IWC vs Rolex Watch (buyers guide)

 In this article, we are about to underline the differences between two of the most popular luxury watch brands out there: IWC and Rolex. Answering a question such as “which one is better between IWC and Rolex?” is not at all easy, there is not a right and a wrong, and most likely the answer will be different from person to person, depending on their tastes and which watch quality they value the most. Therefore, we will present some information on both Rolex and IWC, and then draw our personal conclusion, that might be different from yours.

Let’s start by saying that those two Swiss, luxury watch brands sure have something in common, but it is much more that they do not have in common. Let’s see it in detail.

One of the things that IWC and Rolex share is the attention to quality in the field of luxury watches.

The longest history is the one regarding IWC, dating back to 1868, the year starting from which the Swiss company began producing Swiss-style watches.

Rolex, on the other hand, appeared on the watch market in 1905, some years later, but was quick to catch up.

Popularity for IWC and Rolex

Rolex brand is often named among the top-of-mind brands, the most popular in the world. According to Interbrand, which measures brand popularity, Rolex is the most well known watch brands in the world. IWC is instead the 9th most recognized Swiss watch producing brands, especially for some lines and models such as IWC Portugieser and IWC Aquatimer, but still less compared to models like Rolex Submariner or Rolex Yacht-Master.

Rolex’s effort to aggressively make its brand popular has definitely worked out. Have you ever seen a Rolex campaign? It creates an impressive image, for a luxury lifestyle, not only for a watch. The idea of success is strong inside this kind of communication and popularity is a big part of it.

Prices and warranty for IWC vs Rolex

Rolex has decided over the years to stick to rigorous standards, even more than what IWC does. This mean a never-ending attention to quality and often translate in higher prices for its models. Even tough you will find similar prices for IWC top models and Rolex models, the average price for IWC lines is affected by the entry level models, that are way cheaper. For instance, you will find IWC’s models like Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII, at around 3,800 USD, a price that is not comparable to any model by Rolex. The difference between the two brands’ prices is estimated to be around 150% on entry level models: Rolex watches cost 150% times more than 150%

This means purchasing a Rolex means almost having some cash at disposal the resale value is very high, such as the demand for the secondary market for basically all Rolex models.

We decided to include some information on the warranty for both watches, as it is something that interests many potential buyers and collectors. For Rolex, it is guaranteed for 5 years, which is above average but not quite as good as the one offered for IWC: 8 years if the buyer registers for international limited warranty online.

This choice that has been made recently, surely has something to do with the fact that Rolex was still perceived as a more durable watch, sometimes with good reason, and because Rolex has been investing in testing a lot of resources, money, and time. IWC is not doing the same, so the perception of durability is unbalanced to the advantage of Rolex, as it is the accuracy and precision of their watches.

IWC vs Rolex: the design and the craftsmanship

IWC and Rolex designs are easily distinguished, only a glance can make you distinguish one from another, with the former being more defined and elegant, and the latter being more bold and tough. This is just a general rule, but you will find this is true for almost all Rolex and IWC watches and chronographs. Rolex watches and chronographs are robust, will speak for the owner, and resist all the situations they are faced with.

During the years, Rolex has made a point of only using made-in-house movements for their productions, while IWC usually uses movements by ETA and Valjoux, which make their watches less appealing for those who appreciate crafted movements. They will purchase calibers made by third party producers, and then adjust and build them in house.

Good quality and craftsmanship is guaranteed with both brands, one of the great differences is the fact that IWC will use often-transparent case backs, something that Rolex won’t use that often, probably to make their watches be perceived as even more solid, durable, and accurate.

Also, IWC features more complications in their watches, compared to Rolex. You might be able to choose more complicated features and combinations of them, if you choose an IWC watch instead that a Rolex. Such features range from the perpetual calendar to the moon phase, minute repeater, and so on.

IWC vs Rolex: our conclusion

Much of the popularity gained by Rolex doesn’t come from its legacy as much as it comes from its aggressive communication and marketing. For a long time, Rolex has been a synonym for luxury, while Iwc has become more a watch for an owner who wants something more niche, likes to research more, in short, is looking for more original and unique pieces, which is not always the same as higher prices, as we have seen before in the article.

Owning a Rolex means you have reached a certain status, and it will be immediately recognized as this brand is very popular. Instead, owning an IWC is increasingly becoming the signal of being part of the community of watch lovers and collectors. For all of those, reasons, since we are talking about two well-known brands which provide extreme quality, the choice is hard but we will go with IWC as our favorite.

Best 3 Rolex Watches Under $1,000 (Great Investments)

 

The old adage “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t” perfectly encapsulates our current dilemma because there are no Rolexes under $1000. The cheapest Rolex on the market currently is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ($6,000 to $7,000). (1960's Best Vintage Rolex Watches)

The villainy of the Internet may have convinced you otherwise, but any Rolex worth $1000 is not worth buying. The internet may be littered with ads and articles titled Rolex under a $1000, but what makes a Rolex worth having is also what makes it expensive.

