The Rolex Submariner is, without a doubt, the most well-known watch in the world. It has become the go-to luxury sports watch, and the first watch that people think of when they think of a dive watch, thanks to its legendary reputation.
The Submariner has had a tremendous effect on the sports and dive watch industries, and has become synonymous with diving watches. As a result, many other manufacturers have taken notice of the renowned Submariner’s design and drawn influence from it. Many individuals dream of owning a Submariner because of its legendary status. Others, who are planning to get their first luxury sports watch, are naturally drawn to the Submariner as the first choice.
However, due to the Rolex Submariner’s broad popularity and continuing appeal, obtaining one has become a tough (and costly) undertaking. Authorized dealers all around the world have multi-year waiting lists for this extremely popular model, and even the cheapest Rolex Submariner references from 20-30 years ago would set you back at least five figures on the used market. So, if you like the Submariner’s main concept but want something at a little more reasonable price point (or just a little different), keep reading for a deeper look at the finest Rolex Submariner alternatives.
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Rolex Submariner Affordable Alternatives
Stuhrling Depthmaster 3940
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 8215
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Price: Around $250
The Stuhrling Depthmaster 3940 is a great option as a Rolex Submariner alternative. The 42 mm case width is perfect for most wrist sizes, and the transparent caseback is an additional bonus for watch lovers who are interested in watch movements.
The watch has a classic dive watch look. Black dial and black bezel with brushed stainless steel case and bracelet. A classy choice that can be dressed up, but it can function as your everyday timepiece as well.
Casio Men’s Duro Analogue MDV106-1A
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Around $50
Whether you are a surfer looking for a reliable way to track time while chasing the waves, or just want a good quality watch that will be your best friend no matter what adventure you embark upon, the Duro Analogue is not going to let you down. We love the black resin band and stainless steel look, and the contrasting dial markings ensure excellent visibility underwater, or in low light conditions.
Timex Navi XL 41 mm
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Price: Under $150
The Timex Navi XL combines design elements from the brand’s first diver-style watches with a 21-jewel automatic movement, ensuring that your watch stays ticking as long as you do. The blue dial, green hour marks, and stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating top ring give a new interpretation on this historic design.
Intrigued by the automatic movement? Well, there’s another surprise for you: an exhibition case back! A great choice.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD93
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: 4R36
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 42.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Price: Under $200
Reliable and high quality automatic movement at a reasonable price point? Count us in. The Seiko 5 sports is a great choice by any standard; the moderate case size and the 4 o’clock crown positioning ensures a comfortable everyday wear, and we just love the deep blue color of the dial and bezel. High visibility is a must when it comes to good dive watches, and this one delivers with the contrasting cream colored hour markings.
Citizen Eco Drive PROMASTER Diver, BN0150-28E
Specs:
- Movement: Eco-Drive
- Caliber: E168
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Around $250
Citizen’s watches with the Eco-Drive movement use light as a source powering them– whether natural or artificial. The energy is then stored in a rechargeable lithium-ion cell that can be charged continuously. You never have to worry about batteries again. The Promaster Diver is a great, classically designed dive watch with a durable polyurethane strap. A functional, practical choice that also happens to look great.
Orient Kanno
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: F6922
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $200
The large case size on the Kanno by Orient is sure to make a statement, although due to the darker hues of the dial and bezel, the overall appearance is quite understated. This watch has a great automatic movement and a power reserve of 40 hours. It really speaks for itself with not much to add, except that it is a reliable, functional choice. The silicone strap ensures a comfortable wear for every day.
Spinnaker Hull Diver (Cognac Brown)
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NH35
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Price: Under $400
The Spinnaker Hull Diver does a beautiful job of fusing vintage elements with modern edge, resulting in this eye-catching dive watch that is sure to attract compliments. The deep brown color of the dial and bezel is cleverly contrasted with a brushed stainless steel case with softly rounded corners. The reliable NH35 automatic movement and the mesmerizing sweeping second hand will keep you punctual, while the watch itself is guaranteed to keep you stylish.
Undone Aqua 316L Steel
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NH35
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Price: Under $500
High-capacity, high-performance. With its automated winding mechanism, sapphire crystal, and better personalization possibilities, the 43mm UNDONE Aqua tool watch is a timepiece every dive watch enthusiast should consider. The Aqua II watches have the very reliable NH35A automatic movement provided by Seiko.
Read our UNDONE brand review.
Rolex Submariner Alternatives: Entry-Level Luxury to Luxury Brands
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: H-10
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Price: Under $1,000
The Khaki Navy Scuba is Inspired by the design and function of traditional dive watches, while incorporating modern elements to make it a truly classic timepiece. Its unidirectional rotating bezel, excellent build, and simple readability provide consistent functionality, while essential features take it to the next level. For more information, read our in-depth Khaki Navy Scuba review.
Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Price: Under $500
The Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick is an absolute winner: reliable quartz movement, brushed stainless steel case (for that understated, timeless look), and a beautiful deep blue dial behind a sapphire crystal dial window. In the true spirit of classic Swiss watchmaking, it is a practical choice: wear it to the office, take it on a hiking adventure, or plunge into the ocean wearing the Maverick on your wrist.
Tissot Seastar 1000
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Powermatic 80
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Price: Around $600
The Tissot Seastar 1000 is the ultimate water sport watch, with its high water-resistance, and screw-down crown, as well as its unidirectional ceramic bezel. The Powermatic 80 movement boasts 80 hours of power reserve, which is enough to continue telling time accurately even if the watch is not worn for three days.
Alpina Seastrong HSW - Smart watch features
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 45.5 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
- Price: Under $1,000
The Alpina Seastrong is similar in design to a classic dive watch, but comes with extra features that are pretty unique to this watch. The perfect watch for the adventuring types, it counts your steps and even has call and message notifications. A perfect blend between a classic and a smart watch, it IS possible to have the perks of a smartwatch without the tech-y look.
The model featured here has a black rubber strap, orange aluminum bezel and black dial in a fiber glass case.
Mido Ocean Star GMT
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Mido Caliber 80
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $1,000
Mido’s Ocean Star is a good looking, functional timepiece with an added GMT function showing you accurate time in two different time zones. As a nice finishing touch, on the back of the beautiful blue and black dial you will find a map of time zones across the world. Excellent option for the active or aspiring world traveler.
Oris Aquis Titanium Date
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Oris 733 (base SW 200-1)
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 43.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Price: Under $2,000
We love the understated elegance of the gray elements combined with the rugged sporty look of the silicone strap. The deep black color of the dial pulls it all together just perfectly.
The model featured here has a black rubber strap, orange aluminum bezel and black dial in a fiber glass case.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Price: Under $2,000
Not that we pick favorites, but the Aquaracer has a special place in our hearts. The comparatively smaller case size (43mm) makes it a very comfortable wear, yet due to its clean design the dial remains perfectly readable at a glance. The stainless steel rotating bezel has a slightly angular shape, which gives it a very cool, masculine look.
Reading in low light or under water is made easier by special luminescence markers on the hands and indexes, as well as a yellow-tipped center hand. At 3 o’clock, the angled date aperture is enlarged.
You can absolutely not go wrong with this classic.