Watches and Wonders 2025 is now over, and the biggest and most important watch brands have presented their new products for this year. However, despite all the joy and euphoria about the new watches, there is one problem: Some new products are only suitable for watch enthusiasts with a large budget. That’s why we’re showing you three cheaper alternatives to the greatest hits of Watches and Wonders 2025, which come close to the “original” in terms of looks and catch eyes without leaving too big a hole in your wallet.
The Rolex Land-Dweller and Its Indirect Role Model
One thing is for sure: the Rolex Land-Dweller was the new watch that received the most attention this year. No other watch caused as much of a stir as the new Rolex model, and no other new product was received with such division. The decision to pick up on the trend of Genta-inspired watches with an integrated wristband was particularly surprising. A trend that has been around for many years and is successfully marketed by all watch brands. Although it may seem strange that Rolex didn’t set the trends this year, but instead took its cue from an existing trend, let’s not kid ourselves: Even if you get to enjoy the pleasure of snapping up a brand new Rolex Land-Dweller at list price, a budget of at least $17,000 is required. The more affordable alternative that I am about to present to you costs significantly less and is the spiritual model of the Rolex Land-Dweller: the Rolex Oysterquartz. The similarities to the Rolex Land-Dweller, and also to the Tissot PRX, cannot be denied: Both manufacturers were obviously inspired by the design of the 70s icon – in the case of the Rolex Land-Dweller, one may even speak of a reinterpretation or reissue. The Rolex Oysterquartz is a product of its time, but as relevant and contemporary today as it was then. The watch has the typical Genta-inspired case with integrated bracelet, but loses none of its Rolex DNA thanks to the fluted bezel, date magnifier, and bracelet. As befits a watch from the 1970s – and as the name suggests – the Oysterquartz contains a quartz movement developed by Rolex, making it a truly exotic timepiece. The model is available with different dial colors, bracelets, and bezel variants. This affordable, ingenious alternative to the Rolex Land-Dweller is available from just $4,500.
The Patek Philippe Cubitus from the Belle Epoque
Admittedly, the Patek Philippe Cubitus has not received quite as much attention as the Rolex Land-Dweller, but this brand-new watch caused heated discussions in the watch world just a few months before Watches and Wonders 2025. Accordingly, it may have escaped some people’s attention that Patek Philippe has listened to the criticism of fans and is now also offering the model in 40 mm. One problem remains, however: This Patek Philippe is also only of interest to extremely well-heeled customers. The list price for the white gold 40 mm version is around $83,000 – and we’ll leave aside the fact that you can’t buy such a watch through official channels without connections or a purchase history and therefore need an even bigger budget. Watch fans like to describe the Patek Philippe Cubitus as a mix of Patek Philippe Nautilus and Cartier Santos. Whether true or not, there is definitely a certain remote resemblance. The good news: The Cartier Santos is not only considerably cheaper and much more readily available, but is also a true icon of the watch world that already existed in the Belle Epoque era. That’s something the new Patek Philippe Cubitus still has ahead of it. The Cartier Santos has a unique design, which on the one hand appears very delicate and elegant, but on the other hand has an industrial and rough look with all the visible screws. Even though older vintage models are very popular, I would like to recommend the current Cartier Santos – in both the medium and the large version with date. They combine the legendary design with modern refinements. For example, the strap can be changed and shortened without tools. These features are groundbreaking and haven’t been widely adopted by other watch brands. The Cartier icon is available in different dial colors. Depending on whether you opt for the medium or large model, you will need a budget starting at around $8,000. This is a fraction of the price of one of the current Patek Philippe Cubitus models. If you would like to delve deeper into the subject, I recommend my detailed Review of the Cartier Santos.
Sometimes You Have to Think Outside the Box: IWC Ingenieur Automatic 42 Ceramic
Even if ceramic watches do not receive as much attention as watches made of steel or precious metal, they still have a certain charm. Black ceramic models in particular are incredibly mysterious, the material is innovative, and let’s be honest – a virtually scratch-resistant timepiece is the dream of many watch enthusiasts. Speaking of watch enthusiasts: Such models are considered rather exotic and are therefore not so often encountered in everyday life, so you can be sure of a certain exclusivity. IWC launched its legendary Ingenieur as a ceramic version in 42 mm at Watches and Wonders 2025 this year, but the list price of over $22,000 is more than steep. It’s probably the most beautiful Genta watch of all time and isunique in design. You’d be hard pressed to find an alternative that even comes close to this design classic – so it doesn’t hurt to think outside the box sometimes. With the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic, Rolex’s sister brand offers an ingenious and more affordable alternative that exudes its very own charm. In this variant, the popular Black Bay design appears in a completely new light. The 41 mm diving watch is available with a black or blue dial. The black version in particular exudes a mysterious aura that perfectly complements the Black Bay dial design. Like the IWC model, this watch also boasts a sapphire crystal case back that reveals the beautifully decorated movement. The best thing is that this affordable, ingenious alternative is available for less than $4,500.
