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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm | 36mm | 41mm | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 43.9mm | 43.5mm | 48mm | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m | 500m | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
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Buy Now at eBay |
Buy Now at Amazon
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Buy Now at Alpha |
Rolex Explorer I
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 43.9mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Bob’s Watches
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Smiths Everest PRS-25
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 43.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at eBay |
Tudor Heritage Ranger
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 500m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Amazon
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Alpha Explorer
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Alpha |
If you think about it, an effective field watch is an excellent distillation of what makes a generally good, honest, and practical timepiece.
It’s not caught up with bells and whistles, complications, or even an eye-catching look. Truly, a well-built field watch is the perfect one-watch collection timepiece.
And of course, the Rolex Explorer I is the king of the category.
But whether it’s the $8,000-and-up price tag or a personal aversion to big brand names, there are countless legitimate reasons to go for a good homage.
Read on to get our six best Explorer I homages to see which is the best fit for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
As a long-time watch collector, auction house professional, and Explorer junkie, I chose six homages and five worthy alternatives based on my experience with these choice watches and several others.
Since every wrist and experience is different though, I also consulted watch specialists, in-house colleagues, and scoured the internet, having read and watched hundreds of reviews and forum conversations.
Whether it’s function or price or aesthetics (or all of the above), I made sure all priorities are represented.
6 Best Rolex Explorer Homages
Image Source: Timefactors
Similar to how Bulova took the backseat to Omega in the space race, Smiths is a brand that got overshadowed by Rolex.
Sir Edmund Hillary and mountaineer Tenzing Norgay reached Mount Everest’s Summit in 1953 with both a Smiths watch and Rolex watch. Sadly for Smiths, they’d since become defunct. The Explorer I, on the other hand, has since laid claim to this ancestor watch’s pedigree.
This is one reason why collectors love the Smiths Everest PRS-25. It has the look of the Explorer I, and unlike other homages, it also has lore and historical importance. After all, people love Rolex for its quality as well as its legendary status.
Smiths was revived by Timefactors in Sheffield, England, and they’ve done a commendable job with the Everest. The 9, 6, 3, and triangle for the 12 are crisply printed and stand out well on both the satin black dial, and the white dial, where all the indices are outlined.
The newer batches of the Everest feature a sapphire crystal. Functionally, this is an upgrade, though the domed acrylic of past batches distort the dial from the sides, which adds a vintage charm.
Older batches run on a Miyota 9015 caliber, which is a 24-jewel automatic with hacking. Newer batches run on the 9039, which is basically identical except it doesn’t have the superfluous date complication.
What I Like
- Smiths has a compelling story behind it, making the watch a unique conversation piece instead of just a copy.
- The dial boasts high-quality and legible printing, effectively lumed, on either a satin black or pale cream background.
- Both automatic Miyota movements are decently accurate workhorses that are hackable and anti-shock.
- Regardless of whether you have the acrylic or sapphire protector, the high-domed shape is structurally stronger than a flat crystal, and adds a fun vintage aesthetic.
What I Don’t Like
- Timefactors runs like a pop-up shop free-for-all, opening the site up for purchasing every couple of months and only for a few minutes at a time.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Everest is by far one of the most popular Explorer I alternatives on many internet watch forums. Reviewers love the look of the dial and the quality of the printing, especially for the watch’s price.
Many enjoy the Smiths name as a talking point, as it gives them a reason, besides price, for going the Everest route over the Explorer I.
Unfortunately, there are a number of potential buyers who opted for a different homage because of Timefactors’ business style. One forum-goer even mentions that while the Everest is an excellent watch, would-be buyers should still go for an Armida or Tisell since purchasing an Everest is “next to impossible the way he runs it.”
The Verdict
Timefactors not only resurrected Smiths as a brand, but the legend behind it. The Everest PRS-25 isn’t just an homage to the Explorer I, but its historical pinch hitter. As a genuine tribute to a forgotten brand, the PRS-25 has a fun story to tell and is objectively well-built.
