In the world of watches, the Rolex Submariner is truly a legend. With a history spanning over six decades, the Submariner has seen other designs come and go, yet this classic Rolex has stood the test of time, remaining fashionable and functional throughout those sixty-something years, an impressive feat to say the least.
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The Rolex Submariner
Changes to the Rolex Submariner through the years have been subtle, helping it to retain its instantly recognizable profile, however that is not to say they haven’t been significant. Ever since its inception, the Submariner has been an inspiration to watchmakers around the world.
Model: 116610LN
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Rolex Calibre 3135
Band: Stainless Steel Oyster
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Best Budget Rolex Submariner Homages
Invicta Mako Pro Diver
The Invicta Mako Pro Diver 8926OB on appearance alone, is a very strong Rolex Submariner homage, although the similarities don’t stop there. Both watches feature 40mm cases, stainless steel construction, unidirectional ratcheted bezels and cyclops date magnifiers at the 3 o’ clock position.
Some may even prefer the exhibition case back of the Invicta, which shows off the automatic Japanese movement, compared to the plain stainless case back of the Rolex.
The Pro Diver is water resistant to an impressive 200m, and to ensure that it stays put if you do take it in the water, the bracelet is secured by way of a deployant clasp.
Model: 8926OB
Movement: Automatic
Engine: SII Caliber NH35A
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Parnis Submariner
Fanmis and Reginald are just re-branded Parnis watches. This diver is branded as Reginald, which includes a crown, most likely to mimic the Rolex logo. The Parnis Submariner is an extremely low-budget Submariner homage.
Quality is always a concern when you get to this low of a price, but for the most part the Parnis Submariner is satisfactory. You can definitely tell why this watch can be purchased so cheaply; it is not suitable for diving, or even a shower for that matter, as it is only water resistant to 30 meters. It is driven by a generic quartz movement and the crown does not screw down.
Model: PN K66
Movement: Quartz
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 30 meters / 100 feet
Alpha Submariner
The Alpha Submariner is a high-quality, low-budget Rolex Submariner look-alike. Visually speaking, aside from the branding, the Alpha is nearly identical to the Rolex.
You can’t do much better at this price-point if you are looking for an automatic Submariner homage. The Alpha Submariner is available in black, blue, and green bezel and dial combinations.
Model: MA507G-SG2806-BLACK
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Miyota Calibre 8215 or Seagull TY2806
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 50 meters / 165 feet
Best Entry-Level Rolex Submariner Alternatives
Orient Ray II
Orient are widely known for their affordable, high-quality automatic watches. The Orient Ray II continues this trend with a Submariner-like appearance and solid technical specs. It features 200m water resistance, day/date function, a 120 click unidirectional bezel and a slick Japanese automatic movement.
The Orient is slightly wider than the Rolex, measuring in at 41mm across. Its lugs taper in towards the bracelet, giving a more flush look than the Submariner; a subtle difference that helps the Orient design stand up on its own. This Orient Submariner is definitely more than just a Submariner look-alike.
Model: FAA02004B9
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Orient Calibre F6922
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41.5 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Seiko SNZF17 “Sea Urchin”
Seiko, much like Rolex has a long history of watchmaking experience. The Seiko “Sea Urchin” shows many similarities to the Submariner, from the classic black dial and bezel, to the Oyster style bracelet.
The “Seiko Submariner” is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable Rolex Submariner alternative. The one stark distinction between the two is that the Seiko features day/date with no magnification, compared to the cyclops date only window on the Rolex.
The Seiko 5 SNZF17 is a little bigger than the Rolex, measuring 42mm across the case. It is powered by an in-house automatic Japanese movement.
Model: SNZF17
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Seiko Caliber 7S36
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Casio MDV106-1A
The Casio MDV106-1A is very basic, yet extremely affordable, Rolex Submariner alternative. It sits on a rubber dive strap vs. the stainless steel bracelet of the Submariner. The case itself is very similar to the Rolex, with the biggest difference being its size; a massive 44mm!
