Tested: The Best Affordable Watch Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner

First introduced in 1953, the Rolex Submariner unequivocally stands as the most iconic and recognizable watch on the planet — as well as one of the most widely sought-after. Also representing the first dive watch to be waterproof down to 100 meters, the original Submariner has slowly evolved over the last roughly 70 years, however, it still maintains its instantly recognizable appearance, along with a world-class level of fit and finish that’s become synonymous with the Crown’s timepieces.

The fact that the watch’s demand hugely outweighs Rolex’s supply can make getting your hands on a genuine Submariner an immensely difficult feat — and that’s if you can even afford the Sub’s more than $9,000 starting price. And while we’ll be the first to admit that there really is no substitute for an actual Submariner, there are a handful of references that are visually quite similar to the Coronet company’s classic dive watch — our favorite of which we’ll be getting hands-on with today in this guide to the best affordable alternatives to the Rolex Submariner, with a rough $1,000 limit.

How We Tested

Like any watch guide, our mission is to deliver viable options that blend both utility and style. For this Submariner substitute guide, we looked at our favorite watchmakers in the world, focusing on models that had attributes comparable to those of the Rolex counterpart. This means water resistance, straightforward styling (for the most part), and reliable engines. We topped the list with a loose $1,000 cutoff point as well so that our selection could be extra meaningful to you, the reader.

After selecting our models for testing, we got hands-on with each and every one, spending days with each watch to see how it looked, felt, and performed. The results are detailed below.

Wrist Size: We should also mention that our tester has a wrist diameter of around 7″, so keep that in mind when comparing it to your own wrist.

What Makes the Submariner so Special?

Today, the Rolex Submariner is a bonafide horological icon, as well as quite possibly the most widely emulated watch design in history — both for good reason. One of the very first dive watches ever to hit the market, the original Submariner would soon come to largely define the seafaring watch segment as well as arguably the wider sports watch space as a whole. Though all commonplace today, stainless steel dive cases, matching steel bracelets, luminous handsets, and rotating timing bezels can all largely be traced back to the Submariner.

 A luxury status symbol through and through, the Sub has also been worn by an enormous variety of athletes, entertainers, and other high-profile celebrities and individuals, and has been featured extensively on the silver screen — factors that would further cement the Submariner’s already legendary status. Between being one of the world’s most instantly recognizable grail products and status symbols and boasting what’s widely considered to be one of the greatest industrial designs in history, it’s frankly unsurprising that the Submariner has directly inspired so many other modern dive watches. 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner

The Original Icon: While there are admittedly some fantastic Sub-like alternatives on the market, nothing even comes close to comparing to the real thing, which is why, if you can afford it, we’d always recommend going with the actual grail product.

And be sure to check out our in-depth Rolex Submariner review – which includes 4K video coverage.

$9,100 at Rolex

What to Look For

In order to shop for something with a similar appearance, it’s first crucial to grasp what visual elements come together to comprise the horological icon that is the Rolex Submariner. Below, we’ll briefly touch on each one of these areas. 

Case: Starting with the piece around which the rest of the watch is constructed, we have the Submariner’s case. This Maxi-style item consists of a rectangular housing that tapers towards its lugs and houses a large circular bezel and dial and a pronounced crown. 

Bracelet: Perfectly matching the case, the Submariner features a remarkably comfortable steel bracelet that features a staggered three-link configuration and is secured via one of Rolex’s Oysterlock clasps. 

Dive Bezel: Another indisputable hallmark trait of the Submariner is its iconic-looking dive bezel. This rotating item features an arrow-style marker at 12 o’clock that’s fitted with a lumed dot insert. 

Dial & Indices: Alongside featuring the word “Rolex” and the company’s coronet logo, some of the Sub’s dial’s other hallmark design cues are its use of baton-style indices at 6 and 9 o’clock (and a 3 o’clock on non-date references), an arrow-style marker at 12, and circular dot markers at every other hour, all of which have been generously coated in luminous paint — and have been widely emulated by other watchmakers

Hands: The Submariner’s handset is another iconic part of its overall design, and features an ultra-skinny seconds hand with a circular section two-thirds of the way up, along with a sword-style minute hand and the distinctive “Mercedes” hour hand. 

