Day-Date, without the financial risk of modding an actual Day-Date.
If you want a retro-leaning piece, the actual vintage Felca watch is for you, and if you want something visually more understated, then the Claude Bernard is the way to go.
The Day-Date is an excellent watch. By going the homage or alternative route, you can have a lot of its best qualities for a fraction of the price.
FAQs
Do Rolex Day-Dates appreciate?
Yes. Rolex watches in general are great investments, with consistent and reliable resale values.
Is the Rolex Day-Date real gold?
Yes, the Day-Date is only made with precious metals, including 18k yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum.
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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6 Best Rolex Explorer II Homages & Alternatives in 2023
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