If you’re going to substitute the Sub – do it properly. Here’s a list of some of the best Rolex Submariner alternatives on the market right now.
I’ll keep this brief. The Rolex Submariner is a timeless watch that every collector wants to own—the end.
Okay, so maybe I was generalizing a little there. Not everyone wants to own a Rolex Sub. In fact, many people would argue that it’s an overpriced, overrated watch and that you could do a lot better!
While I like the Submariner, many affordable alternatives are available that are just as reliable, some more. They may not carry the heavyweight name on the dial, but they’re great options nonetheless.
Anyway, Rolex watches have some other downsides, too, not just in terms of how much they cost. Many counterfeits circulate the market, so it helps to know how to spot a fake Rolex.
In this article, I’ll outline some affordable alternatives to the Rolex Submariner. I’ll consider their features, appearance, and cost. The options I’m sharing with you today are great for small wrists, too.
The largest watches measure no more than 41.5mm, and considering we’re talking dive watches here, that’s pretty impressive. Generally speaking, dive watches tend to measure large. It’s just part of the package!
Before we look at what I’ve rounded up for you, let’s look at why you may want one in the first place.
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Why Buy an Alternative Rolex Submariner
If you ask anyone what comes to mind when “luxury watch” drops into a conversation, they’d likely say “Rolex.” Even more so, the Rolex Submariner. It’s one of the most popular Rolex watches of all time.
Brands have emulated this watch forever. The Submariner practically defines the ideals of the luxury diver in every way. When Rolex released the watch in the 1950s, it was large, avant-garde, ultra-modern, cutting-edge, and incredibly functional.
Rolex has a fascinating history as does the Submariner. The highly dependable timekeeper launched in 1954 and soon became the tool of all tool watches.
Its utilitarian, bold, simple, and instantly recognizable look appealed to the masses.
What was so unusual was that it was as aesthetically pleasing as it was technically appealing.
The first model featured a black dial with luminous hour markers and Mercedes hands. The bezel had graduated markings to define the first fifteen minutes of a dive. However, the watch did not acquire its unidirectional bezel until the 1980s.
Rolex has been modifying the Submariner in several subtle ways over the decades. One of the main changes was the addition of the crown guards in 1959.
Following this was the implementation of the date window in 1969. New materials added more options, while the Super Case version had beefy proportions despite being a 40mm model.
Initially released to capitalize on the scuba diving craze, the watch was destined to reach far beyond the diver audience. After featuring in several James Bond films, the Submariner garnered even more interest.
Before long, these watches sold for crazy prices on the preowned market, and waiting lists became impossible.
These two reasons alone explain why a Rolex Submariner alternative is so appealing. They offer all the best features of the iconic collectible but at an affordable price and without a waiting list.
10 Best Rolex Submariner Alternatives
Many brands offer great Rolex Sub alternatives today, whether intentionally or not. Some classify as homage watches. Others constitute a reliable and practical tool watch for everyday wear.
Here are some wristwatches that promise the whole package.
1. Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date
Oris and the word “affordable” are synonymous. The red rotor band is a reputable name in the industry, creating timepieces with very reasonable price tags.
Take the Oris Divers Sixty-Five watch, for example. It’s a modern reincarnation of the brand’s earlier dive watches. Akin to Rolex’s vintage Submariners, these models boast a screw-down crown and 100-meter water resistance.
Although it may not boast the highest water resistance rating, this bronze dive watch conveys the Submariner look quite nicely.
The 38mm model features a black dial, gold-plated luminous-filled hands, and a textured black rubber strap. A bronze watch’s advantage is that it develops a unique patina over time. This natural aging process helps give the watch a worn and ready look.
2. Breitling Superocean Automatic 36
It might surprise you that Breitling makes a 36mm dive watch that doesn’t look remotely feminine. This steel model is Breitling’s Slow Motion watch, which captures the surfing era of the 1950s and 60s.
This model promises a 300-meter water-resistant capability and features an orange dial with a ceramic bezel frame.
Its stainless steel bracelet elevates this watch, allowing you to enjoy it with more formal attire. Overall, this versatile dive watch packs a punch with its zesty orange display.
3. Tissot Seastar 1000
Another great watch for the small wrist is the Tissot Seastar 1000 model in the 36mm size. The “1000” in the name refers to the case’s 1000-foot water resistance, assisted by a screw-down crown.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 is legible and features a rich black dial with luminous hour markers and hands. An anti-clockwise rotating bezel surrounds a tough anti-glare sapphire crystal glass. Similar to the Rolex Sub, this watch features a closed case back. However, inside the case is a quartz movement, keeping costs down.
I love this watch’s bi-color steel and yellow gold PVD bracelet, which looks luxurious and refined. When you flip the case over, you’ll also find a pretty neat seahorse engraving.
If you’re on the fence about owning a Tissot, take the leap. Tissot is a good watch brand listed in the IWC world’s top 10 luxury brands list.
4. Timex M79
First things first, check out the Coke bezel on this Timex M79 watch. When you look at it, it’s impossible not to recall the signature two-tone bezels that Rolex specializes in.
The two-tone bezel is a signature look for the GMT-Master II. But you can’t deny how good it looks on this dive watch.
The Timex dive watch has a black and red bezel surrounding a black dial with a day-date feature at 3H. It is practical and stylish, and its woven stainless steel bracelet gives it an unequivocally sporty look.
