Rolex Submariner Alternatives: 7 Other Excellent Dive Watches
Born in 1953 as a utilitarian tool watch, the Rolex Submariner has not only become the benchmark against which other luxury diving watches are measured but is also one of the world’s most famous luxury sports watches. Though the Submariner started as a no-frills model with a waterproof steel case, black time-only dial, black rotating bezel, and steel Oyster bracelet, Rolex has continuously updated and expanded the collection with better specs, improved materials, and additional metals and colorways. That said, while the Submariner is the most recognizable of all dive watches, there are plenty of solid alternatives available too. In our opinion, these are the best Rolex Submariner alternatives.
Please note, some of these watches are not necessarily less expensive but rather, different dive watches made by various brands that offer a similar look and feel to the Sub.
Key Submariner Design Characteristics
Before we show you the best Rolex Submariner alternative watches, it’s important to outline the watch’s main design details so we have a point of reference to compare to.
- Round case water resistant to 300 meters (41mm for modern models, 40mm for discontinued models, and 38mm for vintage models)
- Rotating timing bezel marked with 60-minute scale (ceramic for modern models and aluminum for older models)
- A mix of round, rectangular, and triangular hour markers, all filled with luminescence
- Mercedes-style handset
- Three-link Oyster bracelet
- Automatic movement
Rolex makes two main models — the Submariner without a date indicator (only available in steel and black) and the Submariner Date with a date window at 3 o’clock magnified by a Cyclops lens (available in a range of metals and colors).
More on Rolex Submariners:
How Much Can I Get for My Used Rolex Submariner?
All About the Rolex Hulk Submariner
A Look at the “Cookie Monster” White Gold Submariner
Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner
Now that we’ve looked at what design traits define a Submariner, let’s dive into some alternatives from luxury watch brands TAG Heuer, Tudor, Omega, Ulysse Nardin, Glashütte Original, and Blancpain.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
The Aquaracer is TAG Heuer‘s line of dive watches including a few models that look similar to the Rolex Submariner. For example, one look at the TAG Heuer Aquaracer ref WAY201S.BA0927 and it’s clear to see that it’s a particularly strong contender for a Rolex Submariner “Hulk” substitute.
It features a 43mm steel case, a green aluminum 12-sided bezel, a green horizontally-embossed dial, and a steel three-link bracelet. It’s also water-resistant to 300 meters deep and runs on an automatic ETA-based movement. Like the Submariner Date, there’s also a date window on this TAG Heuer Aquaracer at 3 o’clock, complete with a protruding magnification lens on the sapphire crystal.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Specs
| Reference | WAY201S.BA0927 |
| Case Diameter | 43mm |
| Case Thickness | 12mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Green aluminum, rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | Calibre 5 (ETA 2824-2 base, automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 Market Price | ~$2,500 |
Tudor Black Bay 58
As we’ve mentioned in other Rolex alternative articles, one of the first places you should look is Tudor, the Crown’s sibling company. Tudor’s catalog is packed with models similar to Rolex watches. Among these, the Tudor Black Bay is one of the best Rolex Submariner alternatives, offering not only similar aesthetics and mechanics but also parallel materials and colorways.
For example, the Tudor Black Bay 58 is an excellent stand-in for a vintage Submariner with no crown guards. The Black Bay 58 includes a 39mm steel case, matte black bezel, black no-date domed bezel, and steel Oyster-style bracelet with vintage-inspired rivets. Tudor also added gold-toned details on the bezel and dial to play up the old-school design of this modern-made diver.
Tudor Black Bay 58 Specs
| Reference | 79030N |
| Case Diameter | 39mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.9mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Black aluminum, rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | MT5402 (automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 MSRP | $4,000 |
Tudor Black Bay S&G
Conversely, if a contemporary two-tone diver is more your speed, then the Tudor Black Bay S&G ref. 79733N is the perfect alternative to the Submariner ref. 126613LN. Both include date windows on their dials, both use steel and yellow gold on their 41mm cases and Oyster bracelets, and both sport black bezels and dials. Again, Rolex does offer better water resistance and a ceramic bezel insert, but the Tudor Black Bay S&G is a solid substitute at about a third of the retail price.
Tudor Black Bay S&G Specs
| Reference | 79733N |
| Case Diameter | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.8mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Black aluminum, rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | MT5612 (automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 MSRP | $5,825 |
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Omega is known for its vast collection of diving watches including the Seamaster Diver 300M, which is a fantastic alternative to the Rolex Submariner. Like modern Submariners, current-production Seamaster Diver 300M watches include ceramic bezels, time and date dials, and water resistance of 300 meters. That said, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M does have plenty of distinctive design details that differ from the Submariner. These include scalloped bezels, helium escape valves, skeletonized sword-shaped hands, and five-link bracelets.
In true Omega fashion, the Seamaster Diver 300M is a highly varied line with plenty of materials, bracelet styles, and colorways to browse through — which makes finding Submariner substitutes even easier.
More about Omega Seamaster Watches:
A Guide to Omega Dive Watches
Omega Seamaster 75th Anniversary Collection: 11 Summer Blue Watches
What is the Price of an Omega Seamaster?
