5 Alternatives To The Rolex Submariner In 2022 !

[@JogBird]

I like that GS has the Seiko in it.. When ppl ask what watch i have, i say oh, its just a Seiko

[@plusgood15]

Love it. I do the same

[@defenestratedone]

I just call it my fancy seiko

[@ProdicalMan]

I have a Credor and I say the same thing. People who are only into high brands lose interest but the real watch guys always get more intrigued.

[@Foxrock321]

I love my black n gold chronograph from 1999..alarm and stopwatch features..it’s quartz but so what, it’s a beauty..

[@StephenMorganCanada]

Same

[@WrongTimeWatch]

I was fortunate enough to purchase Submariner in November last year. My choice for a not do common alternative would be the Sinn U50.

[@mineblock9024]

I have a sub and a Breitling superocean and as much as I love the sub and the prestige that comes with it, I wear the Breitling almost all the time. It's simply stunning and when it catches the light on a sunny day it'll take you breath away

[@WatchUnwind]

One of my personal goals was always to own one Rolex , one breitling, and one omega. I have 2/3 and breitling is the last one I got to add. I have always loved breitling

[@ThatBoyMGee]

Funny. Same with me.

[@mineblock9024]

@@WatchUnwind I've just achieved it - I have the sub, the superocean & a speedmaster!

[@WatchUnwind]

@@mineblock9024 that’s awesome man !! That’s a special line up you have there. Congrats

[@shonmchugh9002]

I always liked Breitling and the Superocean is one of my favorite along with the Navitimer. But after dealing with Breitling service department for my Avenger, I will never buy another Breitling. I warn anyone sending their watch into them. They claim issues you don't have and upsell you it's a total scam.

[@justthepip]

Love to see the Polaris getting a little attention, also agree that the SeaQ is intensely underrated

[@karatjuicepodcast]

Gotta love another episode of Frederico talking shop about watches. That Tudor Pelagos is tough!

[@ludovitvirag3911]

Excellent picks Commendatore! With any of these you will have a time piece that has not been copied by hundreds of companies including a $70 Invicta. Speaking for my collection I prefer racing, pilot and dress watches, but I love my Oris Aquis and Gevril Chambers

[@tods.9947]

That’s a good list Fed. I would say that the Breitling is a really good choice Pre-owned. You will get an excellent watch at about a $2000 discount from retail.

[@donaldneo4317]

Was thinking what other alternatives can I come up with and realised that you can build a 3 watch collection consisting of a BlueBay58, a Speedy Pro and a Cartier Santos with what a new unworn sub is going for in the market nowadays 🤔

[@ed9564]

Great list, I had the JLC for a while and I miss it. The only thing I think they should change is to give it screw/locking crowns give it a little more credibility that every desk diver needs! Also think you missed out by not mentioning a 50 Fathoms, a little up market but so much nicer than Rolex and you can get great deals on them.

[@robertsullivan4773]

I mentioned the Bathyscaphe in steel to him.

[@Portland_Living_Life]

Ed, gotta agree with you on the Polaris, it really needs screw down crowns! I tried one on at an AD and really, really wanted it, but my OCD just would not get past the crown issue. The damn bezel would be misaligned all the time! 😞

[@BoozewithNick]

Fun episode, nice to see the Pelagos get the attention it deserves. To me, it’s a straight competitor for the Submariner. And that Glasshüte- gorgeous.

[@stevenfernando1842]

Fully agree with the Pelagos. It’s the proper tool watch but strangely under the Black Bay’s shadow. I sold my Sub and bought a Pelagos. With the change I bought other interesting watches!

[@peterblacksmith3817]

now that's value

[@angusmacleod1692]

Wise move my friend. The bubble may be bursting soon

[@Weekender2005]

Pelagos was my favorite alternative until I saw it in person. Humongous watch, bigger than a sub for sure!

[@stevenfernando1842]

@@Weekender2005 for 500m it has to have a thick case I guess

[@telegraphkid]

Yes to that JLC, killer choice!

[@willemboom3957]

Own the Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date. Awesome watch!! True high horology imo.