Between the well-designed dial and the automatic workhorse movement, this homage offers a compelling value proposition—it’s just a matter of getting your hands on one.
Timekeepers not only resurrected Smiths as a brand, but the legend behind it. The Everest PRS-25 isn’t just an homage to the Explorer I, but its historical pinch hitter. As a genuine tribute to a forgotten brand, the PRS-25 has a fun story to tell and is objectively well-built. Between the well-designed dial and the automatic workhorse movement, this homage offers a compelling value proposition—it’s just a matter of getting your hands on one.
The Heritage Ranger, ref: 79910, is actually inspired by Tudor’s 1960’s Ranger.
Still, many of the Explorer I trademarks are there: The stark black dial, compass Arabic numbers, and a simple utilitarian case design, simpler than the Explorer’s even.
The Heritage Ranger is flawlessly satin brushed throughout, and features several design callbacks sure to delight you vintage lovers out there.
The sapphire crystal is only gently domed, with steps on the side so you get that profile distortion from old watches with acrylic protectors. Moreover, Tudor applies the old-school rose logo throughout, including on the signed crown, instead of their modern shield logo.
Tudor’s 2824 caliber is an ETA movement, modified to Top Grade status via its balance, shock absorbers, and regulators. “Top Grade” is the ranking beneath Chronometer, indicating the movement has an average rate of +/-4 seconds per day, and a max variation of +/-15 seconds daily.
What I Like
- The dial is legible and well-balanced, with a red second hand for a splash of color.
- The watch’s movement is a modified ETA, which Tudor upgrades to Top Grade status.
- At a 41mm case size, and only 48mm lug to lug, this 95 gram watch is light and comfortable to wear.
- The design includes charming vintage callbacks using upgraded modern materials, including a stepped sapphire crystal, crisp printed markings, and the use of a Tudor rose over the modern shield.
What I Don’t Like
- The lume is okay. It’s not even as bright as many lumes you get on Seiko watches, but you pay thousands of dollars more for this watch.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers appreciate how easily the simple dial design can pair with almost any strap. I fully agree with this.
Some mention that the crown has an awkward gap between it and the case, though few of these reviewers consider this a deal-breaker.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for an honest and durable field watch with zero pretense, the Tudor Heritage Ranger is a quality choice. Lume aside, it provides you with all of the basic elements of a utilitarian watch, and offers it all at a premium level: Strong case, good water resistance, legible, precise, and reliable.
If you’re looking for an honest and durable field watch with zero pretense, the Tudor Heritage Ranger is a quality choice. Lume aside, it provides you with all of the basic elements of a utilitarian watch, and offers it all at a premium level: Strong case, good water resistance, legible, precise, and reliable.
Image Source: Alpha 1993
Considering the Alpha Explorer is about $100 (sometimes less), the finishing is impressive. At first glance, it looks almost perfect.
Of course, the finishing isn’t as good as an actual Rolex, or even as clean as our more expensive homages, but it’s strategic. The rougher finishes are in places you can’t immediately see, like the back inner parts of the lugs, or on only one or two of the indices.
For its price, the Alpha Explorer is a visual success.
My two main gripes are with the bracelet and the movement.
Seagull automatics, again for their price, are fine. However they tend to be noisy, which bothers some more than others. And, they can be a risky bet. Many Chinese factories don’t oil or regulate their movements, so if it isn’t serviced before assembly, this can cause poor performance in your watch.
Second, the bracelet’s endlinks are super rattly. Of course, you can always get the bracelet replaced.
What I Like
- The watch’s 316L stainless steel construction, sapphire crystal, and good finishing make it a true bargain.
- Alpha’s one year manufacturing warranty adds security with purchase.
- The design commendably honors the popular 1016 Explorer I, from its marker alignment to its 36mm case.
What I Don’t Like
- Seagull automatics can be noisy and can potentially arrive unserviced.
