Posted on

Omega Seamaster and Rolex Submariner

There is a time when professional divers look at their equipment and decide it’s time for an upgrade. Whenever one is putting their life at risk, one has to weigh the benefits of investing in some heavy-duty gear.

A diving watch is no exception and there are many watches for divers on the market that are worth a look. This article will weigh the pros and cons of choosing from two luxury watch brands that produce the most popular diving watches.

For the sake of simplicity, let’s benchmark the Replica Omega Seamaster watch VS Rolex Submariner replica watch . NOTE: These are both excellent watches but let’s see which one is the best watch for you.

As you can see from the above picture, the Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Submariner are both great looking divers watchesand have a place on your wrist when you’re dressed up or dressed down.

For your convenience, you can examine any of these collections in a new window by clicking on the buttons below otherwise proceed with the comparison.

Take the Omega Seamaster watch for example. It comes from a well-respected and long-established Swiss watchmaker whose name is up there with the likes of brands like Rolex. These two brands are often head to head with their latest diver’s watches.

While both brands produce movements that are dependable and built to be rock-solid, the Omega Seamaster is said to be more legible underwater with more luminous fill but has a slightly lower power reserve if compared to the Submariner.

In addition, it is more affordable. At about only half the price, there is a substantial price difference between the Omega Seamaster Professional 300m and the Rolex Submariner.

PLEASE NOTE: This article was originally written for the Seamaster Diver 300m and it had since been updated to show the details for the new 2018 Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer series.

Another great article in our blog compares the Seamaster 300m older model to the 2018 model; the Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer and can be found here.

You’ll notice the Seamaster featured here has a date window but the Submariner doesn’t. That’s because the Sub in the above image is Rolex reference 114060. There are several models of Rolex Subs that have the date function and their trademark Cyclops magnifier lens.

There are some that prefer the appearance of Omega’s date windows since they find the Cyclops magnifier a bit distracting but then again, there are those who absolutely love it. You have to decide for yourself.

Functionality
An excellent choice for a diver’s watch and is used by diving professionals around the world
Antimagnetic
The new Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer has been tested to resist magnetic waves up to 15,000 Gauss or 1.5 Tesla
Legibility
More legible under dark conditions
Helium Escape Valve
This watch features a helium release valve which is helpful when a diver resurfaces and needs to manually release any helium build-up which under normal above-water pressure conditions can cause the watch crystal to pop-off.
Style Options
The Seamaster is a large collection with many different style options
Price
It is about half the price of a Rolex Submariner

Brand Recognized
The Omega is a very prestigious brand with approximately 70% brand recognition worldwide but doesn’t have the same nearly 100% worldwide recognition as Rolex. 70% is still incredible, though.
Resale Value
The Omega brand generally has a lower resale value but this largely depends on the watch
Accuracy & Precision
The movement is not as accurate than a Superlative Chronometer
Bezel
Some say that the bezel on the Seamaster is not as easy to rotate as the “Cerachrom” ceramic bezel on the Rolex Submariner
Anti-Reflective Coating
The A.R. coating on the Seamaster is on the outside of the crystal whereas, on the Rolex Submariner, the anti-reflective coating is on the inside which keeps it from being scratched off.

In terms of prestige, the Rolex brand is, bar none, the most recognizable watch brand out there with almost 100% brand recognition worldwide while Omega watches is closer to 70%.

So as far as which watch is a bigger status symbol, one would have to say that the Omega Seamaster watches fall a little short. Nonetheless, the Omega Seamaster is an excellent watch from a very prestigious brand that also has great value but as a result of the difference in brand recognition, there is about a 30% loss in the resale value and street value on the Omega Seamaster compared to the Rolex Submariner.

Aside from being a COSC certified superlative chronometer, and having a slightly better power reserve, the fluted bezel on the Submariner according to some, has a better grip than the bezel on the Omega Seamaster so there are also some practical advantages to the Rolex Submariner versus the Omega Seamaster.

The model you see here is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner reference 114060 which has no date function. The Seamaster featured here does. For about a thousand more, you can opt for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date models starting with 116610, 116613, 116618 and 116619 that do have the date function with a Cyclopse magnifier lense.

