The 16 Best Rolex Submariner Alternatives
The Rolex Submariner is indeed the dive watch that launched a thousand homages. Beyond its lore and beyond being the world’s most recognized watch, the Sub really did introduce innovative, high-quality dive features and an efficient design language. However, you don’t have to go the Rolex route to rock these coveted features and designs on your wrist. So we’ve chosen the 12 best Rolex Submariner alternatives.
Whether you’re looking for something more affordable or another Swiss hard-hitter with equally as much heritage, all options are represented.
Tudor Pelagos 39
While the Pelagos LHD is the Sub’s slightly rebellious brother, this Pelagos more closely takes after the elder sibling (in its own distinct way). The dial is elegantly simple, though the modern-looking polygonic indices and signature snowflake hands still fly the Tudor flag.
That 39mm case suits a wider range of wrist sizes and personal styles. Its titanium build is satiny, aesthetically somewhere between shiny and gunmetal—this Pelagos is overall more matte. Functionally, the Grade 2 titanium is the same trusty material used in power generation and architecture, and the movement is fully COSC-certified.
- Price: $4,400
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5400 (COSC)
- Water Resistance: 200 Meters
Omega Seamaster 300M
Omega’s Seamaster 300m, with its iconic wave dial, scalloped bezel, and skeletal hands, is the Sub’s immediate competitor. Yes, this partly because it took over as the Bond watch, but few divers truly match the Sub the way the Seamaster does, in function, good design, and lore.
The black version gets overshadowed by the blue, though it’s often the colorway that converts anti-Seamaster schools of thought. The neutral hue beautifully tempers the lively architecture. Plus, the fact you can actually see the exquisite COSC movement through the caseback gives the horologically curious more incentive to go the Seamaster route over the Sub.
- Price: $5,400
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Omega Master Chronometer Caliber 8800
- Water Resistance: 300 Meters
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Automatic
This design-forward diver really punches above its weight. It’s a moderate-to-slim 13.3mm that wears flat and can peek from under a dress shirt’s cuff, for day-to-night versatility.
The bold contrast color of the 1/4th safe zone on the bezel is eye-catching, but this timepiece also displays subtle sophisticated details often seen on more expensive watches. For example, the clasp has a high-polish beveled edge that contrasts with mostly satin finishes. Technically proficient, this watch also boasts a whopping 80 hours of power.
- Price: $995
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: Hamilton H10 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 300 Meters
Longines HydroConquest
The generously-sized cardinals on the Longines HydroConquest makes this diver look like it’s been infused with a pilot or field watch. This gives it a sort-of “ultimate sport watch” look, but its generally classic design language ensures it’s sophisticatedly un-gaudy.
Still, the hard edges throughout, seen on the lugs and the crow guards, add a subtle industrial touch which makes it extra athletic looking. Top it off with unblemished applications on a sunray dial and a 72-hour automatic, and you’ve got the luxury box checked too.
- Price: £1,150.00+
- Case Diameter: 39mm, 41mm
- Movement: Caliber L888 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 300 meters
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
This handsome diver is more adventurous and athletic than the Submariner. It sports harder edges throughout, with a 12-sided polygonic case in place of a round one and dramatic breaks in the bracelet links and lugs.
It’s also loaded with features: A crisp unidirectional bezel, luminous markers, and an accurate no-nonsense quartz movement. Go for this Aquaracer if you want a Swiss luxury diver that’s also just a bit rugged and practical.
- Price: $3,200
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: Caliber 5 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 300 meters
Breitling Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic
The Superocean really shines. Literally. With its Milanese style mesh bracelet, thin and plentiful coin edging around the bezel and crown, and the hard-edged applied indices, there are a lot of surfaces for light to hit this guy.
Like Rolex, Breitling is known for precise chronometers (certified for accuracy in several weather and pressure conditions). The Superocean runs on the B20 caliber, a hyper accurate movement with 70 hours of power.
- Price: $5,250
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Breitling B20 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
Seiko Prospex SPB101
If you’re looking for a visually accurate workhorse Submariner homage, it doesn’t get better than the Prospex SPB101. Slight differences include rounded off lugs for a less jagged aesthetic, a bottom-right crown, and stepped middle bracelet links which add dimension.
It runs on the high-performance, 70-hour 6R35 movement. Submariner-inspiration aside, go for this watch if you just want a diligent diver built with discipline and know-how.
- Price: $850
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Movement: Caliber 6R35 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
Sinn U1
If you used German military engineering to combine the playful, symbol-forward aesthetic of a Swiss railway clock with that of a classic dive watch, it would be the Sinn U1. The case and crown are constructed with German submarine steel, which basically means it’s super strong, incredibly stainless, and seawater-resistant.
These watches are actually approved by Norway’s accredited classification society as certified diving equipment. The U1 is like Germany, equal parts fun and serious.
- Price: $2,500+
- Case Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: SW 200-1 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 1,000 meters
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
This timepiece is inspired by vintage dive watches, but doesn’t pretend to be vintage. Boasting modern watchmaking techniques, this Tudor is like a prewar home with smart house technology. It’s 39mm, closer in size to the first Submariners, but it doesn’t take it all the way to the original 36mm.
It has the same slightly tapered lugs and domed crystal as yesteryear Subs, but the crystal is upgraded to a scratch-resistant sapphire. Its chronometer status is another notable upgrade, featuring a precise MT5402 caliber with 70 hours of power.
- Price: $3,800
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5402 (COSC)
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
Oris Divers Sixty-Five
Oris is distinct in the industry as an independently-owned brand. Their boardroom-free design choices are evident in this diver, which is fully lifted from their 1960s dive watch, all the way down to the 40mm case.
