If you think Tudor watches were invented by Henry VIII, think again.

Despite the name suggesting royal connections, the Tudor watch is as Swiss as the edelweiss.

In fact, Tudor and Rolex are brothers who, after years of living together in peace and harmony, decided to go their separate ways - but they still get along just fine.

Both brands were fathered by Hans Wilsdorf; Rolex in 1905, and, Tudor, the baby, in 1946.

Rolex actually manufactures the Tudor, using the same modified movements supplied by Swiss Ebauche makers. Until the 1990s, when the decision was made to delineate the two brands so that the kid brother could establish his own market identity, many Tudor models were sold with Rolex-signed bracelets and crowns.

If you look at some Tudor models you will spot a definite family resemblance. Take the Prince Date Hydronaut, the "diver" watch, for example. Its overall chunky and sturdy appearance, including a rotatable bezel and a steel bracelet, looks like the Rolex Submariner. However, while the Submariner is water resistant up to 1000 feet (300 metres), the Hydronaut's impermeability is 600 feet (200 metres).

The dressier Monarch collection bears resemblance to Rolex's DateJust line. Available in steel, or a combination of steel and gold, it is elegant and classy.

In Tudor's Prince and Princess line you can glean similarities to Rolex's Day-Date (also known as President) watches, a blend of simplicity and understated elegance.

The difference between the two brands is the cost. Tudor is not exactly cheap, but it is more moderately priced than its bigger, more famous brother. Americans will find it is also more difficult to get your hands on it, because the Tudor brand is no longer available in the United States. It continues to be sold in Europe and Asia, however, and pre-owned models can be purchased online.

Which brand should you choose? If you like the look and quality of Rolex watches but can't get past the price, you certainly will not go wrong with a Tudor. Even with an aristocratic name of its own, the kid is still a Rolex.