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Specs
| Reference | 212.30.41.20.01.003 |
| Case Diameter | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 13mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Black ceramic, rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | Caliber 2500 (ETA 2892 base, automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 Market Price | ~$3,400 |
Ulysse Nardin Diver 42mm
Ulysse Nardin is well known for its history of making marine-ready timepieces, starting with marine chronometers in the 1800s. Naturally, in more modern times, Ulysse Nardin progressed to making diving watches, ranging from elaborate models to sleek numbers. One of the brand’s more streamlined dive watches, and in our opinion, a worthy alternative to the Rolex Submariner, is the Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 ref. 8163-175-7M/92.
The 42mm steel case of the Ulysse Nardin Diver is home to a black concave bezel, embellished with concentric rings. The black dial plays host to a discreet date window at 6 o’clock and includes the GPS coordinates of Ulysse Nardin’s HQ and beige-toned lume for an aged look. All in all, the Diver 42 by Ulysse Nardin is a pared-down dive watch with a touch of vintage inspiration.
More on Ulysse Nardin: Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon in Blue and Rose Gold
Ulysse Nardin Diver 42mm Specs
| Reference | 8163-175-7M/92 |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 12mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Black concave, rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | Caliber UN-816 (automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 Market Price | ~$6,000 |
Glashütte Original SeaQ
Glashütte Original may be better known for its collection of dressier watches, but the German luxury watchmaker also offers a collection of sportier numbers including the SeaQ diving watch that draws design inspiration from the 1960s. As such, this old-school-styled diving watch makes a handsome alternative to a Rolex Submariner, particularly vintage ones with no crown guards and smaller cases from the 1950s.
The Glashütte Original SeaQ has a compact 39.5mm stainless steel case paired with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. Similar to Rolex’s Submariner color offerings, the SeaQ is available with black, blue, and green bezels and dials. Those bezels are also made of ceramic while the dials include alternating batons and Arabic numerals for the hours and a date window at 3 o’clock. Retail price-wise Glashütte Original SeaQ watches are on par with Rolex Submariner watches, however, on the secondary market, SeaQ models are typically far more affordable.
Glashütte Original SeaQ Specs
| Reference | 1-39-11-06-80-70 (black), 1-39-11-13-83-70 (green), 1-39-11-09-81-70 (blue) |
| Case Diameter | 39.5 |
| Case Thickness | 12.15mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Ceramic rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | Caliber 3911 (automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 Market Price | ~$7,500 |
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Before there was the Submariner, there was the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms – the world’s first purpose-built diving watch. Although the Fifty Fathoms and the Submariner watches were both released in 1953, Blancpain’s diver came out a few months earlier. However, the Fifty Fathoms takes its name from its original water resistance rating of 50 fathoms, which is about 91 meters — 9 meters shy of the Submariner’s original 100-meter water resistance rating. Rivalries aside, modern Blancpain Fifty Fathoms diving watches are solid alternatives to the Rolex Submariner given their pedigree, quality, and designs. They are also notably more expensive, though the Fifty Fathoms can be found for under retail price, making it one of the best affordable Blancpain models.
As is customary for the model, the stainless steel Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique ref. 5015 1130 71S is a large watch, measuring 45mm in diameter. One of the model’s signature details is the beautiful sapphire bezel, which in this case features a black insert to match the black dial. There’s also a date window on the dial, tucked in between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Specs
| Reference | 5015 1130 71S |
| Case Diameter | 45 |
| Case Thickness | 15.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Black, sapphire-topped, rotating (unidirectional) |
| Movement | Caliber 1315 (automatic) |
| Power Reserve | 120 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 2023 Market Price | ~$10,000 |
Bonus: Rolex Sea-Dweller and Deepsea
While the Submariner is Rolex’s most famous diving watch, it certainly isn’t the only one in the company’s catalog. Other Rolex dive watches include the Sea-Dweller, the Deepsea, and the Deepsea Challenge, which are all fantastic alternatives to the Submariner if you’re looking for bigger and bolder Rolex diving watches.
As expected, the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea have similar designs to the Submariner Date, yet they include helium escape valves for saturation diving and have higher water-resistance ratings. Modern Sea-Dweller watches are 43mm in diameter (older versions sported 40mm cases), water-resistant to 1,220 meters, and are available in either full steel or two-tone steel and yellow gold. The Deepsea is even more extreme, clocking in at 44mm in diameter, water-resistant to 3,900 meters, and although it’s only available in stainless steel, there are black or D-Blue dials (made in honor of James Cameron’s record-breaking solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench) to choose from. Finally, the Deepsea Challenge is Rolex’s newest and most extreme diving watch, sporting a massive 50mm titanium case that is water resistant to an incredible 11,000 meters.
There you have it — a slew of great alternatives to the Rolex Submariner. Whether you opt for another brand or go with one of Rolex’s other offerings, there is certainly no shortage of solid luxury diving watches available in the market.
Other Guides to Rolex Alternatives:
Best Rolex Alternatives
Best Rolex Oyster Perpetual Alternatives
Best Rolex Explorer II Alternatives
The Best Rolex Datejust Alternatives
The Best Rolex Explorer Alternatives
Best Alternatives to the Rolex Daytona
Top Affordable Alternatives to Rolex Watches
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