Every second counts even underwater.
Whether it’s for military operations or swimming competitions, the importance of keeping track of time is undeniable.
Hence, the diver's watch exists.
Such timepieces ensure:
- Water resistance down to 300m deep
- Precise timekeeping for punctuality
- Illuminated markers for better visibility in low-light conditions
- Bolder hours for clarity and legibility underwater
- Easy track of depth and duration underwater
Although all watches won’t provide these benefits, 2 of the models surely TICK them. It’s–
- Rolex Submariner
- Omega Seamaster
Despite having similar sea-friendly strengths, both these luxury watches have individual personalities.
That’s what we’ll be diving into!
Key Takeaways: Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster
- Enjoy better time accuracy with Rolex Submariner and prices with Omega Seamaster.
- While a Submariner ensures higher rust resistance, a Seamaster guarantees higher scratch resistance.
- Rolex Submariner gives better legibility than Omega Seamaster.
- Omega Seamaster tends to be more advanced and innovative than Rolex Submariner.
- The Submariner has a higher resale value than the Seamaster.
A Historical Dive into Rolex and Omega’s Legacy
|
Feature |
Rolex Submariner |
Omega Seamaster |
|
Debut Year |
1953 |
1948 |
|
Famous Associations |
James Bond, Sean Connery. |
James Bond, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. |
|
Cultural Impact |
An ultimate diving watch. A symbol of adventure and luxury |
Evolved from a tool to a luxury watch. A symbol of prestige |
The Story Behind the Rolex Submariner
Rolex was looking for something new in the line. So, they came up with Submariner.
Produced in 1953 but debuted a year later.
The brand, particularly René-Paul Jeanneret proposed the idea. He was public relations director at Rolex and an avid scuba diver.
His main aim was—
- To create a watch that could withstand the rigors of diving just for his fellow divers.
Consequently, we see a boom in Rolex Submariner.
The original line could go as deep as 100 meters. This feature along with the design and practicality helped it gain attention, especially of divers.
As time went on, Rolex continued to refine the Submariner and introduce improvements like—
- Better water resistance up to 300m
- Enhanced movements
- "Glidelock" Clasp for comfort
- Scratch-resistant ceramic bezel
- Chromalight Lume for a longer-lasting blue glow
- Blue Parachrom Hairspring for greater resistance to shocks and temp fluctuations
Besides being functional, the Submariner looked chic. The elegance made it popular among deep-sea explorers or watch enthusiasts.
Beyond its technical achievements, it also captured the public’s eye when it teamed up with James Bond. The British spy, portrayed by Sean Connery wore Submariner in several of his Bond movies.
This collaboration between Bond's adventure and Rolex's durability helped strengthen its iconic status.
The Story Behind Omega Seamaster
Omega Seamaster entered the scene a little early in 1948.
This timepiece came as a celebration. We mean the brand launched it to commemorate their 100th anniversary.
Such an initiative came from their vision to strengthen the military experience. Let’s go a little back.
The brand used to supply its timepieces to the British Royal Navy during WWII. Because they were the prime consumers, Omega wanted to make their models more functional for the armed forces.
Hence, they released the Seamaster line.
Besides precise timekeeping, the watch could withstand multiple environmental challenges that the military faced.
Although Seamaster originally could dive deep up to 60 to 70m, now it’s increased its resistance level. This is to be competent in the industry.
Besides, the brand has added revolutionary features to the watch as well. Some of them are–
- Enhanced water resistance up to 300m
- A helium release valve for better protection against it
- Scratch-resistant ceramic bezel
- Co-Axial Escapement Technology for time accuracy
- More striking asymmetrical design
Instead, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. They both have donned a Seamaster while playing the secret agent.
Technical Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Material and Build Quality
|
Feature |
Rolex Submariner |
Omega Seamaster |
|
Material |
904L Oystersteel, ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal |
316L Stainless steel, ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal |
|
Durability |
Higher resistance to scratches and corrosion |
Higher resistance to scratches |
|
Case Size |
40-41mm |
42m |
|
Clarity |
Decent |
Better |
|
Finish |
Shiny |
Less shiny |
Case
Fall in love with the durability of the Rolex Submariner.
