Battle of the Divers: Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster

Perhaps the most prominent rivalry in the world of luxury divers exists between the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster. We’ve all heard of them and if you’re into watches, there’s a good chance you’ve made a side by side comparison at one point or another. Both of these models are superior, accurate, and highly durable timekeepers. But the subject of this comparison has served as fuel for countless forum topics, thoughtful discussions, and all-out internet rage battles. Let’s take a step back for a moment and evaluate the merits of these two historic timepieces.

For decades, the Rolex Submariner has endured as the quintessential luxury sports watch. It’s versatility is unmatched and it’s really, really hard for most enthusiasts to find anything to complain about. It’s no surprise that many collectors often choose the Submariner as their first (and sometimes last) big luxury watch purchase. Arguably the purest and most modern iteration of the Submariner is the reference 114060 “no-date” model. It’s also the most appropriate model to compare with the Omega Seamaster 300. We’ll get to that in a bit.

Revealed at Baselworld 2012, this version of the Submariner retains its 40mm case but features Rolex’s newer and slightly larger “maxi” case design. It’s rated to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet), features a Triplock crown system, and is machined entirely out of Rolex’s in-house 904L steel alloy.  The new Cerachrom bezel is extremely scratch and fade resistant while featuring platinum PVD coated graduations. Finally, the watch is powered by the Rolex caliber 3130, which offers a 48 hour power reserve and features parachrom hairspring technology.

Now to the Omega. At Baselworld 2014, Omega revealed their new Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial model. After the release of Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms, Zodiac’s Sea Wolf, and the Rolex Submariner, Omega hit back with their first version of the Seamaster in 1957. All of a sudden, a rivalry was born and it has remained this way ever since.

The Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial faithfully pays homage to the watch Omega released in 1957. It features broadarrow hands, Omega’s glossy LiquidMetal bezel, a nice 41mm case, and full stainless steel construction. One slight edge over the Submariner is the inclusion of a slightly domed sapphire crystal, which works as a nice vintage touch if that’s what you’re into. It also works well with the faux patina dial and slightly more conservative wrist presence. Unlike the Submariner, this Seamaster also offers a sapphire crystal display caseback, which showcases the beautiful caliber 8400 Master Co-Axial movement.

So when you’re trying to decide between two of the most solid watch buys in the industry, how could you possibly go wrong? Well, you can’t really. Both the Submariner and the Seamaster offer some of the best dive watch experiences you can possibly get. They both scratch the utility watch itch and are versatile enough to wear in nearly every possible setting. So it’s really up to you. Some models of the Seamaster however do offer some slightly bold design touches like polished center links and faux patina. That’s something to keep in mind if either of those are usually deal breakers for you.

How about price? Well there’s not much of a difference here if you’re paying full MSRP. The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial retails for $6,000 USD and you can snag yourself a Rolex Submariner 114060 for $7,500 USD. However, Gray & Sons is continuously receiving Submariners and Seamasters in stock every single day and offering them at the best prices around. So if you’d like to compare these watches side by side, give us a call or stop by our showroom!