 |
 |
 |
||
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm, 41mm | 36.5mm | 38.5mm | 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44.1mm, 47.3mm | 44mm | 47mm | 45mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m | 150m | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
|
|
|
|
| Get It | Buy Now at Bob’s Watches |
Buy Now at Traska
|
Buy Now at Monta |
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
|
|
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm, 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44.1mm, 47.3mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It | Buy Now at Bob’s Watches |
Traska Commuter
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Traska
|
Monta Noble
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 38.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 150m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It | Buy Now at Monta |
Benyar Oyster Perpetual
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 45mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex in its purest form.
Stripped of extraneous complications, the waterproof oyster case and the perpetual rotor take center stage.
These are the two qualities that put the brand on the map, after all.
And while the OP is definitely Rolex’s entry-level timepiece, many would argue it’s the entry-level timepiece to the world of luxury Swiss hard-hitters in general.
That being the case, it’s not easy to find great look-alikes. Many homage-makers opt to recreate the watches with the bells and whistles, or those that would take an eternity to save up for.
Fortunately, we’ve got six excellent homages here, all far more affordable than the Oyster Perpetual. Read on to find the best one for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
As a long-time collector, I utilized my background having worn and consulted on several OP references. I used this as a foundation, along with my experience wearing multiple homages, to come down to the six chosen here.
And since not all wrists and personal priorities are made equal, I also spent hours on forums and reading reviews, deliberated with colleagues, collectors, and watch experts from my industry. Each watch in this roundup represents qualities that make the Oyster Perpetual so desired.
6 Best Rolex Oyster Perpetual Homages
Image Source: Traska
Like the OP, the Traska Commuter is a basic watch done right, with a simple but effective build and impressive functionalities.
For example, the Commuter is made of 316L stainless steel, as most luxury watches are. However, Traska hardens their steel so that it’s six times more resistant to scratches and marks. It also gives the surface a slightly darker tone.
Its Miyota movement is a reliable workhorse that’s easy to service, which means this watch can last for decades.
The overall look is highly polished, with flawlessly applied indices, a sunray dial that offers excellent lightplay, and a radial brushed bezel with a well-polished chamfer.
Traska remixes the pieces of the Oyster Perpetual in a clever way that hat-tips its source material. Of course, they can’t use the crown symbol for the 12 o’clock marker. Instead of replacing it with a Traska symbol, they put a double-baton in its place, similar to the ones on the OP’s three, six, and nine positions.
The Commuter’s three, six, and nine, are replaced with single batons. Though moved around, all of the design cues are taken directly from the Oyster Perpetual.
What I Like
- The Commuter has a clean and versatile style inspired by the Oyster Perpetual with a streamlined silhouette that’s exceedingly versatile.
- With its immaculate finishing and flawlessly-applied hands and indices, this watch looks premium at every angle.
- Robustly-built, this watch is equipped with Swiss Super-LumiNova, an AR-coated boxed sapphire, and a premium Miyota movement.
What I Don’t Like
- The bracelet is well-built for the most part, but the push-button action is a tad sticky. A smoother action would give off a more premium experience.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers consider the Traska Commuter a high-end homage thanks to its topnotch materials and construction.
Forum-goers also love this watch not only for its detailed similarities to the OP, but also the thoughtful differences. Of these, many shout-out to the box sapphire, the flat brushed bezel, and the use of the double-baton index I previously mention.
The Verdict
The Traska Commuter takes the streamlined and universal look of the Oyster Perpetual and reorganizes its components in a way that legitimizes the Commuter as a watch that stands on its own. Still, the resemblance is there, in a non-replica kind of way.
It’s built using premium materials, including hardened 316L stainless steel, a double-domed sapphire for pressure resistance, and a reliable automatic movement.
This watch is for you whether you’re looking for a well-built and creatively-designed homage, or if you’re just looking for a versatile basic that will last you decades, if not more.
The Traska Commuter takes the streamlined and universal look of the Oyster Perpetual and reorganizes its components in a way that legitimizes the Commuter as a watch that stands on its own. Still, the resemblance is there, in a non-replica kind of way. It’s built using premium materials, including hardened 316L stainless steel, a double-domed sapphire for pressure resistance, and a reliable automatic movement. This watch is for you whether you’re looking for a well-built and creatively-designed homage, or if you’re just looking for a versatile basic that will last you decades, if not more.
Image Source: Monta
As an upper-tier microbrand that also happens to be Swiss, Monta’s Noble watch is arguably the most luxury-level OP homage in the online watch brand world.
It comes in two colorways. The silver is adorned with a flawless opaline dial. Meanwhile, the blue version boasts exquisite dial depth, with a cerulean center and dark navy edges that cloud into each other.