The Casio has a Japanese quartz movement, providing low maintenance and accurate timekeeping qualities. It has a unidirectional bezel and a 200m water resistance rating, making this a useful dive ‘tool watch’. There is a date window at 3 o’ clock as on the Rolex, however there is no magnification on the Casio.
Model: MDV106-1A
Movement: Quartz
Band: Resin Strap
Case Size: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 201 meters / 660 feet
Deep Blue Master 1000
The Deep Blue Master 1000 is a solid all around dive watch. It is water resistant to 300 meters and has a 120 click unidirectional bezel. There is a non-magnified date window at the 3 o’clock position.
The Master 1000 is available in several color combinations including, red, blue, green, “pepsi”, “coke”, “batman”, and black. For this reason it is a great alternative to the more colorful Submariner models.
Model: MAS1KBLKORGSEC
Movement: Automatic
Engine: TMI Caliber NH35
Band: Black silicon strap
Case Size: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Citizen Promaster
The Citizen Promaster pays homage to the classic Rolex Submariner without any obvious attempts at imitation. It features a sporty rubber strap secured by a standard buckle.
The Citizen is powered by the famous Eco-Drive Japanese quartz movement, which takes its power from exposure to light, never needing a battery replacement.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster has a 3 o’ clock date window, a unidirectional bezel and checks the ‘real dive watch’ box with its 200m water resistance rating. A blue dial variant is available in the Citzen Eco-Drive Promaster BN0191-55L.
Model: BN0190-07E
Movement: Eco-Drive
Engine: Citizen Caliber Eco-Drive E168
Band: Rubber Strap
Case Size: 45 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Best Mid-Range Rolex Submariner Homages
Steinhart Ocean One Ceramic
The Steinhart Ocean One Ceramic is the best Rolex Submariner homage, hands down. The Ocean One is a Swiss made dive watch with an ETA 2824-2 Elaboré automatic movement.
It has all the features that make more than just another Submariner look-alike. The Ceramic model has a beautiful and durable ceramic bezel insert. The crown is screw down, the end links are solid, rather than hollow, and the sapphire glass is double coated with anti-reflective coatings.
The lume is Super-LumiNova C1 which provides excellent low light performance and the case is water resistant to 300 meters.
An aluminum bezel insert version (103-0680) can be bought for about $35 less than the ceramic.
Model: 103-0681
Movement: Automatic
Engine: ETA 2824-2 Elaboré
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Stuhrling Regatta 792
The Stuhrling Regatta 792 fits the bill as a Rolex Submariner homage. Branding aside, at first glance there is very little difference in appearance (if any) to the Submariner, even down to the ‘Mercedes’ hands.
To find the biggest visual difference between the Rolex and the Stuhrling you’ll have to look at the back; the Regatta features a glass display case back, showing off its automatic movement.
The Regatta has a 42mm case, a unidirectional bezel with deep notches, and is water resistant to a dive watch standard 200m.
Model: 792Z.01
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Miyota
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Shield Costeau
The Shield Cousteau is a Swiss quartz watch with a water resistance rating of 500 meters. The looks are unmistakably similar to the Submariner, aside from the wave textured dial.
The Shield Cousteau is paired to a suede leather strap and is available with a few different bezel color combinations.
Model: SH0804
Movement: Quartz
Band: Suede overlaid black leather strap
Case Size: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
Best Mid-Range Rolex Submariner Alternatives
Glycine Combat Sub 42 GL0083 / GL0076
The Glycine Combat line has been in existence since the early 1960’s. As the name suggests, the Glycine Combat sub is designed to be a workhorse in the toughest of conditions.
This is the best automatic alternative to the Rolex Submariner for those looking for an affordable, Swiss made watch with a look of its own. There are several band, color, and size variations of the Combat Sub, including a 48 mm version, the Combat Sub 48.
Model: GL0076
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Calibre GL224
Band: Stainless steel bracelet / NATO Strap
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Hamilton Khaki Navy
The Hamilton Khaki Navy is very similar to the Submariner in the case, bezel and bracelet, in addition both watches are Swiss made with automatic movements.
The face, however, has a style all of its own. Unlike the plain dial markers on the Rolex, the Hamilton has small 24 hour Arabic numerals, and chunky 3, 6, 9 & 12 o’clock markings.
