Dr. N.
Il Rolex Submariner it is certainly the reference diving watch in the world of luxury sports. This timepiece, born in 1954, has been treading the underwater watchmaking scene on the wrists of diving professionals, film actors and celebrities for over sixty years. Thanks to its quality and an excellent promotion work by Rolex, Submariner today it has risen to status symbol, reaching prices at the top of the segment.
Anyone wishing to wear a luxury timepiece on their wrist, made with great care, but more affordable than a Rolex Submariner, where should he orient himself?
We have chosen for you three luxury diving watches which may be valid alternatives to the Rolex Submariner. Each of these watches has quality, strength, style and of course water resistance comparable to that of a Rolex Submariner.
The alternative to the Rolex Submariner par excellence: Omega Seamaster
The Omega Seamaster undoubtedly represents the number one rival of the Rolex Submariner. Repeating a rivalry between the two houses similar to that between the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster chronographs, the Omega Seamaster is Omega's proposal in the field of diving watches. This timepiece, characterized by more dynamic lines than those of the Rolex Submariner, integrates in many of its versions an additional screw-down crown, at 10 o'clock, which acts as a helium valve.
Omega also offers its Seamaster in a version inspired by the original 1957 model, theOmega Seamaster 300, which can be a valid alternative for those who appreciate more classic lines and vintage, but does not want to give up Omega's technological innovation. The whole Omega Seamaster line is in fact equipped with the innovative Co-Axial escapement, completely non-magnetic thanks to the use of silicon in the balance spring.
The “domestic” rival: Tudor Black Bay
Since the beginning of its history, the Tudor brand has been the accessible alternative to its own parent company: Rolex. Anyone who buys a Tudor knows they are buying a product made according to the quality standards that Rolex has accustomed us to, without however the “weight”, of image and price, of the House of the Crown.
The Tudor Black Bay, presented in its first version in 2012, is both a return to the past and an example of innovation. Initially equipped with ETA ebauches, currently the Tudor Black Bays feature Tudor in-house movements, equipped with silicon balance springs that guarantee superior resistance to magnetic fields compared to traditional ones. This innovation is combined with a vintage exterior, inspired by diving watches from the seventies.
The Tudor Black Bay 58, whose reduced diameter -39 millimeters compared to 41 of the “normal” model - makes it easily portable even by those with a not very large wrist.
Breitling Superocean: for those who love large sizes
The Breitling Superocean is perhaps a less well-known model than Breitling's classic, the Navitimer; however, it is a quality diving watch, very robust and reliable. As usual Breitling - a company that has always turned its gaze to professional users, who need immediate readability in all conditions - the dimensions of these watches are not for thin wrists: they range from 42 to 48 millimeters, passing through all intermediate measures, in "jumps" of 2 mm.
Fortunately, Breitling has also thought of the ladies and those who appreciate compact diameters: the Breitling Superocean has in fact been made available in a 36 mm version.
Which one is right for me?
We have seen three quality alternatives to the Rolex Submariner for less than five thousand euros.
The traditional rival, theOmega Seamasters, which for decades has been confronting the Submariner.
The new inspired by the past, the Tudor Black Bay, on the market for a few years but already appreciated by many admirers.
The competitor you don't expect, the Breitling Super Ocean, suitable for those who appreciate large diameters.