[@GeeMood]

Great vid Fed! Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date 43mm is a grail of mine, love glashutte original! Not an expert but I think the Pelagos as a tool watch beats out the Submariner. Love the JLC Polaris, love the JLC Memovox Tribute to the Deep Sea even more. Anopther awesome German made watch is the Belisar Date Sport from Union Glashutte, only $2300.

[@torontowatches9709]

Love my 126613LN! Best alternative I’ve had pleasure to wear are Breitling Superocean 42 that watch is a tank! And Superocean Heritage 2 42! Great picks the JLC is a special piece I’d buy that one in rubber looks great!

[@TheJlrc07]

Very nice list, a week ago I got my Breitling Heritage Superocean II in blue with the Milanese bracelet. My GOOD what a beautiful watch. It feels rugged and the ceramic bezel make it sturdy. Thanks Federico

[@RedwoodAggie]

Great list, Fed! I definitely think the SeaQ is underrated. I was impressed when I saw them in person in Vegas last year. The Pelagos is on my short list for a significant (for me) watch purchase this year. I was stunned at how comfortable it is on the wrist. It wears its thickness very well, and it's light without being too light. The JLC is absolutely gorgeous too.

[@WatchUnwind]

Pelagos is a serious watch for a lot of people and you should be proud to get one!! Easy to get a distorted sense of reality in this hobby. 99.9 % of normal people can’t afford a Pelagos

[@michaell8337]

I had a Pelagos for 3 years - loved it. As you say much lighter than that solid large case would have you believe (titanium). Great power reserve too, much better than certainly the old sub. What I noticed about your comment was that for me too this was a major purchase at the time and if it is going to be your "one" watch I would say one thing. As Fed says this is proper tool watch. The bezel (certainly on my watch) was very rough - its made for diving gloves right. However, it ripped my shirt cuffs to heck and in the end I stopped wearing it during the week. I ultimately traded it on for that reason. I don't know what your job is my friend but if you have to wear shirt cuffs worth bearing in mind. Don't want to be down on it though, great watch just didn't work as one watch for me.

[@RedwoodAggie]

@@michaell8337 Wow, that is really interesting. I hadn't heard about the rough bezel causing issues with shirts before. Definitely something to think about. It wouldn't be the only watch I would wear (I have other watches I enjoy), but certainly I would want it to be worn at least 2/3 of the time. I have worked remote in IT for 6 years now, so I am not wearing dress shirts with any frequency. The Black Bay GMT is also another one I have my eye on, along with some Grand Seikos (Snowflake, some GMTs).

[@TheDirle]

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe are also fantastic alternatives with just as much history and heritage as the submariner. Being a step above the sub horologically speaking and reasonably priced for what they are doesn't hurt either.

[@jamesfreeman7954]

Agreed. That's the only Diver aside from Tudor's and Rolex that caught my eye.

[@TrumanBurbankFE]

For me, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the first commercial diver which beat the Submariner to the market by a few months.

[@WatchUnwind]

Very good pick if I had to pick one or the other for free not to sell and to keep forever I would be getting the blancpain

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Love the Blancpain but I don't love the 4 o'clock date window though a no date 50 would be the way to go like the original .Also the Blancpain Air command chronograph is beautiful

[@jackster285]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 I hate the 4 o'clock date window as well. More and more watch brands seem to be doing it these days. Why?

[@TrumanBurbankFE]

@@jackster285 I'll tell you why the 4 o'clock date is perfect, it doesn't interfere with the hour markers and seem more balanced, while the Submariner's date wart is obtrusive and hides second, minute and hour hands if not seen directly above, the Deepsea has a smooth glass and you still can see the date perfectly. I have them all but the Blancpain has the best dial symmetry.

[@jackster285]

@@TrumanBurbankFE I agree with you about The Cyclops on the Rolex Sub, but have to disagree with you on the 4 o'clock date

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

Great List! My favorites of these is probably the GO. I just love what they do with their movement finishing

[@richardbaptist5080]

I’d get that glashutte original 43mm sea Q in blue. The best big date in the business. Under macro the finishing is up there. Love this watch! I never understand why people wait in line to give other people their hard earned money.