5. Seiko Prospex Solar Drive
Seiko makes a smashing dive watch; even better, some offer a similar look to the Rolex Submariner.
For a little over $500, you can get a really smart-looking dive watch that will stand the test of time. The steel model, measuring 43mm, is on the large side, but it’s sure to attract some attention.
It features lashings of Lumibrite on the hour markers and hands, a Hardlex front, a screw-down crown, and 200-meter water resistance.
The watch, which completes the tool watch aesthetic that the Submariner is famous for, fastens with a steel bracelet. Its three-fold clasp promises a secure and snug fit and features the recognizable Seiko logo engraving.
6. TUDOR Black Bay 58
The TUDOR Black Bay 58 is another highly collectible dive watch. With a history and fan base almost as impressive as Rolex’s, you can appreciate their close connection.
As a sister brand to Rolex, TUDOR presents this Black Bay 58 in a compact 39mm steel case. It’s an excellent fit for wrists measuring 6-7 inches.
Gold elements feature on the legible black dial and the unidirectional rotating bezel. A domed sapphire glass front protects these elements. The screw-down crown also works to uphold a 200-meter water resistance.
The TUDOR Black Bay 58 is a close second as an affordable alternative to the Rolex Submariner. The watch retails for around $4k and even features one of the company’s COSC-certified automatic movements.
7. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M
The Planet Ocean series preserves the maritime heritage of one of the world’s most famous watch brands. This model, with its Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 at its heart, is a pricier option but so worth it.
The 39.5mm stainless steel watch has a staggering 600-meter water resistance and a dramatic ocean-blue dial. Additionally, for more serious dives, this daring underwater tool prevents the damage that helium gas build-ups can cause.
It features a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock and an impressively robust steel bracelet.
If you want to read more about how the Seamaster compares to the Submariner, we conduct a deep dive (no pun intended) in this Seamaster vs. Submariner article.
8. Citizen Promaster Diver
If there is one brand out there that you can fall back on for reliability and affordability, it’s Citizen. The brand has a seriously diverse range of dive watches, yet this Promaster Diver resembles the Submariner the most.
This is a reimagined design from an earlier 1970s model named the Challenger. Constructed from Duratect Platinum, this is not a watch material you see daily.
In addition to giving the 41mm watch a gleaming, contemporary luster, this material is also incredibly lightweight.
I love the deep blue color of this dial, chosen by Citizen’s design experts to celebrate the Promaster’s 35th anniversary.
The dial sits inside a black one-way rotating bezel and is 200 meters water-resistant. It’s also limited to 4500 pieces, giving any true dive watch collector that all-important exclusive factor.
9. Squale 1545
The Squale 1545 is not an homage watch. In fact, the brand began designing dive watches in the 1970s.
The watch is very similar to the Submariner, and the only apparent difference is the gray-blue shade of the dial. The prominent “Squale” lettering is another giveaway.
This Squale watch is sporty and versatile. Its 300-meter water-resistant case exudes the Submariner’s hefty and solid look and feel.
This watch is not only a precision tool but also a statement-maker. For a fraction of the price of a true Submariner, it is sure to fool a few onlookers.
The mix of rectangular and circular hour markers on the dial of this watch gives the design unmistakable Submariner-esque vibes. In addition, you get an equally robust steel bracelet and a nice case back engraving.
10. Steinhart Ocean One BLACK Diver Watch
Last but not least is the Steinhart Ocean One Black Diver, an homage watch to the Submariner. Every feature of this design is designed with the Submariner in mind.
For well under $1k, there’s little to find fault in this dive watch. The Ocean One Black is, as it says, a black dial iteration, but here’s where this watch really captures the Submariner style. It features the iconic Cyclops lens above the date window at 3 o’clock.
The watch also features a stainless steel bracelet and a 300-meter water-resistant case. It measures 42 mm and has an anti-reflective sapphire glass front.
Steinhart makes a good watch and this particular timepiece is an excellent value for your money. However, it doesn’t feature the same ceramic bezels as Submariners. Instead, it has an aluminum bezel with clear markings and a unidirectional rotating mechanism.
FAQS
Learn a bit more about one of Rolex’s most iconic watches with the following FAQs.
Which Tudor is closest to the Submariner?
The TUDOR Black Bay watch closely resembles the Submariner’s style, functionality, and proportions. The closest relatives are the 41mm models, each equipped with a ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel and luminous dial elements.
Is Rolex discontinuing the Submariner?
It’s good news for avid fans, as the Submariner looks to be going nowhere. Personally, I think Rolex would have to be crazy to discontinue a watch doing as well as the Submariner. The dive watch is one of the most popular collectibles in history.
Why is the Submariner so expensive?
The Submariner is expensive for several reasons. Rolex uses high-grade materials and impeccable movements, resulting in a vast fan base. Because there are such huge waiting lists associated with the Submariner, pre-owned models sell for high prices, too.
A Final Takeaway
These Rolex Submariner alternatives cover a range of prices and demonstrate the versatility of the dive watch style. The choices are endless, from legible dive watches by Oris to affordable Citizen and Timex options.
It does not matter whether you invest in an homage watch or a timepiece with features similar to the Submariner’s. All these picks in this list promise robustness, accuracy, impressive water resistance, and an array of different features.
Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. For more watch-related content like this, sign up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today.