The finishing is refined, seen especially in the beveling throughout the watch. Examples include the bevels on the indices and lugs which give it an almost gem-like appearance, the sides of the case, and the sharp and sophisticated crown—which also makes it easy to operate.
I love the slide-expansion folding clasp, which makes the bracelet easy and comfortable to use. These are usually often found in sport watches much more expensive than the Noble.
What I Like
- Monta is an upper-tier microbrand, with the Noble fully manufactured, assembled, and tested in Switzerland.
- The watch features refined details throughout, including its rhodium-plated diamond cut hands, applied indices, and the beveled outer links of the bracelet.
- The sapphire crystal has a whopping seven layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside, making it legible even under direct sunlight.
What I Don’t Like
- Though well-beleveld, I find the lugs a bit boxy. It interrupts the overall OP-esque streamlined silhouette of the watch.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the mid-case’s brushed sides and the bezel’s mirror polish, many agreeing that Monta watches are finished just as well as Tudors and Omegas.
Forum-goers love the try-at-home program and rave about the brand’s customer service.
Some think that having a date on the dial veers too far off from the OP template, while others think its small size and 6 o’clock position is unintrusive, and gives the Noble its own personality.
The Verdict
Monta fully reclaims its upper-tier status among watch microbrands with the Noble. The reliable Swiss movement and luxury-level finishing make this watch one of the most respectable OP homages on the market.
If you’re looking for a universal timepiece that combines the refinement of a dress watch with the ruggedness and utility of a sport watch, the Monta Noble strikes this balance as well as any Rolex.
Monta fully reclaims its upper-tier status among watch microbrands with the Noble. The reliable Swiss movement and luxury-level finishing make this watch one of the most respectable OP homages on the market. If you’re looking for a universal timepiece that combines the refinement of a dress watch with the ruggedness and utility of a sport watch, the Monta Noble strikes this balance as well as any Rolex.
Image Source: AliExpress
If it weren’t for the date window, the Benyar Oyster Perpetual would win the closest homage award.
Looks aside, the fact you can buy this watch with its Super LumiNova and automatic movement for so far under $100, is a market rarity. The Seagull ST6 is pretty crude, but it keeps adequate time and is easily serviced.
Other qualities to consider are its “sapphire crystal” and “316L stainless steel.” We’ll touch on this in the Other Reviewers section, but Benyar has the same QC issues as any Chinese manufacturer selling below-market-price timepieces.
Keep in close contact with your seller to ensure what you’re getting is accurate to its description. Fortunately, Benyar does offer a three-year warranty.
What I Like
- As an automatic timepiece with Super LumiNova, its sub-$100 price tag offers an impressive and rare money-for-value ratio
- Unlike most homages, this watch comes in every color the Oyster Perpetual comes in.
- The three-year warranty adds confidence and security to the online shopping experience.
What I Don’t Like
- Benyar’s QC issues require buyer diligence and constant contact with your seller.
- The date window takes away from the visual simplicity of the original OP.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers agree that the Benyar OP is the best cheap Rolex OP homage.
This Reddit thread warns of inaccurate material descriptions. They mention stories of getting watches with mineral crystals or thin steel constructions, over sapphire or 316L stainless steel. Between the company warranty and buyer protection often offered on retail websites (75-day buyer protection on AliExpress), you can avoid these QC problems.
Still, most reviewers and forum-goers understand that at this price range, an automatic watch that looks like a Rolex OP, complete with Super LumiNova, is a bargain.
The Verdict
Despite its simple movement and the company’s potential QC issues, the Benyar Oyster Perpetual still punches above its price point. Moreover, if you buy wisely, there are enough protections, from warranties and retailer protections, to make these non-issues.
Despite its simple movement and the company’s potential QC issues, the Benyar Oyster Perpetual still punches above its price point. Moreover, if you buy wisely, there are enough protections, from warranties and retailer protections, to make these non-issues.
Image Source: AliExpress
If you’re looking for customization options, the Bliger Oyster Perpetual is the homage for you.
Bliger offers more colors than is available with the modern Rolex OP, including sunray blue, matte red, sky blue, pink, black, and much more.
You can also choose your automatic movement and case size. The cheapest is the Mingzhu which is perfectly adequate on the reliability front, especially for its price. It’s like a roughly-finished Miyota that sometimes has a bit of a ratchet noise to it.
For a few more dollars you can upgrade to an actual Miyota movement, and for a few more dollars on top of that, you can go for the NH35A automatic, which is an accurate Seiko movement with hacking.
The most expensive is the PT5000 movement, which is still only ~$112. It’s an automatic with 28,800 VPH and a surprisingly smooth second sweep for its price.
What I Like
- There are several colors and two sizes available adding a level of customization.
- You can choose between four different movements, each with distinct qualities and at different price points.
- Unlike so many OP homages in this price point, Bliger doesn’t try to squeeze a date window in, making it visually closer to its Rolex source material.