Resale Value
Rolex watches generally have a higher resale value than Omega watches but this is not a blanket statement it often depends on the watch
Brand Prestige
Rolex has more brand recall and is a slightly more internationally recognized brand than Omega.
Precision & Accuracy
The Rolex Superlative Chronometer designation means that the precision of the movement is first tested by COSC, and after the movement receives a COSC certification with impressive accuracy and precision of -4/+6 seconds per day.

The movement is then returned to Rolex. Further testing is then conducted by Rolex, in-house while in the watch case until an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day is achieved.

However, there are those that believe that only a third party should be responsible for chronometric designations.
Bezel
Some say the “Cherachrom” ceramic bezel on the Submariner is much easier to rotate than the bezel on the Omega Seamaster
Anti-Reflective Coating
The Rolex Submariner, the anti-reflective coating is on the inside which keeps it from being scratched off whereas the A.R. coating on the Seamaster is on the outside of the crystal which can more easily get scratched off over time.

Style Options
Not nearly as many style options as the Seamaster Diver series shown here
Price Tag
Higher price tag

BrandOmegaRolex
SeriesSeamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer 42mmOyster Perpetual Submariner
Model #210.30.42.20.01.001114060
SizeMen’sMen’s
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
Dial ColorBlackBlack
Bracelet/StrapStainless SteelStainless Steel
ClaspPush Button Folding ClaspFolding Clasp with Safety Latch
MovementOmega Caliber 8800Uses the new Co-Axial Escapement which contributes to the durability and the precision of the watch as well as how frequent it would require routine maintenance.Co-Axial escapement has less friction and reduces the need for lubricantsTested in 6 different positionsMagnetic resistant with an EMF resistance of up to 15,000 gauss / 1.5 TeslaMETAS Certified Master Chronometer designation and COSC certified chronometer designation with an impressive -0/+5 seconds per day precision.Rolex Caliber 3130The Rolex Caliber 3130 is a Superlative Chronometer. This means that is has passed COSC testing for a standard chronometer designation which provides an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. The movement is then returned to Rolex where it is installed in a watch case and tested further to ensure a minimum accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day.
Movement TypeAutomatic / Master ChronometerAutomatic / Chronometer
Power Reserve55 hours48 hours
Jewels in Movement35 Jewels31 Jewels
VPH25,20028,800
BezelBrushed Steel with Black Ceramic FillSatin-finished steel numbers and indexesUni-Directional / RotatingPolished Steel with a Highly Durable Black “Cerachrom” bezel insert.Scratch and corrosion resistantUnaffected by UV rays and won’t fadeRimmed with a ribbed edge for enhanced gripUni-Directional / Rotating
CrystalScratch Resistant SapphireScratch Resistant Sapphire
Case BackSolidSolid
Water Resistant300m/1000ft300m/1000ft
Case Diameter42mm40mm
Case Thickness13.7mm12.5mm
Posted on

Rolex Sea Dweller VS Rolex Submariner

We are often asked questions about the various different diver watches from the most popular luxury watch brands as well as the differences between the different diver watches within a single brand. Our various Rolex dive watch comparisons are made to enable you to make an educated and informed purchase decision about a watch by putting the information in an easy to read format.

Divers are always looking for better equipment. It can be the difference between a successful dive and a catastrophic dive. In some cases having better equipment means you have a better chance of coming out alive. Rolex makes several dive watches that are great for diving. Their oyster cases lock down like a mini-submarine hatch and are pretty much born to take the plunge.

The two Rolex diver watches that we will compare today are the Replica Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm / Replica Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 VS the Replica Rolex Submariner Date. At first glance or to the untrained eye these watches look almost identical with very few yet subtle aesthetic differences. As we compare the Rolex submariner VS Sea-Dweller in greater detail you will find that they are quite different. Below is a summary of the things that these two watches have in common and the pros and cons describing the features that make each one unique. For your convenience, you can use the buttons below to view the two collections now. Otherwise, proceed with the comparison below.