Casio Duro

Most of you know that Casio and affordability go hand-in-hand. As one of our favorite budget brands, the Japanese watchmaker has been doing their thing in the horological world for half a century now. While Casio does a superb job in the digital watch category, we like to give a nod to its Duro model. Known as the Marlin because of the fishy emblem on its dial and caseback, the classic analog timepiece can be considered a beater but it’s honestly more Submariner than you might think, especially with its 200m of water resistance. Combining both rugged durability and impressive technical specs at an accessible price point, this quartz timepiece is the perfect companion for those seeking a reliable diver that can handle tough conditions, but without breaking the bank.

With a 44.2mm stainless steel case, the Duro has a robust wrist presence and yet is relatively comfortable considering the bulk, thanks to the 12.1mm thickness and ergonomic case design. However, the stainless steel case and 49.3mm lug-to-lug still ensure that this is better suited for larger wrists. It wears much larger than other models in this guide but also didn’t feel out of place entirely on our tester’s 7-inch wrist. Under a scratch-resistant mineral glass that protects the watch from the banging and bumping of your daily rigor, the dial is highly legible with its clean design and visible markers and handset. The black dial contrasts beautifully with the white accents. This watch was really easy to read at a glance. On the other hand, we do wish the lume’s brightness were a bit more effective, especially compared to more premium options.

Timex Deepwater Reef 200 Titanium Automatic 41mm

When it debuted this past October, the Timex Deepwater Reef 200 Titanium seemed like it could be a leading candidate for the best sub-$500 automatic diver on the market. Not only does its grade 2 titanium case deliver a sleek aesthetic on the wrist but it brings the inherent lightweight properties of the metal as well. Not to mention, we absolutely love the lumed markers on the bezel, looking like divers ten times the price. With 200m of water resistance, the timepiece measures 41mm across and 13mm thick with a lug-to-lug of 47.5mm.

Under the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with AR coating, the Deepwater Reef houses a clean black dial and a dependable Miyota 8215 automatic movement. The watch maintains its own identity but the subtle nods to the Submariner are ever-present nonetheless, such as the cyclops date window and lumed markers on the face and bezel. However, while the bezel lume lit up quite nicely in total darkness, the glow on the skeletonized hands was a bit underwhelming. While we thought the embossed rubber strap provided a comfortable wearing experience on the wrist, some have complained that it’s bulky and stiff. Luckily, Timex lets you swap it out super easily thanks to the integrated quick-release mechanism.

Lorier Neptune

Made by a renowned microbrand, the unmistakably vintage-themed Lorier Neptune draws inspiration from early Submariner models, with a black dial with a broad arrow handset, a domed crystal, an unprotected over-sized crown, a thin 120-click aluminum coin edge bezel, a brushed flat link bracelet, and a marine-grade stainless steel case (and bracelet) construction — in this case 316L. Now on its fourth generation, this retro-inspired dive watch also sports some light Omega Seamaster 300 vibes that we thoroughly appreciate. At just under $500, the Neptune also offers some pretty incredible value, as the thing boasts a Miyota 90S5 automatic movement, Superluminova BGW9 lume, and a steel bracelet with screw pin-secured, fully-articulating solid links and a push-button clasp with a trio of micro-adjustment slots. Not to mention, it also has 200m of water resistance.

We love how satisfying the rotating bezel operated and how easy it was to make adjustments with the screw-down crown. But overall, the appearance of the watch is the most impressive feature, with a clean, legible dial and a retro flair that feels like you’re stepping back in time. It’s the kind of watch that gets noticed, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s so thoughtfully executed. It also wears exceptionally well with its 39mm diameter and mere 10.3mm thickness. While discussing Lorier and affordable Rolex alternatives, we should also mention that the New York micro brand also happens to make a fantastic vintage Pepsi-bezeled Rolex GMT-inspired model known as the Hyperion.

