The ultimate diving watch: Omega Seamaster vs Rolex Submariner
Both stunning watches, both adorned by many celebrities, both from outstanding manufacturers.
So just how do you choose between the two?
Omega debuted their Seamaster collection (Railmaster and Speedmaster) in celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary – about six years before Rolex introduced their Submariner collection to the market in 1954.
Back then, the Submariner was a real diver’s watch while the Seamaster was simply a waterproof and dust-free timepiece. Omega named its model ‘Seamaster 300’ but in reality, the watch could withstand much more pressure than was indicated by the test equipment they had used.
Over time, the two brands have battled it out to develop sports watches that are unitarian and functional but stylish for everyday wear, with no other company able to rival their production numbers.
We share some of the features of each watch, so you can make up your own mind!
Style
Rolex upped the ante by exposing the Submariner to some great pop culture. The Submariner was the personal watch of actor Steve McQueen. And, although the Seamaster has since become the official watch of James Bond, it was actually a Submariner that first appeared on the wrist of the agent in the 1962 movie, Dr No.
Materials
When you think of the Seamaster or the Submariner, you usually have the typical stainless steel models in mind. But both watches are now available in different styles and material combinations.
The Rolex Submariner Date is available in white gold, yellow gold or bi-colour, the stainless steel Submariner is available with or without date and as an anniversary version with green bezel and dial.
The Omega Seamaster 300 case metal options include stainless steel, grade 5 titanium, 18K yellow gold and 18K Sedna™ gold.
Legibility
When used as a diving watch, it is said that the Seamaster is much more legible under water but has a slightly lower power reserve if compared to the Submariner.
There are some that prefer the appearance of Omega’s date windows since they find the Cyclops magnifier a bit distracting.
Bezels
The Submariner’s rotatable bezel is a key functionality of the watch. Its engraved 60-minute graduations allow a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops. The Cerachrom bezel insert manufactured by Rolex, is virtually scratch-proof and its colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or water that is chlorinated. It’s knurled edge is carefully designed to offer excellent grip under water, even with gloves.
The bezels of the full titanium and stainless steel models have Liquidmetal™ diving scales while the gold or bi-colour watches have OMEGA Ceragold™ diving scales.
Water security
The Submariner’s Oyster case, which offers high-precision movement, provides optimal protection from water and dust, while its triplock winding crown screws down securely against the case, ensuring watertight security.
The Seamaster 300 is also water resistant to 300 metres. As you can see, these watches are pretty equal when it comes to what they offer, so in the end, it’s all down to personal preference. If you need help to find the perfect Rolex or Omega watch, our specialists here at Luxe Watches can help so get in touch today.