[@69opsman]

I have the Sea Q Pano in blue and I can't stop wearing it, the minute I tried it on my wife even said it "looks like me". My Seamaster, Sub, Reverso and Speedy haven't made it out of the watch cabinet since October. It makes my other divers feel (these are still awesome pieces) like children's watches. The build and finish is another level.

[@richarddavis7548]

Thank you for the time and effort of today’s video. I know it takes more to do than the Q&A but it is appreciated! Oh yea, I love my SeaQ and when discussing bracelets it has a great microadjustment!

[@robertsullivan4773]

I'm fortunate to own two of these watches and the new Submariner also. I didn't have to do anything sorted to get it either. I just had a very good purchase history with my dealer. But I would suggest that a sixth watch might have been the Blancpain Bathyscaphe in steel or putting it a bit up price wise in ceramic. Own this one and it's a Rolex killer also.

[@mountainhobo]

"I didn't have to do anything sorted to get it " -- "sordid".

[@robertsullivan4773]

@@mountainhobo correct

[@enricop]

Specific favors to the AD😂😂😂😂 really liked it Fed! The best option in theese 5 is the JLC in my opinion.

[@speedzero7478]

The Panerai Black Seal Radiomir is my favorite Panerai, nice to see you wearing it.

[@bdg5593]

but no screwed down crown :(

[@dandessner1947]

Love Grand Seiko. To me, their spring drive limited edition is a legitimate contender for world's best dive watch, costs 11k new and with only 700 made will hold value. And still much less than what submariners sell for.

[@jonathana2079]

Ever notice on Jomashop how little of a discount is applied to the GS watches? Other brands have huge amounts of discount. The small discount is a good thing for a GS to hold value.

[@astridvetter8035]

As a German lady, I love the way you pronounce Glashütte! 😊 It's not easy

[@mountainhobo]

Other than 30-character-long words, I think German is refreshingly easy to pronounce. 😀

[@rogerwilliamson7161]

Ja, macht er ganz gut!

[@gragrn]

As for resale, if you love your watch don't sell it and you won't lose a thing!

[@Carvewater]

Hopefully you can get some of these on the website this week !!! Great suggestions and I’ll keep my eye on Delray watch for them.

[@evh4611]

Wish Grand Seiko made that diver in 41 or 42 mm honestly.

[@Pazaroni436]

Very informative, no bs 👍. Thank you Simple curiosity: Does Breitling superocen has a place in that lineup?

[@WatchUnwind]

Of course, he included the superocean heritage.

[@Pazaroni436]

@@WatchUnwind Not the heritage, just superocean

[@WatchUnwind]

@@Pazaroni436 of course it does it’s pretty close to the heritage in terms of capability and quality

[@jeremiaht.5978]

GS looks better and better every time I see one. What about Oris Carl Brashear or one of the Aquis divers? I loved the crap outta my T1 for years until I could get "bigger" divers. Love the channel man.

[@meson183]

Thanks for this Fed. This is a breath of fresh air. So many videos about Sub alternatives concentrate on watches below a certain price level, which is fine for those looking for a cheaper alternative. YOUR list of alternatives are on a par with or higher priced than the Sub is more interesting to me. Later this year, all being well, I hope to be in a position to be looking at acquiring a dive watch. On my shortlist are: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015-1130-71S Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000-1110-70B Omega 300M Diver Ceramic Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date BiColour And from your list I will add the _JLC Polaris_ no date, because I forgot about that one, so thanks. Looking forward to go try all of these and see if one leaps out at me.

[@jonathansaraco]

My pick for this list would be one of the calibre 400 Oris Aquis divers. It has an in-house movement with tons of power reserve and a service interval and warranty competitive with Rolex. The only thing missing from it is a glidelock type clasp, and I'm really hoping Oris can make that happen soon. It'd make it the perfect diver in my opinion.

[@treasurecoastgypsy]

How about the Seiko Prospex LX, Diver with Spring Drive movement? . I think it's a beautiful design, if you can accept the Crown size.

[@spikew8673]

love the video, like the jlc blue dials,not so much about the inner rotation bezel.

[@retired_in_portugal]

Great video, nice to see different alternatives......Out of curiosity where did this whole wristwatch check come from, so many channels doing this now, maybe its just me but I find it completely irrelevant and a bit annoying

[@MichaelSmith-su9cq]

I sold my Kermit last year and replaced it with the green SeaQ. What I made on the Kermit covered both its original cost and what I paid for the SeaQ.