UNIMATIC U1 CLASSIC

Even the modern Submariner is largely based on a more than half-century-old design — a fact that makes this next Sub alternative so unique, as it puts a sleek and thoroughly contemporary spin on the Rolex diver. Christened the Unimatic U1 Classic — or “UC1” — this Italian-made dive watch sports a remarkably similar dial layout to the Submariner, however, the Sub’s baton at 6 o’clock is now oriented horizontally. Sitting under a double domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the matte black dial also comes outfitted with pale green-glowing Super-LumiNova C3 lume, and a matching phantom ladder handsset with a silver-tipped black reverse lollipop seconds hand. We really love the design language of all of Unimatic’s models, but the UC1 is remarkable for how distinct it looks despite its minimalist, sleek profile.

Paired with a heavy-duty Unimatic nylon NATO strap with custom hardware, the U1 Classic’s 41.5mm solid brushed 316 stainless steel case features a low-profile crown that sits flush with its guards and a black aluminum 120-click mono-directional dive bezel with a lumed dot insert. Modern yet minimalistic, the UC1 is kept ticking via an NH35A automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve and a hacking seconds hand. We were really impressed by the 300m of water resistance, which is typically reserved for more high-end divers. And while this could have made the watch feel too bulky, the UC1 was actually quite comfortable on the wrist thanks to the curved case that hugs the wrist and the 13.6mm thickness. Nevertheless, this watch feels purposeful on the wrist and maintains a commanding presence. Together, the design elements make for a diver that’s as at home in the water as it is with a casual outfit.

TISSOT SEASTAR 1000 POWERMATIC 80

A downsized 40mm iteration of the Swiss heritage brand’s 43mm Seastar model, this Tissot is much closer to the Submariner than ever while still offering absolutely stellar bang for your buck, punching well above its weight in terms of both features and fit and finish. With the smaller case size comes a lower water resistance, which is perfectly fine considering the 600m of the 43mm version was perhaps too impractical for most wearers. Yet it’s still impressive at 300m and retains the fan-favorite Powermatic 80 automatic movement, with the 80 hours of power reserve.

Blending Swiss craftsmanship, reliable performance, and stylish design, the Seaster 1000 offers a polished yet sporty aesthetic that can handle both aqueous activities and formal outings equally. The see-through caseback only adds to the sophistication. We really love the look of the stainless steel bracelet with its blend of finishing, but mostly for its ability to give us on-the-fly micro-adjustments, which is difficult to find on most bracelet options. The watch is also much more wearable with its 46mm lug-to-lug and 12.7mm thickness, while never losing the balanced wrist presence that suits both small and large wrists. If you’re seeking a Rolex Submariner alternative with serious pedigree, the Seastar 1000 delivers a compelling package.

Certina DS Action Diver 43mm

In our humble opinion, one of the most underrated watch brands on the market is Certina. Although the Swiss firm has a history dating back to 1888, it wasn’t until 1959 that they birthed the DS Concept, a timepiece that put the company on the map with its extreme shock resistance, 200m of water resistance, and automatic movement. Today, the DS Action Diver is our favorite, housing a Powermatic 80 movement (just like the Tissot) with an impressive 80 hours of power reserve inside its 43mm titanium case. Robust and hefty, it’s also been leveled up to an ISO-6425-certified 300m of water resistance compared to vintage models.

Sitting a bit larger on the wrist, the timepiece has a 52mm lug-to-lug and 13.1mm thickness. However, the titanium construction allows it to feel much lighter all things considered. The material extends to the unidirectional bezel, fitted with a polished black ceramic insert and lumed pip at the arrow up top, which accompanies the oversized arrow hands and indices within, coated in Super-LumiNova BGW9. Oozing with retro appeal, the watch also features tan-colored hour markers and a 60-minute flange track around the outside of the dial. Lastly, the watch features a 3-link matte titanium bracelet with a diver extension for fitting around your sleeves if necessary, especially when actually diving.