- The mediocre bracelet is rattly and feels hollow.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers are impressed with the quality for price of the Alpha Explorer, and are grateful that the warranty makes the acquisition less scary.
A few mention that the lume isn’t great, some reporting that it only lasts a few minutes even after charging in the sun for an hour.
Despite the China movement concerns, few reviews mention poor performance. Alpha is likely pretty diligent in servicing the movements before putting them into a watch.
The Verdict
The Alpha Explorer features all of the trademark visual qualities of an Explorer I, all for around $100.
And while it isn’t a luxury watch by any means, you still get a 316L stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and an automatic movement, which is a lot more than you’d get from an homage at this price point, since they typically just stick to the aesthetics.
The Alpha Explorer features all of the trademark visual qualities of an Explorer I, all for around $100. And while it isn’t a luxury watch by any means, you still get a 316L stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and an automatic movement, which is a lot more than you’d get from an homage at this price point, since they typically just stick to the aesthetics.
Image Source: Tisell Watch
What I find most impressive about the Tisell 9015 Explorer is how closely proportioned it is to the Rolex Explorer I. Obviously, it’s not exact, but the bezel on the Tisell is only a bit larger than the Explorer’s, versus a lot larger as with many homages.
Meanwhile, the Tisell’s indices take up just as much space as the indices on the Rolex. They’re also clean and beautiful, and neatly applied on top of a stark enamel dial.
The stainless steel bracelet has one con and one pro, that may or may not cancel each other out, depending on your preferences. It’s a tad loose where the bracelet meets the case and lugs. With enough pressure, you can wiggle the connection, and even separate them a bit.
Still, the clasp has an excellent glidelock system which not only makes sizing easy, but can tighten any looseness brought about from that weak connection. Otherwise, you (or a watch servicer) can correct the connection with a different spring bar to create more tension.
What I Like
- The applied indices are high-polish and well-proportioned, giving an almost one-to-one look with the Explorer I.
- With its flat sapphire crystal and interior AR-coating, this watch is super clear even on the sunniest days.
- The bracelet has a glidelock clasp making sizing easy and convenient.
- The 90S5 Miyota movement has a much quieter rotor than other Miyotas in the same price point.
What I Don’t Like
- There’s some play where the bracelet meets the lugs and case.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Several reviewers praise the Tisell for being aesthetically similar to the Explorer I, for its hacking automatic movement, and for being easier to attain than a Smiths watch.
As one Watchuseek forum-goer put it, the 9015 is “half the price [of a Smith] and without the wait.”
Some complain that the endlinks make the fit confusing. Lug to lug, this watch is technically 47mm, but the shape of the male endlinks make the Tisell sit on the wrist like a bigger watch, closer to 53mm.
The Verdict
For just around $350, rarely above $400, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Tisell 9015 Explorer. From its quiet automatic movement to its anti-reflective sapphire, it’s a lot of what makes the Explorer I great, at a ratio of the price of many comparable homages.
For just around $350, rarely above $400, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Tisell 9015 Explorer. From its quiet automatic movement to its anti-reflective sapphire, it’s a lot of what makes the Explorer I great, at a ratio of the price of many comparable homages.
Image Source: Armida
The Armida A6 is known for its impressive specs, which include a 300m water resistance and a 25-jewel ETA automatic movement. You’d be hard-pressed to find an homage maker who cares enough to get their Explorer alternative’s water resistance up that high.
There’s even a rubber o-ring gasket under the crown which, along with crown’s knurling, make for a smooth adjustment experience, an easy-to-notice pop, and easy re-threading.
Aesthetically, the A6 has two noticeable qualities. First, the gilt hands make the watch look high-end and more expensive than it is. Second, the high polish and sweeping shape on the sides of the case give this Explorer homage a touch of the Rolex Milgauss.
What I Like
- With a water resistance of 300m, oyster style case, and rubber o-ring gasket, this watch is durable on wet and dry land.
- The gilt hands and sweeping case sides give the watch a luxe and unique look.
