Affordable Alternatives to the Rolex 1908

Are there any affordable watches that conjure up the new, but agelessly iconic, Rolex 1908?  I found a few less expensive alternative watches that might evoke the feel of a Rolex 1908.

Sea Gull Small Seconds Minimalist Watch

This Sea Gull, small seconds, minimalist watch with numerals on the dial evokes the general silhouette of the 1908 and it does have an exhibition caseback. But, the Rolex is a far fancier watch with a coin-edge bezel and indicator tracks around the circumference of the small hands subdial and larger dial itself.

You can check out this Sea-Gull Automatic at my affiliate link here on Amazon. It's a great looking watch and you can also see rich-looking variants that substitute batons for numbers.

Baltany 1926s Oyster Homage

If you'd like to get the coin edge detail and racetrack marker indices, the Baltany Men's 1926s dress watch offers many desirable details. It certainly evokes a rich, classic, timeless watch, but the Baltany has a cushion case. So, it's not drawing inspiration from the 1908. Instead this watch evokes the original Rolex Oyster watch of 1926. This homage might be your huckleberry.

Baltany 1926s Oyster Homage Watch

 

To check out this interesting Baltany Rolex homage, click here to our Amazon affiliate link.

Tissot Tradition Stainless Steel Small Seconds Automatic

Finally, if you are looking Swiss manufacture, an automatic, an exhibition caseback, and a good bit of heritage. You might look to the Tissot Traditional Stainless Steel Automatic. It probably pre-dates the 1908, but evokes the same classic feeling. It's also not an obvious homage.

Tissot Tradition Automatic

This Tissot is surprisingly affordable at less than $500. You can check it out here via our affiliate link to Amazon.