Its case uses 904L Oystersteel— i.e. a high-grade stainless steel. This premium material makes the watch super strong and highly rust-resistant.
The Omega Seamaster’s case has quality 316L stainless steel. Its strength is up to par for rough use.
Plus, the material is pretty reasonable, making the watch slightly budget-friendly.
One key difference here is that 904L Oystersteel has higher chromium, molybdenum, and nickel content than 316L. This helps enhance Oystersteel’s corrosion resistance.
Moreover, the Rolex model boasts a brilliant shine. So, in this CASE, the Submariner wins.
Then again, 316L stainless steel handles external environments impressively above seawater. Thus, Seawater balances durability with practicality.
Winner: Rolex Submariner
Crystal
Both watches use sapphire crystal. The quality is equally similar and scratch-resistant on top.
Then again, the difference lies in anti-reflective coating.
The Seamaster’s crystal coating is on the outside of the crystal while Submariner one is on the inside.
For this, Seamaster tends to offer better clarity and visibility than its counterparts in underwater conditions.
On the other hand, Submariner may offer a bit less clarity but the coating under the crystal helps give it a cleaner look.
Winner: Omega Seamster for better clarity and Submariner for scratch resistance.
Bezel
Let’s talk about the Bezel now.
The Rolex Submariner features a shiny Cerachrom ceramic bezel. It has markings filled in either 18k yellow gold or 950 platinum. Regardless of the material, both are very solid and resistant to fading.
Contrariwise, the Omega Seamaster has a ceramic bezel with Liquid metal or enamel markers. The durability is similar but the finish is slightly different.
Winner: Rolex Submariner
Movement and Accuracy
|
Feature |
Rolex Submariner |
Omega Seamaster |
|
Movement |
Caliber 3235 (in-house) |
Co-Axial Caliber 8800/8801 (in-house) |
|
Power Reserve |
70 hours |
55 hours |
|
Clarity |
Decent |
Better |
|
Accuracy |
COSC-certified chronometer |
Co-axial escapement for superior accuracy |
Movement Mechanism
While Caliber 3235 powers the Rolex Submariner Date models, the No-Date ones run on Caliber 3130 or the updated 3230 (in newer versions).
Here, both Caliber 3235 and 3230 are in-house automatic movements. They have around a 70-hour power reserve. This means you can use Submariner for almost 3 days straight without winding.
Moreover, the latest models i.e. 3235 and 3230 come with Chronergy escapement. Such a special mechanism makes the Submariner watch run more accurately and effectively.
However, some older No-Date models fall behind in terms of power reserve and advancements. The Caliber 3130 brings up to 48-hour power reserve.
It suggests that— the timepiece can work up to 2 days before you need to wind it.
In that case, Omega Seamaster shines. The watch gets power from Caliber 8800. It’s a Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement that gives you a 55-hour power reserve.
With this movement, the Seamaster runs smoothly between 2 and 3 days without winding. Besides, it’s resistant to magnetism, (which is quite crucial) because magnets can mess up the watch’s accuracy.
The noticeable feature is the co-axial escapement. It helps the watch keep better time over the long run. Moreover, the mechanism reduces friction inside the movement so that the watch stays accurate for decades.
If we summarize the key differences, Submariner focuses on a longer power reserve whereas Seamaster offers magnetic resistance and innovative escapement technology.
Winner: Rolex Submariner for longer power reserve but Omega Seamster for advancement.
Accuracy Certification
Every Submariner bears the Superlative Chronometer certification. It guarantees that the timepieces will be precise within -2/+2 seconds per day.
This detail indicates that the watch can gain or lose up to 2 seconds in 24 hours– which is almost precise.
Rolex typically tests all its watches twice. Once, the test is done by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) to check accuracy.
Then, as the timepiece is cased and fully assembled, Rolex inspects it again for its performance.
The Seamaster comes with a Master Chronometer. You can call it (the certification)— Omega's version of a very high standard for accuracy.