- The 25-jewel ETA movement features hacking, which is easy to do thanks to the crown’s smooth operation and lack of play.
What I Don’t Like
- The top portion of the clasp is flimsy, which is overcompensated for by making it difficult and cumbersome to open. It also digs into your wrist.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Along with the Tisell, the Armida A6 is a go-to for those who aren’t willing to jump through hoops to get to a Smith Everest.
Reviewers agree that it’s a nice-looking watch, with the gilted hands offering a distinct quality from its modern-day source material.
A few reviewers rave about the fact the watch comes with an Italian rubber strap with a subtle vanilla scent.
The Verdict
The Armida A6 looks like a straight-forward Explorer I homage, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice thoughtful differences. The gilt hands and Milgauss-esque sides of the case give this homage a special distinction.
On top of that, its 300m water resistance and hacking Swiss movement, make this timepiece impressive inside and out.
The Armida A6 looks like a straight-forward Explorer I homage, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice thoughtful differences. The gilt hands and Milgauss-esque sides of the case give this homage a special distinction. On top of that, its 300m water resistance and hacking Swiss movement, make this timepiece impressive inside and out.
Image Source: Traska
The Traska Summiteer is clearly inspired by the Explorer I, but is the most remixed out of all the homages.
The dial is more modern with slightly thinner fonts, longer batons, and most noticeably, a recessed middle portion with a semi-matte finish. The recession adds dimensionality and immediately makes it stand out as an “inspired by” vs a “cover band.”
It’s built from durable 316L surgical grade stainless steel, but is given a proprietary hardening treatment. Not only does this make the body six times harder, but it gives it a darker and matte look.
Functionally, it runs on a Miyota 9039 automatic and features a Swiss-made Super-Luminova.
What I Like
- The dial has a distinct modern look because of its slick indices and the structural complexity of the concave center.
- The box style double domed sapphire crystal ensures the face isn’t distorted from any angle, which works well with the dimensional dial face.
- The in-house hardening treatment makes the watch steel stronger and gives it an almost gunmetal look, distinguishing it from the Explorer I.
What I Don’t Like
The short lugs make it easier for the watch to sit on your wrist, but it limits your strap options. If you attach a thick leather strap on it, the ends will rub on the case, and wear away over time, which not only ruins your strap, but looks sloppy.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
There are countless reviews online commending Traska for taking the original Rolex design, and going the extra mile to make it their own.
Some aren’t happy with the hardening treatment, mentioning that the watch isn’t as versatile with it. Unlike with a shiny Oystersteel Explorer I, you can’t get away with wearing the Traska in dressier situations, they claim.
The Verdict
All homages are slightly different from their inspiration. Otherwise, it would be an illegal replica. If you’re looking for an Explorer-like watch that purposefully puts the thoughtful differences on display, while still remaining in homage territory, go for the Traska Summitteer.
The modern dial, with its recessed center and thin font, and the hardened steel body assure others that you aren’t trying to trick anyone into thinking the watch is something it’s not.
If you’re looking for an Explorer-like watch that purposefully puts the thoughtful differences on display, while still remaining in homage territory, go for the Traska Summitteer. The modern dial, with its recessed center and thin font, and the hardened steel body assure others that you aren’t trying to trick anyone into thinking the watch is something it’s not.
5 Quality Rolex Explorer Alternatives
An homage is an affordable option designed to look like a more expensive watch model, or at least encapsulate its general vibe. The Trisell is an example of the former, and the Traska is the latter.
Alternatives, on the other hand, are comparable models, and aren’t necessarily more affordable. They’re in the same category as the watch in question, often as a competitor—think the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster.
If you’re seriously considering an Explorer I or an homage, you’ll do well to check out some alternatives before pulling the trigger on either.
Image Source: Jomashop
Arguably the Explorer I’s foremost competitor, the Omega Railmaster can be found for thousands of dollars cheaper. Like the Explorer, this watch sports compass markers, runs on an in-house master Chronometer movement, and is a highly-esteemed Swiss hard-hitter.
