Top 7 Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is globally recognised as one of the best luxury watches known to man. With slick design features and colourways, it is no secret that Rolex is very high up on the luxury watch pedestal.

But with a luxury watch comes a high price tag, so what are some alternatives to the Rolex Submariner with similar features and colourways?

Let's look at today's blog by Miltons Diamonds were we will go into detail about the Rolex Submariner and where you can find an alternative for your budget.

What Makes The Rolex Submariner So Popular?

The Rolex Submariner has been favoured by watch fanatics for years and was created as a diving watch.

This watch was launched in 1953 and was the first diver's wristwatch to be waterproof to a depth of 330ft! The watch features a graduated rotatable bezel and a luminous display that compliments the large hands and hour markers. The features of the Rolex Submariner have been a driving force in the creation of the wide range of Rolex diving watches that are available today.

Whilst the watch is the perfect choice to accompany a diver, why is it so popular amongst non-divers?The watch is so popular because of its iconic design. The design of the Submariner has remained the same for over 60 years making it instantly recognisable.

The design of the watch is timeless and this watch will never go out of style. Making it perfect for everyday wear or occasion wear. The watch is incredibly versatile and can be worn with any outfit. Since the watch is made for diving, it is of course waterproof. Most Submariners are waterproof for up to 300m.

Rolex used oyster steel in the creation of their Submariners, this is an in-house alloy that is anti-corrosive and provides a great finish and a touch of added luxury. For a Rolex Submariner, you can expect to pay anywhere between £10,000-£47,000 – however, it is difficult to put a price on quality when it comes to luxury timepieces.

We understand not everyone wants to spend that amount of money on a timepiece, so we have put together a detailed guide of all of the alternatives to a Rolex Submariner that you can take a look at for a smaller cost.

1- Rolex Sea-Dweller

Due to all the hype around the Rolex Submariner, the Sea Dweller often gets overlooked. The price of a Rolex Sea Dweller is higher than a Rolex Submariner but if you are buying your Sea Dweller pre-owned, you will likely pay around the same as you would pay for a Submariner.

The Sea-Dweller is an excellent timepiece and exceeds the Submariners waterproof by over triple. The Sea Dweller is waterproof for up to 4,000ft.

At Miltons Diamonds, we have a few Sea Dwellers available, including the Sea-Dweller Deep Sea 126660. This watch was made in honour of the famous film director James Cameron and this watch has become a favourite amongst watch enthusiasts.

It features luminous hour markers, a 44mm steel watch case and scratch-resistant sapphire glass.

2- Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

There has been a debate for years on which is better when it comes to Rolex and Omega, and both brands come quite close to first place.

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300m is a great alternative to the Rolex Submariner. The Seamaster combines functionality with elegance and may be a great addition to your watch collection.

Here at Miltons Diamonds, we have the Seamaster Diver 300m America's Cup Chronograph currently in stock.

This watch was created as the official timekeeper for the 36th America's Cup by Omega. The blue bezel is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass and is complimented by luminous hour markers.

3- Tudor Black Bay

Tudor is Rolex's sister brand and it is no secret that Tudor watches are of similar quality to Rolex. The Tudor Black Bay is a great alternative to the submariner as it offers a depth rating of 200ms. The vintage-style watch can be added to your collection for almost a quarter of the price!

This watch was manufactured in 2021 and is in mint condition. This Black Bay showcases a bold black dial, unidirectional navy blue rotatable bezel and luminous hand and hour markers.

We have Black Bay 79230B Blue Bezel ready to be shipped today!

4- Certina DS Action Diver

Now if you are looking for an almost identical-looking alternative for the Rolex Submariner for a small price, the Certina DS Action Diver may be for you. Certina has a huge range of accessible and adventurous timepieces.

The DS Action Diver is 43mm in diameter, which makes it slightly larger than the Submariner. This watch can handle up to 300m water resistance and is powered by a Powermatic 80 movement by ETA, providing an awesome 80-hour power reserve.

5- Oris Aquis Date

The Oris Aquis Date is another great alternative to the Rolex Submariner, especially if the features are the reason why you love the Submariner. The Aquis is Oris' updated version of their signature dive watch which came out in 2024.

The watch has a versatile and sporty feel making it the perfect suit for the ocean and the office. The thin hands and hour markers add a sharp finish to the watch.

6- Tissot Seastar 1000

The Tissot Seastar 1000 has a high resemblance to the Submariner without the high price tag and demand. There are many different colourways and sizes of this watch and you even have the option to go for a quartz movement.

All watch styles come with a ceramic insert bezel and a solid steel case with a 300m water resistance rating.

7- Seiko 1965 Heritage Diver 3-Day

This watch matches the water resistance of the Submariner by also being able to withstand 300m of water. This watch marked the start of a journey into diving reliability, safety and precision for Seiko.

The design is sophisticated, water resistant and has a brilliant power reserve. Featuring a steel case and a 'scuba' blue bezel, this watch is the perfect choice if you are looking for a Submariner alternative.

Why Choose Miltons Diamonds For Your Watch Needs?

When shopping for a new luxury item, you must choose reputable sellers, especially when shopping second-hand. At Miltons Diamonds you will rest assured that you are getting authentic products that are in the best condition and are valued at the best possible price.

Having traded in the luxury watch and jewellery industry for over 100 years, our team is experienced and knowledgeable in helping you shop. All of our products have been checked and tested by our experts to ensure our products are in the very best condition for sale.

We are a family-run business and both of our Merseyside stores are still run by the 4th generation of the Miltons family.

If you have any questions about our products or services please reach out and a member of our team will be happy to help you.