Feature: 5 CHEAPER 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 cheaper from some brilliant watchmakers. Interested? Good—let’s look at five cheaper 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.
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