The essence of a Rolex watch and the company motto is “A Crown for Every Achievement”. Watch pieces crafted with the utmost love and care, and without compromise. The Genevan powerhouse is now ubiquitously recognized around the world for opulence and prestige. Rolexes strike the perfect balance between art and machine. To most, they symbolize a status symbol; a symbol that they have made it. To the luxury watch enthusiast; Rolexes are the perfect addition, a marvel of engineering. To the rest, Rolexes are madly expensive superfluous toys, but no matter where you stand on the issue you can deny the subtle appeal of the watch, the expert craftsmanship, the elegancy, and the exquisiteness.

I didn’t mean to wax a soliloquy on the virtues of a Rolex, but the mere fact of the matter is that the prestige, the status that comes from wearing a Rolex is also what makes a Rolex so very expensive. Rolexes are a luxury item and Rolexes cost a lot more than $1000 but read on my friends there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Now, as I have already mentioned Rolexes are not cheap, the cheapest on cost around $7000, but what about used Rolex? Certainly, with some dedication and hard work, you could find a cheap Rolex under $1000.

The answer, in theory, is yes, but in practice, it is no. Unless a person is living under a rock; he/she will have heard the name Rolex. Most people know the value of things that they own. If by chance you do find a Rolex under $1000; I would advise you to avoid that Rolex. That Rolex is either stolen or damaged beyond repair. A Rolex under $1000 on Craiglist or eBay is highly unlikely though not impossible. Sometimes the perfect Rolex, on the perfect budget does appear, but be very mindful of the person selling that Rolex. If the pictures of the Rolex are few and dark that means that is not a Rolex worth buying. Below I have compiled a list of Rolexes that you can find for cheap on either eBay or Craiglist. Generally, these Rolexes cost around $1000 to $2500 depending on the condition. So without further ado, let us begin:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date

     

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is the often forgotten middle child of the Rolex family. It has a simple design. The design doesn’t inspire confidence or betrays flair. The watch is simple and boring, but as the forgotten Rolex watch it brings a lot more to the table.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date last about 50+ years and the watch betrays no hint of it’s humble or cheap origins. The watch is 25 years old at this point. It can be worn on formal occasions or every day. The oyster also shares some design cues of the pre-Super case Rolex. It looks like a pre-Super Case Rolex, but what makes the Rolex Oyster so unique is its traditional 34mm size. It may not be the most flamboyant or the most extravagant Rolex. It is also not the best Rolex, but it is a Rolex. It is the Rolex for the everyday man, common, boring, reliable, and just keeps ticking away doing its job.

     Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph

The Turn-O-Graph was discontinued in 2011, while you may not be able to get your hands on a newer model. You can try your luck at finding a 1960s model. The distinct characteristic of the Turn-O-Graph AKA the Rolex Thunderbird is its distinct rotating bezel.

The watch betrays no signs of its 50-year-old origin. In fact, some might even mistake the watch for a modern Datejusts. The difference between the two designs are a few, most notably the baton indices, the date with cyclops at 3, and the design of the three hands at center, but while the watch may not be new. It’s age and wears five it a character. It is vintage, a slice of history. Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph perfectly is the epitome of a timeless Rolex design. It is a legend, a classic, and for $1000-$1500 it is almost a deal too good to pass.

     Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust

Rolex also rode the quartz wave for a while. The company in line with the industry tried to dabble in the unconventionality of the Quartz boom and the result was the Oysterquartz Datejust.

The Oysterquartz Datejust is a watch from the ‘70s, while futuristic at the time. It has since started to show its age. The watch fused the familiar Datejust dial and gold fluted crown with an integrated two-tone bracelet. It looks pretty similar to a modern-day Datejust with a strong dose of the ‘70s.

The watch is an attractive one. The watch either came in an all-steel model or in a combination of both steel and gold. The watch is cheezy but it is a Rolex.

The Oysterquartz Datejust was the first foray into quartz by the company and to this day it remains the company’s only foray into quartz. It is one of a kind design. A Rolex to stand out among the other Rolexes.

What makes these three watches so special is the fact that these three watches remain largely unnoticed by the general public or perhaps they just don’t care, but you would be wise to buy them as soon as possible.

A final word of warning before I go: A Rolex under $1000 is nothing more than a pipe dream. What makes a Rolex is its relative scarcity and its high price, but while there may not be a perfect Rolex out in the wilderness, with luck there may be a perfect Rolex just for you. Be Smart, be dedicated, and be very careful and you might just find your perfect Rolex.

Rolex Submariner 2020 vs Rolex Submariner 2019

 We get this question a lot... which is the better Rolex (watch)?

The Rolex Submariner 2020 or the Rolex Submariner 2019?

The answer to this question is not easy and is mostly based on user preference.

Related: The Watch Drip (luxury watch reviews)

We will say the Rolex Submariner 2019 seems to have better overall reviews when you look them up on Google.

You will find great reviews on both watches but the Rolex Submariner 2020 has a few unhappy customers.