Top 10 Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is certainly one of the most iconic models of Rolex, but also generally very respected in the watch world. At the same time, the silhouette of this model is unmistakable and has its own unique charm.
Unfortunately, the Submariner from Rolex is firstly very expensive, and secondly difficult to obtain through regular channels.
Thus, one has two options: Either you are willing to pay an even higher price on the secondary market, or you opt for an alternative which has similarities to the Submariner, but is still a different watch.
If one decides for the latter, the question arises, which alternatives there are to the Submariner then. There are a few. We will show you the best alternatives to Submariner in this post.
There are numerous alternatives to Rolex Submariner. The watch world is full of diving watches. Some of the best Submariner alternatives include the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, the Tudor Pelagos, and the Breitling Superocean Heritage, just to name a few.
1. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
One of the best known and best alternatives to the Submariner is probably the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M. Some Omega fans even claim that it is better than the Submariner. They also say that the Seemaster is a "Submariner killer". However, we would be critical of this thesis at this point.
The Submariner alternative from Omega is also very appealing. It also enjoys a special image in the watch world. Its design is very attractive and timeless. At the same time, like the Submariner, it enjoys cult status. Because the Seamaster was also worn by James Bond.
The Omega Seamaster is undoubtedly similar to the Submariner, but it is still its own watch with individual features.
The case has a different shape, and the writing on the bezel is also slightly different.
The Seamaster is listed at Omega for around 4,800€. But on the gray market, you can buy it for as little as about 3,400€.
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The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Fifty-Eight
This diver's watch was introduced in 2018 and is another version of the usual Héritage Black Bay Tudor. The biggest difference between the two models is that the Black Bay Fifty-Eight has a 39-millimeter case. This is particularly suitable for those who might be looking for a smaller alternative to the Submariner.
In addition, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight is inspired by a vintage look. Colors with vintage character were deliberately used in the design of the watch, and its size is also reminiscent of times gone by.
Technically, the Tudor has a lot going for it as well, as it has about 70 hours of power reserve and guarantees water resistance up to 200 meters deep.
At the same time, the Black Bay is relatively affordable, as it starts at around 3,500 euros.
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3. The Oris Aquis
Another alternative to Submariner would be the Oris Aquis, which is one of the most popular diving watches ever. It costs just between 1,500 and 2,500 euros.
This watch is especially suitable for beginners who want to get a taste of the world of diving watches.
Of course, it cannot compete with high-priced luxury watches. But you get a lot for a little money with it.
It is namely, a solid and robust watch with a ceramic bezel, which is available in various finishes colors. Thus, the Oris Aquis is a really affordable Submariner alternative, which you should consider especially as a beginner.
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The TAG Heuer Aquaracer
The next alternative watch is a bit more expensive, but also very impressive. It's a very famous entry-level diver's watch, and it has a very high recognition value. Because it comes from the famous and respected watch brand TAG Heuer.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer has its own design. It has an edgy bezel and a square case, which sets it apart from ordinary diving watches.
Dabei ist sie bis zu 300 Meter wasserdicht damit ist sie sogar performance-technisch gleichauf mit der Submariner. Eine doppelte Dichtung an der Krone sowie ein Sicherheitsschließe versprechen maximale Sicherheit.
On the gray market, you have to pay around 2,000 euros for an Aquaracer.
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The Rado Captain Cook
Another alternative to the Rolex Submariner is the Rado Captain Cook. This is a very unknown watch, which is however underrated.
It has 80 hours of power reserve, is available in different color options and has a very coherent design overall. Thus, it is available on the steel bracelet and on the fabric strap.
The Captain Cook is also a particularly affordable alternative to the Submariner. This is because it is already available from 1,750 euros.
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The Tudor Pelagos
The next replacement Submariner again comes from Tudor. Perhaps we should add that Rolex owns the Tudor brand and certainly benefits from the know-how of the luxury watch manufacturer from Geneva and the inventor of the Submariner.
What makes the Pelagos special is that it is made of titanium, which makes the watch incredibly light. The latest reference, the 25600, has a breathtaking water resistance of up to 500 meters deep, which is made possible by a helium valve. Moreover, the watch has its in-house caliber.
Moreover, the Pelagos has a very sophisticated closing system, which is even better thought out than the Submariner. It consists of springs that expand and contract inside the buckle when you open and close the buckle.
The design is also very appealing, but a bit more subtle than that of the Submariner.
On the secondary market, you have to pay about 4,200 euros for a Pelagos.
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Breitling Superocean Heritage
The Breitling Superocean Heritage is probably well-known to most people. It's one of the most famous watches from Breitling, but is also widely used among diving watches. It has a long history, having existed since 1957.
The Superocean from Breitling appears more elegant than the Submariner from Rolex. Because with the Superocean, Breitling achieves a symbiosis of sporty dynamism and classic elegance. The design also seems to be inspired by Breitling's vintage watches.
At the same time, it Superocean also has a ceramic dial and water resistance up to 200 meters deep. Moreover, it has its in-house Breitling B20 caliber, which makes the watch stand out. In terms of price, the Breitling also keeps absolutely in line. This is because it is already available for around 4,500 euros, making it relatively affordable.
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The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
The next watch is again somewhat unknown. Because it is the Fifty Fathoms from Blancpain. But in the scene, this is almost legendary as a diving watch and highly respected. It has existed since 1953 and is therefore a very old diving watch.
The next watch is again somewhat unknown. Because it is the Fifty Fathoms from Blancpain. But in the scene, this is almost legendary as a diving watch and highly respected. It has existed since 1953 and is therefore a very old diving watch.
Thus, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms can certainly keep up with the Submariner, especially when it comes to history. But the Fifty Fathoms doesn't have to hide when it comes to design and craftsmanship either.
In addition, this watch is even equally expensive, if not more expensive. It all depends on the reference of the model.
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The IWC Aquatimer
The IWC Aquatimer has almost no external similarities to Submariner, but it is still an excellent diver's watch.
It comes from IWC, which is very reputable and known for excellent calibers, among other things.
Thus, the Aquatimer has a very unique design, which, if you look closely, reminds you of the porthole of a submarine. This gives the watch individuality and a recognition value as well as the Submariner has.
You can dive up to 300 meters deep with the Aquatimer, and it also has a long, interesting history. Because although IWC is not known for diving watches, the brand has a long relationship and a lot of experience with diving watches.
Price-wise, the Aquatimer also keeps itself in check. It is available it on the gray market starting at 3,500 euros. However, there are also references that are traded for around 15,000 to 20,000 euros.
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The Seiko Prospex SBCD051
The last alternative to the Submariner in this list is the Seiko Prospex SBDC051. Seiko offers a diverse selection of diving watches, and the brand is often underestimated in this discipline.
Especially if you take a closer look at the Prospex SBDC051, you will quickly notice that it is a real diver's watch. It is water resistant to a depth of 200 meters and has a very appealing design.
Of course, the Seiko Prospex SBDC051 can't compete with the Submariner in terms of quality and craftsmanship. But it doesn't have to. Because at a price of 700 to 1,000 euros, it is very affordable and plays in a completely different price range than Rolex. It is the cheapest watch on the list, which is more suitable for beginners, and has a very good price-performance ratio.
Conclusion
All in all, there really are many unique alternatives to the Rolex Submariner. Of course, budget and aesthetics always play a role, not just with the Rolex Submariner. However, the Submariner is very interesting for both beginners and passionate collectors. This is because the Submariner embodies classic style, elegance and uniqueness.
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
