10 Alternatives to The Rolex Submariner | Bob's Watch Talk

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00:00 Intro
00:14 Wrist check
01:04 Rolex Sea-Dweller
02:31 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea
03:49 Tudor Pelagos
05:03 Tudor Black Bay
06:11 Omega Seamaster
07:30 Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
08:18 Panerai Luminor
09:49 Breitling Superocean
11:13 Oris Divers 65
12:43 Oris Aquis
16:56 Outro

ROLEX SEA-DWELLER
Our list starts strong with the Rolex Sea-Dweller. It boasts a similar design set as the Submariner with a rotatable bezel topped with a 60-minute diving scale, a waterproof case, and a luminous display on the dial.

But what sets it apart is the Helium Escape Valve, which affords the Sea-Dweller better water-resistance of up to 4,000 feet, compared to the Submariner’s depth rating of 1,000 feet. The Sea-Dweller is also, overall, more robust in design to accommodate the increased resistance.

ROLEX SEA-DWELLER DEEPSEA
Taking things one step further, the Deepsea is even more water-resistant than the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller, boasting resistance to depths of up to 12,800 feet. The case features a more intricate design, with a titanium case back, a thicker 5mm sapphire crystal, and a Ring Lock System to combat the pressures experienced at such depths.

OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M
Compared to other watches featured in this video, the Seamaster is probably the closest in design to the Submariner that isn’t produced by Rolex, but at about half the price. It even boasts a connection to the Bond franchise. However, many purists will argue that the Seamaster is more luxurious in design while the Submariner focuses more on functional style.

OMEGA SEAMASTER PLANET OCEAN
The Planet Ocean is to the Seamaster Diver 300M as the Submariner is to the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea. Both are similar in design, with the main difference being the depth rating. The Planet Ocean is ready to explore even the furthest depths with an impressive 600-meter depth rating.

TUDOR BLACK BAY
Rolex’s very own Hans Wilsdorf founded Tudor. His goal was to offer the same exceptional quality as the Rolex brand but at a more affordable price, and the Black Bay does just that. Its design set closely mirrors the Submariner while offering its own characteristics, such as snowflake hands instead of Rolex’s iconic Mercedes. It’s also much more affordable, with an average price between $3,475 and $4,725.

TUDOR PELAGOS
Once again, we have another comparable pairing of the Submariner and Sea-Dweller/Deepsea. While the Black Bay mirrors the Submariner, the Pelagos more closely resembles the Sea-Dweller with increased water resistance (Black Bay = 200M, Pelagos = 600M). However, the Black Bay is considered a vintage-inspired heritage watch, while the Pelagos is undeniably modern.

BREITLING SUPEROCEAN
The Superocean houses Breitling’s various dive watch models, including the neo-vintage Superocean Heritage. Like the Submariner, both models offer substantial water resistance and luminous displays for optimal functionality while in the water. However, the Superocean collection offers larger case size options and is, arguably, flashier in design.

PANERAI SUBMERSIBLE
While Panerai has roots as an Italian Navy diver’s tool watch, the Submersible is the only actual dive watch offered by the brand. No other model within the Panerai portfolio features a uni-directional diver’s bezel. Furthermore, it boasts the company’s iconic cushion-shaped case and oversized crown guard.

ORIS DIVERS 65
Directing our attention to a few even more affordable options, we have the Divers Sixty-Five, which also takes cues from vintage dive watches from its company’s past. These watches are fascinating and boast a design almost reminiscent of the vintage Rolex Submariner, but for just about $2k.

ORIS AQUIS DATE
The Aquis Date is Oris’ contemporary dive watch offering, featuring a unique integrated bracelet and a broad selection of functions and design set options. All of this for under $2,500.

[BrittPearceWatches]

You know! I kinda have a thing for omega right now. Seamaster & Planet Ocean are such good alternatives! If I see someone wearing a Planet Ocean in the wild I think “that’s an informed choice!”

[redbullrobert]

I am a seadweller fan lol. Its basically an underdog sub on steroids. Best thing about it: trolling non watch nerds who thought i had a fake sub. Caveat: its wrist comfort is not the greatest (top heavy, floats on wrist a bit and will not slide under a cuff), which was eventually the reason i flipped my 666 for a 214270 + cash (almost traded in at bobs) when i got a chance to buy 126610ln new at ad last month. For anyone getting into 5 digit diver, however, i recommend a seadweller over the sub counterparts, as the sel and its overengineering, as well as its price in market, makes it more bang for buck, unique, beater tolerant version of a 16610 or 14060, if you try it on and can handle the wrist comfort. Fyi love the non cyclops and that almost made me hesitant about flipping.

[jimlittle]

So four of the ten Rolex alternatives are still from the Rolex family. Two from Tudor and two from Rolex. Problem is many (perhaps most) who go looking for a Submariner alternative do so for two reasons, those being they can't get one at an AD and/or they cost too much. Neither problem solved by suggesting the Sea-Dwellers.

[retailnashville]

Purchased the white dial Seamaster SMP300. Great daily wear watch.

[anthonystevens]

For me to look at an alternative to the Submariner these are some great options. I love the Sub but if I was to choose something different that could complement but not replace a Sub I'd consider the following: SM300M white dial, Tudor Pelagos (LHD version would be my preference), Oris Aquis (some incredible dial options) and the Planet Ocean in no particular order. These watches all have their own individual identity. If you definitely want a Sub I would suggest just save for a Sub, but if you want a great diver (including the Sub) any of these reviewed options should be worth considering.

[codys]

I have a black bay 58 and absolutely love it. I wish they'd do a ceramic bracelet for the ceramic black bay

[AmirsZ]

Might be another off-base suggestion, but what about the Yachtmaster? The 16622's are still cheaper than a stainless sub from the more recent references. Sure, the platinum is easier to scratch than the ceramic bezel on the newer Sub's, the water resistance is also way lower, but if the watch isn't going to see anything deeper than an 8 foot pool, I think it wouldn't be too awful to "settle" (imagine using that word and "Rolex" in the same sentence lmao!) for a less recent Yachtmaster. Objectively, you're getting more precious metal in a hybrid dress/sport watch package.

[dcamnc]

The pelagos is my favorite dive watch, even over the sub.

[ricflair]

No matter how many alternatives that get recommended, it simply doesn’t replace my desire for a Sub/Date. I’d be absolutely happy to get a Sea Dweller with cyclops but that extra cash- whew!

[jefferyneu]

Now that I am in my 60’s, I like the cyclops. Maybe I don’t love the cyclops, but I love having the date magnified.

[treasurecoastgypsy]

Have you heard of the Ploprof, ? That's an alternative to all the unobtainable, or overpriced Rolex watches !

[Norman-mngp]

Others good divers in house movimient;
-Glashutte Original SeaQ
-Blancpain Bathyscaphe
-Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver
-IWC Navytimer
-Grand Seiko Sport Diver automatic

[watchman]

That’s a Black Bay Ceramic LOL. Black Bay Black was PVD or something.

[darrennicholas]

I would like to enter the contest but don’t have instagram can I enter I don’t have a watch

[cruxae]

So much talking but not a single wrist shot LOL

[grahamdavies]

Less talk, more shots of the watches please!

[rossmacdonald]

I like this channel but this guy always sounds too wound up!