However, the Railmaster is a lot more straight-forwardly retro and hence more style-forward. The flush triangular indices really pop, along with the similarly-toned hands. Meanwhile, the background is adorned with a grain-like texture.
Rolex SA has done an effective job of making sure that Tudor watches aren’t just affordable, slightly less impressive versions of their Rolex brothers. The Tudor Black Bay 36 is equipped with the brand’s signature jagged-edged snowflake hands, which are beloved for their distinct and modern style. Moreover, it’s a look that Rolex is just too conservative to ever try.
The Black Bay runs on a version of ETA 2824, modified to be Top Grade. It also has 50m more water resistance than the Explorer I.
Image Source: Grand Seiko
Like the Explorer I, the Grand Seiko SBGR253 is simple in function, but is premium on all fronts. They’re even aesthetically similar, with sparkling applied indices and a stark black dial that you can wear this watch in the most casual and dressed up situations. What makes it special, however, is Seiko’s in-house 9S65 movement.
Thanks to the brand’s advanced hairspring technology, this accurate movement boasts a whopping 72-hour power reserve. You can admire this exquisite movement through the exhibition caseback.
Image Source: EBay
The main quality that the Seiko SARB033 shares with the Explorer I is that it’s an undoubtedly smart investment.
First of all, it’s an objectively good watch. The indices and hands are impeccably polished with subtle angles and chamfering throughout, making for attractive light play. The 6R15 movement is hacking and has a 50-hour power reserve, a lot more than some of the thousand-dollar options.
The SARB033 is just so highly desired that if you ever feel like selling it, in time, you’ll likely find a buyer that you’ll make a profit from.
Another watch that’s impressive inside and out, the Hamilton Khaki Murph runs on the H-10 automatic movement, which possesses an 80-hour power reserve.
A recreation of the watch from the movie Interstellar, the dial is a feast of engaging design. Rarely-used cathedral hands give the face a ceremonial look, with the hour hand’s orb-like swell that looks like an undeveloped Mercedes hand.
Each of the indices is a legible Arabic numeral, and the Morse code printing of “Eureka” is lacquered on the seconds hand.
Which Rolex Explorer Homage Should You Get?
The Smiths Everest is our top pick, thanks to its solid look, function, and a historical importance similar to the Explorer I.
Timekeepers not only resurrected Smiths as a brand, but the legend behind it. The Everest PRS-25 isn’t just an homage to the Explorer I, but its historical pinch hitter. As a genuine tribute to a forgotten brand, the PRS-25 has a fun story to tell and is objectively well-built. Between the well-designed dial and the automatic workhorse movement, this homage offers a compelling value proposition—it’s just a matter of getting your hands on one.
If price is your priority, the Tisell offers great value for money, while the Alpha Explorer is often found in the $100 price point.
The Alpha Explorer features all of the trademark visual qualities of an Explorer I, all for around $100. And while it isn’t a luxury watch by any means, you still get a 316L stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and an automatic movement, which is a lot more than you’d get from an homage at this price point, since they typically just stick to the aesthetics.
Rolex’s sibling Tudor serves up a quality Swiss homage with its Heritage Ranger, and the Traska and Armida bring their own unique spins to the Explorer template.
Ultimately, it’s about choosing which homage best exemplifies the specific qualities you love most about the Explorer I.
FAQs
Is a Rolex Explorer worth it?
Yes, if you can afford it and if you love the brand recognition and story, a Rolex Explorer can stay with you forever.
Are Rolex Explorers hard to find?
Not if you’re willing to pay. Many authorized dealers have waiting lists for Explorers, but auction houses and several secondary market resources often sell Explorers for far above the MSRP.
Is the Smiths Everest a homage?
Yes, the Smiths Everest is an homage to both the Explorer I and the original Smiths worn during the 1953 Mount Everest climb.
What movement is in the Alpha Explorer?
The 21-jewel Seagull TY2806 movement from China.
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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