Watch Comparisons: Current Models and Prior Generations

Choosing between two classics is easier when you can see both families side by side. Each comparison covers every current model and variation and the prior generations you can buy pre-owned, with indicative US prices. Each guide links into our brand and model histories and shows indicative US prices.

The guides

Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster 300M
The two benchmark dive watches compared across every current variation and the generations you can still buy pre-owned.
Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Rolex Daytona
The Moonwatch against the Cosmograph: current lineups, prior generations and what each costs new and pre-owned.
Patek Philippe Nautilus vs Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The two Gerald Genta icons: what is in production today, what was discontinued and how the generations compare.
Rolex Datejust vs Day-Date
Rolex's two dress-sport classics across every current size and metal, and the references that came before.
Cartier Santos vs Cartier Tank
Cartier's two foundational designs: the current Santos and Tank lines, and the earlier generations.
Rolex GMT-Master II vs Tudor Black Bay GMT
The family rivals compared on movements, bracelets and price, new and pre-owned.
Rolex Explorer vs Omega Railmaster
The two understated tool watches compared across current references and earlier generations.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut vs Nautilus
Patek's two sports watches: the current lineups, the generations and the market for each.
Cartier Tank vs Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The two rectangular icons compared across today's lineups and earlier eras.
Tudor Black Bay 58 vs Omega Seamaster 300M
Two vintage-inspired dive watches: every current variation and prior generations.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra vs Rolex Datejust
Everyday luxury steel watches compared, new and pre-owned.

How we compare

Each page lists the current models and variations in production with their US retail prices, then the prior generations you can still buy pre-owned with indicative price ranges. Every figure carries the date it was checked, and we leave out anything we could not verify.

More comparisons

Want to see another pairing? Browse our brand and model histories and buying guides, then pick the two families you are deciding between.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the watch comparison pages?

Side-by-side comparisons of popular watches that cover every model currently in production and the earlier generations you can still buy pre-owned.

Do the comparisons include discontinued models?

Yes. Each page has a prior-generations section with reference numbers, key changes and indicative pre-owned prices.

How current are the prices?

Each page states the date its lineup and prices were checked. Prices are indicative US-dollar figures, so check current listings before buying.

Which comparison should I read first?

Start with the pairing closest to your shortlist: the dive watches, chronographs, luxury sports watches, dress-sport classics, Cartier icons, GMT watches or everyday steel watches.