The Top 5 Budget Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner
Let’s be honest – we’ve all had a cheeky browse on Watchfinder, hoping to spot a Rolex Submariner priced like a Casio. Spoiler alert: it never happens. The Submariner is a grail watch – iconic, timeless, and priced like a second-hand hatchback. But what if you want the look without the eye-watering price tag?
Fear not, fellow wristwatch wanderers. We’ve rounded up five budget-friendly alternatives that nail the Submariner vibe – black bezel, Mercedes hands, dive-ready swagger – all without requiring you to remortgage your nan’s bungalow.
Credit - Certina
1. Certina DS Action Diver Powermatic 80
£850
This Swiss-made beauty is a serious contender. With a ceramic bezel, 300m water resistance, and the reliable Powermatic 80 movement (that’s 80 hours of power reserve, FYI), the DS Action Diver looks and feels way more expensive than it is.
It leans a little more tool-watch than dressy, but for rugged good looks that echo the Submariner’s no-nonsense charm, the Certina delivers in spades. Plus, it’s ISO-certified, meaning it’s not just pretending to be a diver – it actually is.
Credit - Tissot
2. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
£425
Think of the Seastar as the Certina’s slightly flashier sibling. It’s got the same dependable Swiss heart (the Powermatic 80), but adds a sunburst dial and polished accents that give it a bit more wrist presence.
With a ceramic bezel, screw-down crown and 300m of water resistance, it’s a real diver with real specs. But it’s the design that wins the day – sleek, modern, and just enough of a nod to the Submariner to make Rolex fans do a double take.
Credit - Seiko
3. Seiko 5 Sports SRPD55K1
£280
Think of this as the Submariner’s laid-back younger cousin who listens to indie vinyl and brews his own beer. The SRPD55K1 is part of Seiko’s modern “5KX” lineup – a revival of their much-loved SKX series with some welcome upgrades.
It’s got that recognisable dive watch look: black dial, rotating bezel, chunky indices. No screw-down crown or crazy water resistance, but for everyday wear, it’s a gem. Plus, you get serious Seiko street cred.
Credit - Orient
4. Orient Kamasu
£250
Now, this one nods to the Submariner without being a full-blown tribute act. The Kamasu has its own character – sharper indices, day-date window, and a slightly different dial layout – but the overall aesthetic still fits the classic diver bill.
Powered by Orient’s in-house automatic movement and boasting a sapphire crystal, it’s an excellent value pick for anyone who wants style, substance, and a smidge of originality.
Credit - Tudor
5. Tudor Black Bay 41mm
£4000
Alright, so this one’s pushing the upper limit of “budget”, but it is the Rolex Submariner’s cooler younger cousin – literally. Tudor is Rolex’s sibling brand, and the Black Bay 41 in black is the closest you’ll get to Submariner aesthetics, Rolex heritage and premium build, without hitting five figures.
No dive bezel here (technically it’s more Oyster Perpetual than Sub), but the polished case, clean black dial and applied indices scream class. If you want to stay in the Rolex family without blowing the inheritance, this is the move.
Final Thoughts: Fake It Till You Upgrade
Look, we’re not suggesting you try to fool anyone into thinking you’ve snagged a £10k Rolex at a car boot. But let’s face it – most of us just want a watch that looks good, feels solid, and doesn’t induce cardiac arrest if it gets scratched.
These five Submariner-style stunners offer all the right vibes without the luxury price tag. Whether you're new to the watch game or just fancy a stylish beater for holidays and weekends, there’s something here that’ll scratch that Rolex itch – minus the debt.