Such a certification ensures an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day. This means the Seamaster can gain up to 5 seconds within 24 hours but won’t lose any time.
This makes the Seamaster slightly less accurate than its counterpart. However, the double certification by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and COSC makes up for that con. This duo indicates that the watch will give you both accuracy and magnetic field resistance up to 15,000 gauss.
Winner: Rolex Submariner
Water Resistance and Functionality
|
Feature |
Rolex Submariner |
Omega Seamaster |
|
Water Resistance |
300m |
300m |
|
Helium Escape Valve |
No |
Yes |
|
Additional Features |
Rotatable bezel, water resistance to extreme depths |
Anti-magnetic properties, rotatable bezel |
Water Resistance
Both the watches withstand water pressure down to 300 meters. However, there’s a slight technical difference.
With 300m water resistance, the Submariners and Seamsters can be incredible models for sports and the military. You can use them for—
- Recreational diving
- General water activities
- Maritime operations
The Submariner one features the Oyster case. It boasts a solid design and tight seal. So, the watch ensures reliable water resistance even under pressure.
Just like the Submariner, the Seamaster also carries a 300m water resistance trait. One key difference is that Omega uses helium escape valves in its models.
The mechanism helps prevent the watch crystal from popping off during deep saturation dives. This gives the Omega a bit of an edge.
Then again, the Rolex Submariner has better durability and corrosion resistance to compensate for that.
Winner: Omega Seamaster
Functionality
Again. Both the Submariner and Seamaster have a rotating bezel to let you track dive times.
However, the Submariner sports a Cyclops lens. It’s a convex lens that magnifies the date by exactly 2.5x. So, you can easily read the date.
Moreover, the bezel’s markings are engraved into the ceramic. This makes the watch more scratch-resistant.
The Seamaster comes with a ceramic insert and additional minute markers. You get time precision with that even underwater.
As mentioned, there’s the helium escape valve. It allows the timepiece to handle pressures higher than any counterparts. Plus, it also withstands them for a longer period without sacrificing structural integrity.
When it comes to divers’ special needs, Omega offers slightly more advanced features.
Winner: Omega Seamaster
Design and Wearability
|
Feature |
Rolex Submariner |
Omega Seamaster |
|
Bezel |
Rotating with 60-click and ceramic |
Rotating and ceramic |
|
Dial |
Simple and low-profile |
Bolder with wave patterns |
|
Strap options |
Oyster steel and everose |
Stainless steel, rubber, and leather |
Bezel Design
Rolex has given the Submariner a rotating bezel. Its 60-click trait provides accurate adjustments and a smooth feel as you turn the bezel. The design is simple but sleek.
It comes in Cerachrom ceramic which makes the watch super scratch resistant. The platinum and gold markers feel premium. They promise to prevent fading over time.
Similar to the Submariner, the Omega Seamaster has a ceramic rotating bezel. Although not Cerachrom, the brand uses premium ceramic so it lasts long.
Besides, the watch bears laser-etched markers that ensure durability. As for the function, its marker movement feels smoother even than its counterpart.
One key difference is the overall appearance. Seamaster’s bezel sports a bolder, modern look whereas Submariner’s is more minimalistic and elegant.
Winner: Rolex Submariner
Dial Design
You get larger hour markers with Rolex Submariner than Omega Seamaster.
This indicates that the Submariner is designed to provide maximum legibility. Moreover, Rolex has designed its markers with luminescent fill to guarantee better visibility under low-light conditions.
So, senior citizens or people who have reading difficulty can grab it.
The hands are wide. You can even notice a prominent Mercedes hand design there. It’s an allegorical reference to British professional swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze.
There’s a date display at 3 on the date models. It’s easy to read that too.
As for the Omega Seamaster— the dial flaunts a more wave-patterned design. Such a pattern gives the watch a distinctive textured look.
It has luminescent markers as well so you can track time easily.
The hands are bold with the hours looking like a sword. This makes the watch look different from the Submariner.
Since there’s a unique texture, the Seamaster dial feels more dynamic and sportier.
