Feature: Affordable alternatives to the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable and sought-after luxury watches ever—which might explain its hefty price tag and notorious unavailability. If you spend your days longing after the Rolex Submariner with no avail, we have some news for you—you can get something almost identical for significantly less from some brilliant watchmakers. Interested? Good—let’s look at affordable alternatives to the Submariner which we think will tickle your fancy and save you some pennies.

Tudor Black Bay

Rolex’s sister brand Tudor has undoubtedly been influenced by the legendary status of its older sibling—put the Submariner and Tudor’s Black Bay side-by-side and it’s clear to see. Although the Tudor is cheaper, both use in-house movements—a recent point of focus for Tudor. However, differences lie in the materials used—Rolex boasts a scratch-resistant ceramic dial, Tudor uses aluminium. This is so it can stick to traditional designs of dive watches from the 1950s.

Breitling Superocean Automatic A17366

The Breitling Superocean is an icon and one of the brand’s most popular models. Featuring a stainless-steel case and bracelet and a bezel with a fluted, pie-pan edge, it’s pretty close to the Submariner while being more wallet-friendly. The large numbers 12, 6 and 9 set this piece apart from the Sub, as well as the numbers on the bezel itself. All in all, this is a great alternative from a well-known and respected watchmaker.

Longines Admiral 7464

Longines is certainly one of the more affordable luxury Swiss watch brands out there, and if you’re longing for a Submariner but it’s a little out of your price range, the Admiral will do just fine. Again, it comes in all steel with a date window, although this piece is water resistant to 200 metres, less than the more tolerant Submariner—although, how many of us would really need a water-resistant watch anyway?

Oris Aquis 733 7730 41 35 MB

This handsome piece from Oris is a neat little dive watch that offers a lot for the price. Similarities with the Submariner are the bezel, bracelet and case and the water resistance that matches Rolex’s 300 metres. Though very similar, small disparities lie with the date window which sits at 6 o’clock instead of three. Oris is a brand that has an aptitude for making great affordable dive watches and this Aquis is no exception.

Davosa Ternos Professional TT Automatic

You really could mistake this Davosa piece for the Rolex Submariner, they look uncannily similar! However, look at the price tag and availability and you’ll see a big difference. Costing just under £770 RRP, the Ternos offers possibly the closest thing to a Submariner that isn’t a Submariner, while still offering impressive specs such as water resistance to 500 metres—even more than Rolex’s 300 metres—a date window and a helium valve.

Omega Seamaster 300m 212.30.41.20.01.003

Hailed as one of the most iconic diving watches around, the Seamaster is certainly not one to be ignored. The Seamaster officially debuted in 1948 and by 1957 it was one of the most reliable and sought-after dive watches around, from any brand—pioneering many features we relate to such watches today, such as unidirectional bezels, phosphorescent hands and the helium escape valve. This model makes for a great alternative to the Submariner from arguably Rolex’s biggest rival.

Rado Captain Cook R32505208

From one of the lesser-known brands on the list—Rado—is this delightful Captain Cook. Inspired by the original from 1962, this up-to-date model features a hardy 80-hour power reserve. Aesthetically, it flaunts a navy-blue gradient dial and bezel, as well as a steel bracelet and case—making for a chic timepiece which offers a slice of the Submariner pie for a significantly smaller fee, of course.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer WBD2113.BA0928

This piece from Tag Heuer flaunts a handsome, understated monochrome style making it perfect for everyday wear. The stainless-steel case and bracelet blend seamlessly with the grey anthracite dial, decorated with a horizontal pattern of stripes, as well as a welcome pop of colour via the yellow text stating “calibre 5”, plus some more yellow on the head of the second hand. This is a watch suitable for all occasions and is perfect for those after a stylish piece from a well-known watchmaker.

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