What I Don’t Like
- With its big lugs and a profile just over 13mm, the Bliger has a bulkier wear than the OP and most OP-inspired watches.
- This watch isn’t water resistant.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers, Reddit posters, and forum-goers are thankful that there’s a 36mm OP homage out there. Because of Bliger’s color options and low prices, a few people on Reddit even mention buying it in different shades, and starting a collection.
There are some complaints about the rattly bracelet and its imperfect finishing. I think it’s okay for the price.
The Verdict
If you want an affordable OP look-alike in fun dial shade that even Rolex doesn’t offer, Bliger’s Oyster Perpetual offers nine different colorways at two different sizes and four movement options.
Between its low price and levels of customization, the Bliger OP is an effective homage for experimentation.
If you want an affordable OP look-alike in fun dial shade that even Rolex doesn’t offer, Bliger’s Oyster Perpetual offers nine different colorways at two different sizes and four movement options. Between its low price and levels of customization, the Bliger OP is an effective homage for experimentation.
Image Source: E.C. Andersson
Swedish brand E.C. Andersson leans hard into the OP’s sporty side with their Calypso Arctic Sport watch.
It looks more robust with its thicker indices, as well as its short lugged h-link bracelet and short crown, both of which sit comfortably on your wrist despite how much wild movement you subject the watch to. Contributing to that dynamic wear is the fact the case is less than 10mm thick.
The orange accent via the second hand also adds a pop of color that’s a bit reminiscent of the Explorer II.
Shiny even in the dimmest lighting, the 316L stainless steel case is sandblasted, which also makes wiping fingerprints off easier.
What I Like
- The thick and stout look of the Calypso gives it a brawny and sportier aesthetic, though the sandblasting and polishing adds a balance of elegance.
- Though the signed crown is short so it doesn’t jab your wrist, it’s crisp and grippable, making it easy to operate.
- The in-house automatic movement is guaranteed accurate within +/- 4 in average daily rate, with a maximum deviation between -1 and +4 seconds a day.
What I Don’t Like
- Since each model is small-batch manufactured, once they’ve sold out, your next best bets on finding a specific ECA model is eBay, Chrono24, or waiting for similar-looking new releases.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The ECA Calypso Arctic Sport is a fan favorite in online forums like watchuseek.
Reviewers enjoy the beefy, athletic aesthetic combined with the refined finishing on the bezel and dial. As with most OP homages, the date window is controversial. I’d prefer it wasn’t there myself, but that’s subjective.
The Verdict
If you want a thicker, more robust-looking version of the Oyster Perpetual, go for the E.C. Andersson Calypso Arctic Sport. It’s a well-built, well-finished watch that’s unique thanks to its Swedish origin and the brand’s small-batch approach.
If you want a thicker, more robust-looking version of the Oyster Perpetual, go for the E.C. Andersson Calypso Arctic Sport. It’s a well-built, well-finished watch that’s unique thanks to its Swedish origin and the brand’s small-batch approach.
Though Pagani is under the same company as our budget pick, Benyar, the PD-1690 is definitely a different watch than the Benyar OP.
Thanks to its lack of a date window, the Pagani PD-1690 is basically a legal Oyster Perpetual replica. The three, six, and nine indices are double-batons, while every hour is dotted on the outer track just like its Rolex inspiration. Instead of a Rolex crown at the 12, there’s an inverted triangle.
The synthetic sapphire crystal is even as flat as the OP’s, creating its signature streamlined profile.
What I Like
- An almost one-for-one Oyster Perpetual design, this watch even has the same silhouette at every angle thanks to its smooth lugs and flat dial protector.
- The polished and dimensional applications offer beautiful lightplay, whether it’s on a matte or sunburst dial.
- It runs on Seiko’s accurate and reliable NH35A automatic, which also comes with easy hacking.
What I Don’t Like
- The screws on the bracelet are tiny, making the screw driver it comes with difficult to use. Relatedly, the links are stiff, and the microadjustment is hard to get into since you have to match it up with small holes that are difficult to locate.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
For its price, most reviewers agree that the polished applications, automatic movement, and close resemblance to the Rolex OP is more than worth it.
Some reviewers mention that since the bezel is so highly-polished, that it’s a finger-print magnet. Also, some versions come with a small date window, similar to the Benyar. As always, be diligent about who you’re buying from and keep in close contact with them so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Fortunately, Pagani is easily available on Amazon, which offers pretty comprehensive buyer protection policies.
The Verdict
If your main priority is resemblance to the Oyster Perpetual, then Pagani’s PD-1690 is the best on the (legal) market. The fact it runs on a Seiko automatic with hacking and is easy to find on Amazon are the perfect cherries on top.