Winner: Rolex Submariner for readability and Omega Seamaster for the design.
Strap Options
There’s a traditional touch to the Rolex Submariner. It comes with the iconic Oyster bracelet, making it classic. However, come models may include Everose bracelet.
It includes a Glidelock clasp. This ensures ease of micro-adjustment to fit over wetsuits.
Some models of Omega Seamaster have an Oyster bracelet while a few have rubber or leather options. So, you get more versatility with this line.
The bracelet has a push-button clasp with a diver’s extension. So, you can easily wear it over wetsuits.
While the Submariner gives a traditional vibe, the Seamaster has a more casual look because of its wider strap options.
Winner: Tie
Pricing and Resale Value
Price Ranges
|
Feature |
Rolex Submariner |
Omega Seamaster |
|
Retail Price |
$2,800 to $100,000+ |
$1,500 to $150,000+ |
|
Preowned |
$8,000 to $150,000+ |
$3,500 to $50,000+ |
|
Resale value |
High retention value |
Low retention value |
Retail Price
We know the Rolex Submariner as one of the most premium divers (i.e. dive watches).
Its retail price ranges from $2,800 to more than $100,000. [Source: WatchGuys]
The price differs based on release year, model type, and features. However, the sweet spot is between $9,000 and $12,000.
Moreover, special editions or the ones with premium metals may go over $20,000.
You’ll find the Omega Seamaster more budget-friendly. Its prices range from $1,500 to $50,000-ish.
Just like its counterpart, the price can vary based on similar factors.
Then again, the average price can be between $5,000 and $9,000.
Winner: Omega Seamaster
Preowned Price
The Submariner knows how to hold its value over time. Hence, the secondhand ones may come in between $8,000 and $10,000 for older models. Rare gems or hotter pieces can start at higher prices from $15,000 to more than $150,000.
The Seamaster typically sees prices between $3,500 and $6,000 in the pre-owned industry.
Older models and limited editions can be slightly steeper— around $50,000.
Then again, they are more reasonable than their counterparts.
Resale Value
In this case, the Submariner wins as they hold value— as we mentioned.
Their strong brand recognition and consistent demand are the factors that work.
Some models like the rare gems are even more valuable. So, you can get better prices and enjoy more profits with them.
The Seamasters are solid investments too. However, most models may not hold value quite well. Then again, you may find a few rare gems slightly valuable.
Winner: Rolex Submariner
Pros and Cons of Each Watch
Rolex Submariner
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Omega Seamaster
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Which Watch Fits Your Lifestyle?
Adventure Seekers
Consider Omega Seamaster in this case.
If you love something modern and are into technology, then this one is IT. The watch’s helium escape valve makes it suitable for an adventurous ride.
Moreover, its bolder but casual look can impress the youth mostly.
If you’re having budget restraints, Seamaster can be a great deal to have something luxurious.
Luxury Investors
Grab Rolex Submariner before it’s too late.
The watch has incredible resale value. Plus, its traditional classic look never gets out of style.
So, collectors and investors can think of having one. This will bring you better profits.
However, its traditional and luxurious look may also stop someone from reselling the watch. It’s because–
Rolex always works to enhance your social status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more durable: the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster?
Rolex Submariner is more corrosion resistant whereas Omega Seamaster withstands pressure better.
What is the resale value of the Submariner and Seamaster?
You may lose 30-40% off retail with Seamaster while Submariner has +18.2% value retention.
Are these watches suitable for professional diving?
Yes. Both Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster withstand water pressure down to 300m.
So, you can consider them for professional diving.
How do Rolex and Omega compare in terms of movement and accuracy?
Rolex Submariner maintains smoother movement and stricter time accuracy within -2/+2 seconds per day.
Contrariwise, Omega Seamaster can gain up to 5 seconds per day, making it slightly less precise.
What are the price differences between the Submariner and Seamaster?
The average cost of a Rolex Submariner starts at over 9,000 while Seamaster may cost around $5,000.
The Submariner has a higher price tag since it holds value over time than the Seamaster.
So, the price differences are pretty huge.