It has a non-magnified date window between the 4 and 5 o’ clock positions and a red-tipped second hand as well.
The Hamilton Khaki Navy might be the perfect choice if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Rolex Submariner that shows some originality whilst still bearing some resemblance to the classic Rolex.
Model: H82335131
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Hamilton Calibre H-10
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Mido Ocean Star Captain
The Mido Ocean Star Captain is another Swiss made automatic alternative to the Submariner. The biggest differences between the two are that the Ocean Star Captain has a thinner bezel, a day-date window, uniform rectangular hour markers, and more modern hands. The automatic movement, Mido Calibre 80, is named for its 80 hour power reserve.
The Ocean Star Captain is available in a black dial, blue dial, and also a grey dial variant with a titanium case.
Model: M026.430.11.051.00
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Mido Calibre 80
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42.5 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Certina DS Action Diver Powermatic 80
The Certina DS Action Diver Powermatic 80 gets its name from the 80 hour power reserve featured in its Swiss made movement. The color accents on the second hand, the lack of a cyclops, and the uneven bezel grip help to create a more modern appearance on this dive watch.
Model: C032.407.11.051.00
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Powermatic 80.111
Band: Stainless steel bracelet with diving extension
Case Size: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Longines HydroConquest
The Longines HydroConquest has enough distinct features to set it apart from the Rolex Submariner. However, it is still a Swiss made, black dial, automatic dive watch with a water resistance rating of 300 meters, making it a great alternative. The blocky 12, 9, and 6 o’clock numbers give the HydroConquest a more modern feel.
Model: L3.742.4.56.6
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Longines Calibre L619/888
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Seiko Prospex SBDC051
The Seiko Prospex SBDC051 is an excellent alternative to the Submariner. It is a perfect example of Japanese craftsmanship. This Seiko sets itself apart from the lower end Seikos because of its high quality, milled, solid stainless steel. This watch has noticeably more heft to it than a standard Seiko 5 model.
The bezel has a smooth action akin to the Submariner. This is is a watch that is just a tier under the Grand Seiko line.
Model: SBDC051
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Seiko 6R15
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42.5 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Deep Blue Master 500
The Deep Blue Master 500 is a Swiss automatic watch with striking similarities to the Rolex Submariner. The key difference between the two would be the hands and the hour markings. Aside from that the Master 500 is an excellent alternative to the Submariner and it is available in a few different color options, including a faux-patina vintage color.
Model: M50042BLACKOM
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Sellita Caliber SW200
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
Bulova Marine Star
The Bulova Marine Star is a classic Rolex Submariner alternative. Made with high quality brushed stainless steel, giving a similar visual appearance to the Rolex, the Bulova also features a dive-marked unidirectional bezel, again just like the Rolex.
The Marine Star’s bezel has much shallower notches than the Submariner, this slight variation gives a fairly distinct look to the Bulova. It is a larger watch, measuring 43mm across. It also features a non-magnified date window at 3 o’ clock.
Model: 98B203
Movement: Quartz
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Raymond Weil Tango
The Raymond Weild Tango is a Swiss quartz watch with excellent build quality. The dial is very minimal and features a subtle concentric ring pattern on the outer half. The date window is non-magnified.
Model: 8260-ST1-20001
Movement: Quartz
Engine: ETA SA F06.111
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Best High End Rolex Submariner Homages
Squale 1545 Series
Squale is a brand known for making professional diving watches and dive watch components since the early 1950’s. The Squale 1545 is an automatic Rolex Submariner homage that offers a refined, classic look at an affordable price.
The Squale uses all Swiss parts. The lume is Super-LumiNova and the crystal is domed sapphire. The date can come magnified or non-magnified, depending on the specific model.
Model: 1545
Movement: Automatic
Engine: ETA 2824-2
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet (some models are higher)
Davosa Ternos
The Davosa Ternos is a Swiss made Submariner homage with an automatic movement and a ceramic bezel insert. The crystal is sapphire and features an anti-glare coating. The Ternos is available with or without the cyclops. The lume is Super-LumiNova.