If your main priority is resemblance to the Oyster Perpetual, then Pagani’s PD-1690 is the best on the (legal) market. The fact it runs on a Seiko automatic with hacking and is easy to find on Amazon are the perfect cherries on top.
3 Quality Rolex Oyster Perpetual Alternatives
Homages are designed to be affordable look-alikes, while non-homage alternatives are often competitor pieces. The three we have here are categorically comparable to the OP, but aren’t modeled to look like it.
Before investing in any luxury watch, you’ll do well to check out these top alternatives.
Image Source: Jomashop
Like the Oyster Perpetual, this Omega Aqua Terra (reference 220.10.41.21.03.001) is a simple, clean-bezeled combination of dressy and sporty features. With its baseboard dial surface, numbered outertrack, and sharp indices though, the Aqua Terra is definitely more on the tool side of the spectrum.
As a modern Omega watch, it offers all of the horological triumphs that Rolex does. It has brilliant lume, a scratch-resistant sapphire, and it runs on an in-house COSC Master Chronometer that you can admire in the transparent caseback, which is something Rolex never does.
Image Source: Patek Philippe
Defined by an understated class the way the OP is, the Patek Philippe Calatrava boasts high-polish gem-like baton indices, sword hands, and a beautifully dotted outer track. A full-on dress watch, the Calatrava comes with a supple black alligator strap, a much shorter crown, and an 8mm profile.
This 5196G variation is adorned with a charming small seconds subdial that looks like a simple line drawing of a distant shining star. All Calatravas are made out of precious metals and are known for their consistent and reliable investment value.
Image Source: Grand Seiko
While the Omega leans harder into the sporty side and the Patek is categorically dressier, the Grand Seiko SBGR321 strikes the same perfect balance that the Oyster Perpetual does. It has a similar sunburst dial and similar baton indices, doubled at six, nine, and 12.
The SBGR321 boasts the brand’s impeccable hand craftsmanship and harmonious design, Zaratsu-polished to a mirror-like shine. It runs on the in-house 9S65 movement which has a precision rate of +5 to -3 seconds a day, and a whole 70 hours on the power reserve.
Which Rolex Oyster Perpetual Homage Should You Get?
When it comes to function, price, and style, the Traska Commuter scores high all around.
The Traska Commuter takes the streamlined and universal look of the Oyster Perpetual and reorganizes its components in a way that legitimizes the Commuter as a watch that stands on its own. Still, the resemblance is there, in a non-replica kind of way. It’s built using premium materials, including hardened 316L stainless steel, a double-domed sapphire for pressure resistance, and a reliable automatic movement. This watch is for you whether you’re looking for a well-built and creatively-designed homage, or if you’re just looking for a versatile basic that will last you decades, if not more.
The Monta Noble and the E.C. Andersson Calypso Arctic Sport are luxury timepieces in their own right.
Monta fully reclaims its upper-tier status among watch microbrands with the Noble. The reliable Swiss movement and luxury-level finishing make this watch one of the most respectable OP homages on the market. If you’re looking for a universal timepiece that combines the refinement of a dress watch with the ruggedness and utility of a sport watch, the Monta Noble strikes this balance as well as any Rolex.
If you’ve got less than a hundred dollars to spend, you can still get an automatic OP look-alike in the form of the Benyar OP. Though it’s owned by the same company, the Pagani homage offers a closer resemblance for a slight premium.
Despite its simple movement and the company’s potential QC issues, the Benyar Oyster Perpetual still punches above its price point. Moreover, if you buy wisely, there are enough protections, from warranties and retailer protections, to make these non-issues.
Meanwhile, the Bliger homage offers more in the way of dial color, case size, and movement options.
By going for an Oyster Perpetual homage, you can have a lot of your favorite qualities from this iconic watch, but for a smaller price tag.
FAQs
What is special about the Oyster Perpetual?
The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s essential entry-level watch. It’s a direct descendant of their first oyster watch and their first watch.
How much is an Oyster Perpetual watch worth?
The average price range of an Oyster Perpetual is $5,800 to $6,150.
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.
Recommended Reading
6 Best Rolex Datejust Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Looking for a watch with the versatile sophistication of the Rolex Datejust? Check out our picks for its best homages and alternatives.
6 Best Rolex Daytona Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Before you commit to the Rolex Daytona, check out these outstanding homages and alternatives. You just might prefer an homage’s design—or price.
6 Best Rolex Day-Date Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Don’t pull the trigger on a Rolex Day-Date without looking at our excellent homages and alternatives. You just might save a few thousand dollars.
6 Best Rolex Yacht-Master Homages & Alternatives in 2023
If you love the Rolex Yacht-Master’s bold look, check out our six homages. You’ll get the robust design for a fraction of the cost.
6 Best Rolex Submariner Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Want the iconic look of the Submariner without the hefty price tag? Check out our picks of the best Rolex Submariner homages and alternatives.