SEIKO PROSPEX SPB143

The Seiko Prospex SPB143 is a unique alternative to the Submariner in that, even though it may appear to be loosely modeled after the Sub, it’s actually a modernized reissue of the Japanese watch brand’s 62MAS model from 1965, which not only marked Seiko’s first dive watch but also the first-ever Japanese dive watch to hit the market. One of numerous contemporary iterations of iconic dive watches from the company’s history alongside its Turtle and Tuna-cased counterparts, the Prospex SPB143 is constructed around a 40.5mm stainless steel case with a super-hard coating that sports a similar profile to that of the Submariner, though also boasts a vastly-different dial setup with LumiBrite-adorned hands and beefy baton-style indices at every hour against a black background. The dial is also encompassed by a unidirectional rotating black dive bezel. At the heart of the watch is a Seiko Caliber 6R35 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve, as well.

Known as the poor man’s Rolex, Seiko has plenty of fantastic options we could’ve gone with here, like ones from the 5 Sport line or the now-discontinued SKX, but we loved the Prospex SPB143 for its understated styling, no-nonsense design, and fantastic proportions. It doesn’t try to mimic the Submariner but instead offers its own unique take on the classic dive watch formula. We love how wearable the 40.5mm case is thanks to the ergonomic lugs, the 13.2mm thickness, and the 47.6mm lug-to-lug, striking a harmonious balance between vintage-inspired compactness and modern versatility. You can wear this in nearly any occasion, just like the Submariner. Seiko doesn’t attempt to bring superfluous water resistance to the watch, helping to keep the sizing at a moderate level. However, you still get 200m of depth rating, which is more than enough.

TUDOR BLACK BAY 54

Drawing on the ‘50s and ‘60s era timepieces from Tudor’s archives, the Tudor Black Bay 54 is a vintage-inspired dive watch from a Swiss brand that’s not only Rolex’s sister company, but one that also used actual Rolex Submariner cases for its first dive watch in 1954 — reasons that should make it abundantly clear why the BB54 is such an ideal alternative to an actual Sub (in fact, the watch was originally called the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner), and that’s before you even consider the fact that the Tudor diver comes in at half the Sub’s price. This is all why we were more than willing to stretch our $1,000 cap a bit to feature this de facto Submariner alternative.

Part of the brand’s Heritage Black Bay lineup, bringing more modern updates to the diver in 2012, the 54 is modeled after their original 7922 (hence the name) and sports a conservative 37mm case. With 11.2mm of thickness and a 46mm lug-to-lug, the stainless steel housing keeps a low profile on the wrist and is more vintage-styled than most of the models you see here –– especially the actual Submariner which has typically been offered in 40mm and 41mm sizes. Inside the BB54 is Tudor’s Caliber MT5400 automatic movement with an impressive 70-hour power reserve that ticks at 4Hz, impressively matching the performance of larger models but in a smaller case. Alongside the type of fit and finish one would expect from a world-class watchmaker, the watch also features a gorgeous matte black dial outfitted with gilt hands and sitting under a generously domed sapphire crystal. We can’t get enough of the dial’s contrast, as well as the authentic mid-century styling cues. The bracelet’s faux rivets are undoubtedly the watch’s most divisive design decision, though we happen to be in the camp that appreciates this element. And the brand’s T-Fit system is one of our favorites for performing micro-adjustments on the fly.

Read our Tudor Black Bay 54 watch review here.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m

Honorable Mention: Although we did have a $1,000 cap for this guide, we couldn’t leave without mentioning one of the most iconic divers of all time –– and one that’s nearly half the price of the Submariner. The Omega Seamaster is a legend in the watch world and if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the Rolex, regardless of price, there’s simply no better option. Powered by the brand’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8800 automatic, the 42mm stainless steel case boasts 300m of water resistance and is surrounded by a quintessential 60-minute bezel. As for the dial, the distinct numeral-free dial has become iconic and imitated countless times, while the wave pattern brings the distinct oceanic aesthetic. From the robust technical specifications to the sleek and stylish design, this 300m diver is undeniably one of the coolest and most enduring options out there. There’s no doubt why Omega is the watch of choice for James Bond himself.

Read our Omega Seamaster Professional 300m dive watch review here.

Tested: The Best Beater Watches

If your focus is on affordability, it won’t get any more economical than the ones in our guide to the best beater watches.