It has an anti-corrosive stainless steel construction, an anti-reflective bubble-curved sapphire, and an automatic winding movement with a date. Go for this watch if you’re nostalgic or if you’re simply looking for a thinner timepiece you can dive with.
- Price: $2,200
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Oris 733, Base SW 200-1
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Tudor Pelagos
Leave it to Rolex’s sister company to build a Submariner alternative that you’ll want in addition to the Sub. The Pelagos’s construction is considered by some to be an upgrade. It’s titanium, which means it’s 45% lighter than a stainless steel Sub, and it’s water resistant at 500m.
The clasp also extends and reduces automatically. And just like a Rolex, the Pelagos runs on an in-house Swiss movement with a 70-hour power reserve. It’s an impressive watch that doesn’t beg for attention.
- Price: $4,725
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5612 (COSC)
- Water Resistance: 500m
Vaer D7 Swiss Diver
The Vaer D7’s magic lies in its simplicity. It’s combination of Swiss luxury design cues and everyday utility seems textbook, but it hits every mark. Moreover, it easily goes with almost any strap, so it’s like having several watches. Want to go understated and classic? Go for the stainless steel bracelet.
Something more utilitarian? Khaki’s your guy. For an elevated casual look, the leather strap gives it a cool-guy aesthetic.
- Price: $899
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: Sellita SW200 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 200m
Shinola Lake Superior Monster Dive Watch
Shinola is an American Midwestern luxury brand, so it’s no wonder everything about this Monster shouts bigger is better. It’s not only 43mm, but the numbers on the bezel are generously sized. Instead of a classic triangular pointer on the bezel, it’s a trapezoid, as if the tip of the triangle is too big to fit.
Regardless, it sits comfortably on the wrist because of the tapered sides, which give it a unique dimensional profile. The indices glow brightly, green like the Northern Lights, against the stark enamel dial.
- Price: $1,550
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: SW200-1 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 300m
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600
In a short amount of time, Christopher Ward managed to create a tentpole design for themselves in the form of the solidly-built C60. The Trident Pro 600’s low crown guards and sweeping lugs are just a few examples of modest remixes that make the watch look distinguished and modern, but not outside of time-honored dive designs.
Of course, brand specifics like the Trident second hand fit into the watch’s quietly bold construction. Worth mentioning is its radiant lume. You can definitely read this watch even in pitch darkness.
- Price: $1,095
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Sellita SW200-1 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 600m
Vague Black Submariner Watch
Not by coincidence, Vague’s Black Submariner Watch has the hardy look of the elusive and much-coveted Rolex MilSub. More than just a textbook homage though, this remorselessly military-leaning timepiece is made with darkened metal, flaunting an assertiveness that’s still easy to wear.
This is thanks to the aged look, each surface featuring handsomely worn textures. Finally, the gilt indices are a brilliant accent that add to its well-balanced wearability despite its ruggedness.
- Price: $295
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Japanese Quartz
- Water Resistance: 100m
Seiko Prospex SPB143
What makes the Seiko SPB143 such an objectively good dive watch are the same qualities that made the Submariner an instant classic when it first came out in the ‘50s. It’s a spec-forward diver that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but executes tried-and-trues with a high degree of horological chops, all at a relatively low cost.
These days, few would consider the price tag of the Sub as low cost, but the SPB143 is at least arguably reasonable, while also being professionally built to last, and can be styled in the same way any luxury dive watch can be.
- Price: $1,200
- Case Diameter: 40.5mm
- Movement: Seiko 6R35 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 200m
Lorier Neptune
Lorier is known for bringing vintage styles to the midmarket, and the Neptune is one charming blast from the past. With its domed Hesalite and its slim, long arrow cardinals, as just two of several inspired elements, this old soul is an accurate reissue of vintage dives from the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.
The gold accents on the dial face pop in an unflashy way, and get more visually interesting at different angles thanks to the dome’s edge distortions. This watch runs on a high-beat Miyota and is made from marine-grade stainless steel.
- Price: $499
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: Miyota 90S5 Automatic
- Water Resistance: 200m
While the Rolex Submariner is undoubtedly an iconic timepiece, there are numerous alternatives on the market that offer similar quality and style at a lower price point. Whether you are a seasoned watch collector or simply looking for a reliable and stylish timepiece for everyday wear, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
Some of the top Rolex Submariner alternatives include the Omega Seamaster, Tudor Black Bay, and the Seiko Prospex Diver. Each of these watches offers unique features and benefits that make them a worthy competitor to the Rolex Submariner.
For example, the Omega Seamaster is known for its exceptional durability and water resistance, making it a popular choice among professional divers. The Tudor Black Bay offers a vintage-inspired design that is both stylish and practical, while the Seiko Prospex Diver is renowned for its affordable price point and impressive quality.
Ultimately, the choice of a watch comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Whether you prioritize durability, style, or affordability, there is a Rolex Submariner alternative that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
It is worth noting that while the Rolex Submariner may hold its value over time, it is not necessarily the most practical or cost-effective option for many watch enthusiasts. In fact, some of the best Rolex Submariner alternatives offer superior performance and features at a fraction of the price.
So, whether you are looking for a high-end luxury watch or a reliable and stylish timepiece for everyday wear, there are numerous Rolex Submariner alternatives that offer exceptional quality, style, and value for money. By considering your needs and preferences carefully and researching the available options thoroughly, you can find the perfect watch to suit your style and budget.
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