  • Both of these Rolex watches use the 31-jewel, Rolex Calibre 3135 movement.
  • Both the Submariner Date and the Sea-Dweller 4000 have an approx. 50-hour power reserve. The Sea-Dweller 43mm has a 70-hour power reserve.
  • Black “Cerachrom” bezel insert which is made of a hardened ceramic that is very durable and resistant to scratches. In addition, Cerachrom has great anti-corrosion properties and won’t color fade when exposed to UV rays for long periods of time.
  • Polished stainless steel-rimmed bezel with a ribbed edge for a sure grip.
  • Patented “Triplock” crown which locks the crown down the Oyster case making it as tight as a submarine hatch.
  • Bracelet fitted with the patented Glidelock Extension System buckle – a secure deploying style with adjustments in 2mm increments to a total of 20mm without the need for tools.

The most impressive feature of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 replica watch and the newer 43mm Sea-Dweller dive watch is the difference in Water Resistance when compared to the Rolex Submariner. While serious diving calls for a minimum of 1650 feet and up of water resistance, the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 boasts a whopping four thousand feet of resistance. See the pros & cons.

Water ResistanceHigher water-resistance of 4000ft / 1220mPrecious Material UsedMatte platinum-coated numbers & graduation indexesVisibilityLong lasting blue luminous materialBezelThe Sea Dweller 4000 features a full 60 seconds on the second track located on bezel itself whereas the Submariner has only 15 seconds printed on the bezel between the 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock position

Price TagSlightly higher price tag.Material OptionsOnly available in a stainless steel case.Case ThicknessThis watch has a thicker case

The one aesthetic difference that stands out the most is the Cyclops magnifier over the date of the Submariner while the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 is lacking one. However, the newer Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm does have a cyclops magnifier over the date window. For some people, this may be a deal-breaker since the date magnifier is one of the most widely used and distinct features found on most Rolex watches. There is also the functional value of the magnifier.

At Baselworld 2017, Rolex introduced a new 50th Anniversary edition, a new and larger 43mm Single Red Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Reference # 126600 which now includes a Cyclops magnifier just like the Sub and has the name Sea-Dweller in red on the dial. This new version uses the Rolex Calibre 3235 movement which has an impressive power reserve of up to 70 hours. It also has the highly legible Chromalit display, a practical feature for an adventure to the abysmal subaquatic depths commonly explored by diving professionals.

Another plus side of the submariner series is that there are many more models in several materials and color combinations compared to the SD 4000 which is only available at the time of writing this in stainless steel with a black dial and black Cherachrom bezel insert. See Pros and Cons:

Price TagSlightly lower price tagDate MagnifierHas the cyclops date magnifierCase ThicknessThis watch has a case that is less thickStylesMore choices of colors & materials

Water ResistanceThe Submariner only has 1000 feet / 300 meters of water resistance which is a quarter of that of the Sea-Dweller which has 4000 feet / 1220 meters of water resistanceBezelOnly a partial minute and second track is displayed on the bezelPower ReserveThe Rolex Submariner Date has a shorter power reserve duration than the Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm which has come to replace the older Sea-Dweller 4000 models

Brand:RolexRolexRolex
Series:Oyster Perpetual Submariner DateSea Dweller 4000Sea Dweller 43mm
Model #:116610LN116600126600
Status:AvailableDiscontinuedAvailable
Size:Men’sMen’sMen’s
Case Material:Stainless SteelStainless SteelStainless Steel
Dial Color:BlackBlackBlack
Bracelet/Strap:Stainless SteelStainless SteelStainless Steel
Clasp Type:Folding Clasp With Safety LatchFolding Clasp With Safety LatchRolex Folding Oysterlock Safety Clasp
Movement:AutomaticAutomaticAutomatic
Bezel:Uni-Directional RotatingUni-Directional RotatingUni-Directional Rotating
Crystal:Scratch Resistant SapphireScratch Resistant SapphireScratch Resistant Sapphire
Case Back:SolidSolidSolid
Water Resistance:300m/1000ft4000ft/1220m4000ft/1220m
Case Diameter:40mm40mm43mm
Power Reserve:48 Hours50 Hours70 Hours