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Rolex vs Patek Philippe: from the Day-Date and Submariner to the Nautilus and Calatrava collection, 6 key differences between the world’s 2 most iconic watch brands

Despite being so often compared, Rolex and Patek Philippe occupy completely different worlds. Photo: Luxurylaunches
Despite being so often compared, Rolex and Patek Philippe occupy completely different worlds. Photo: Luxurylaunches
Timepieces

Iconic luxury watch brands Rolex and Philippe boast similar prestige, heritage, and sales results, but that’s where their commonalities end – their movements, designs and complications are all completely different

Patek Philippe and Rolex are usually the first two names that come up when discussing luxury watches. Both brands have proven track records in prestige, heritage, iconic references, and auctions results.

But that’s where the similarities end. Despite being so often compared, the two brands simply do not compete on the same playing field. Don’t believe us? Here are six examples of how Patek Philippe and Rolex are completely different.

A Rolex watch’s caseback does not reveal its movement. Photo: Luxurylaunches
A Rolex watch’s caseback does not reveal its movement. Photo: Luxurylaunches
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Visibility of the movement 

The movement of a Rolex watch isn’t visible, while most Patek Philippe watches incorporate a sapphire caseback through which the movement can be admired. Rolex prioritises reliable movements, while Patek Philippe presents its movements as true works of art.

Finishing of the movement

A great portion of Patek Philippe’s prices are linked to the amount of work that is done in the finishing of it’s movements.

The detailed finishing of a Patek Philippe watch movement. Photo: Luxurylaunches
The detailed finishing of a Patek Philippe watch movement. Photo: Luxurylaunches

For Rolex, the finishing of its movements is much more basic.

The finishing of a Rolex watch movement is more simple. Photo: Luxurylaunches
The finishing of a Rolex watch movement is more simple. Photo: Luxurylaunches
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