With a water resistance of 500 meters, and a helium valve this is a true dive watch.
Model: Various
Movement: Automatic
Engine: DAV2824
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
Heritor Pytheas
The Heritor Pytheas is a Rolex Submariner homage with a couple of interesting features. First is the crown lock, and second is the carbon fiber textured dial. Both of these are a nice touch that sets the Pytheas apart from other homages. Aside from these features, the second hand, and the branding, the Pytheas is a Rolex Submariner look-alike through and through.
Model: HR2102
Movement: Automatic
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Premium Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner
Oris Aquis
The Oris Aquis is a fantastic automatic dive watch. This Swiss-made time piece definitely borrows inspiration from the Submariner but has plenty of unique characteristics of its own. The dial is available in black or a blue sunburst. The bracelet is very similar to the Oyster bracelet found on the Rolex.
Model: 01 733 7730 4154-07 8 24 05PEB
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Oris Calibre 733
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 43.5 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Oris Hammerhead
The Oris Hammerhead is very similar to the Oris Aquis. However, it is a bit larger, offers a day-date window, and has a higher water resistance rating. The blue seconds hand is also a nice touch.
Model: 01 752 7733 4183-SET MB
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Oris Calibre 752
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 45.5 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
The Tag Heuer Aquaracer offers excellent value for a high quality Swiss-made dive watch. The Aquaracer definitely has a more modern feel than the Rolex Submariner, with its angular bezel edges, and its yellow accents. The horizontally textured dial gives this automatic Rolex Submariner alternative a more contemporary look as well.
Model: WAY101A.BA0746
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Tag Heuer Calibre 5
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Ultra Premium Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner
Tudor Black Bay
Some might refer to the Tudor Black Bay as the ultimate Rolex Submariner alternative. The Tudor brand was in fact started by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, as a line that his agents could sell alongside Rolex watches at a more affordable price point.
With a 41mm case, the Black Bay is slightly wider than the Submariner, but retains the same overall Oyster form. The Tudor’s dial is strikingly similar to the Submariner, although the snowflake hands give this dive watch a unique look of its own.
Much like the Submariner, the Black Bay Heritage uses an in-house automatic Swiss movement.
Model: 79230N
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Tudor Calibre MT5602
Band: “Rivet” Steel Bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
Tudor Pelagos
The Tudor Pelagos is another Swiss-made Submariner alternative. It is obviously more expensive than any other watch on this list, but it is still available for well under half the price of a Rolex Submariner. The all-titanium Pelagos is available with a black or blue dial.
The Tudor Pelagos is also available in left-hand drive, which is definitely a desirable option for lefty watch enthusiasts.
Model: 25600TN
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Tudor Calibre MT5612
Band: Titanium Bracelet (Rubber Strap Included)
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
Bell & Ross Diver
The Bell & Ross Diver is an interesting Rolex Submariner alternative. It features the iconic Bell & Ross screws at each corner of the rectangular case. The rubber strap, case screws, orange hour hand, and “lock” crown text give the Bell & Ross a truly military inspired look.
Model: BR0392-D-BL-ST/SRB
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Bell and Ross Calibre BR-CAL.302
Band: Woven rubber strap
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Breitling Superocean II 42
Breitling’s most well known watch is the Navitimer, however, the Breitling Superocean II is a fantastic automatic dive watch with a unique look of its own. The Arabic numerals and the red tipped second hand give this watch a more military feel than the Rolex Submariner. The twisting bracelet links are also a very interesting feature and definitely sets the Superocean II apart from the Rolex and its classic Oyster style bracelet.
Model: A17365C9-BD67-161A
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Breitling Calibre 17
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
Omega Seamaster Professional
The Omega Seamaster Professional is an excellent alternative to the Submariner as it is undoubtedly the second most famous dive watch in existence. It can also be bought for around a quarter of the price of the Rolex Submariner.
If you prefer the look of the Seamaster to the Submariner, there are some excellent Omega Seamaster homage alternatives available.
Model: 212.30.41.20.01.003
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Omega Calibre 2500
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
Last Updated on November 11, 2021 by The Upgreater