[@erikgrimes340]

My dive watch is a Hager Aqamariner. This is a small watch company thats growing. I'd love to see a review on this watch company

[@dannyg6592]

Life is ironic in so many ways. I really wanted a new 5 digit Sub but by the time I had the $ saved up, it was discontinued. The ceramic Sub is not my cup of tea. But rewards come to those who wait...and I am patient. So I waited for a number of years and little sister comes out with the BB58, which I prefer to the current Sub. I have the black/gilt 58 on my wrist now and my desire for a Sub is completely gone. The BB58 is that good.

[@WatchUnwind]

Gilt dial is my favorite dial for sure of the 58

[@Raph.Bogaert]

That JLC is fire! Stealth wealth

[@marcgirard7551]

Good video here. I vote for the Breitling SuperOcean Heritage and the Pelagos in this list. The Breitling really is a steal in comparison to the Sub with a similar style. The Pelagos also brings so much value versus the Sub and its super rugged and much less flashy.

[@visi5649]

If you’re in the market for a Rolex Submariner (or any Rolex for that matter), there is no alternative! You may buy another watch to try to fill the void but you’ll never truly scratch that itch until you buy - a Rolex Submariner! 😵‍💫

[@Giuseppe_est.2008]

Great list of options Fed. I like them all… esp the GO, GS and JLC… but my question is what is that pair of glasses you have… I mean the frame looks cool, I might get the same pair if I know the name. Does it have a tint or changes color when sunny? Thanks in advance for reply Fed!

[@benjamindinunzio6094]

Great call on the list Fed! Also... You're looking hella good man! Bravo! love the glasses too! Lookin fresh brother!

[@bigvisk1125]

Excellent choices. I actually went with the larger g.o. seaq panodate. Love the panodate feature.

[@mickd4610]

The video I have been waiting for. I have the seamaster and love it. I find the GS as a great watch and will have to see it in the flesh.

[@gsorianom]

Hey Fed, great selection, keep up the great content. What do you think about the Fifty Fathoms? It even has the bathyscaphe version for smaller wrists. Thanks!

[@TheYungKingz]

"very specific skills" im dead xD

[@Tacticalwon]

Love that JLC!

[@kungen1117]

Love the JLC!

[@brockadcock2735]

Thank you for doing this entire video without saying “robust” I think we’ve all heard watch guys use this word too much.

[@squirrel6338]

Some great watches, but many such as JLC & Glashutte are difficult to obtain and the Pelagos are not freely available. Could you do a similar video of watches that are readily available at retail

[@kevinbutler1968]

I got the JLC last year, the dial looks even better in real life. And the best thing?. I sold my Rolex Deepsea to purchase it.

[@vianouche1]

The best thing would not be to have both?

[@kevinbutler1968]

@@vianouche1 the Rolex wasn't getting too much wrist time and was too thick for everyday wear. Also got fed up with the whole Rolex bubble so it had to go. And having made the decision that I didn't want to fund the JLC with new money, it was a case of one in and one out.

[@Schlammalammadingdong]

Overall great choices👏👏 I think Fed went out of his comfort zone on this one 🤷‍♂️- btw my choice, the JLC. You dont see to many of them out in the wild compared to the others on this list.

[@adolfot.8763]

the GS is at another level much more watch than a submariner, the watch that plays in the same league as the submariner is the Seiko MarineMaster. and I must say that the MarineMaster is more impressive than the submariner. I have a Rolex but I never use it, I only bought it 9 years ago for the retention of value, but it is not worth what they ask for it.

[@WatchUnwind]

To be fair new Rolex models are made a lot better than 9 years ago. Side by side GS probably still wins

[@rl7487]

Very well said. Agreed, it’s just ridiculous the prices of Rolex submariner. They are well made watches, Yes but you have to put them in a vault and not use them. That’s not what watches are made for. I have two marine masters , I want a grand seiko In the near future. I wear my marine master and know that it’s a well made machine and not worried about resale value. It’s not there. So I enjoy the watch for what it is. A watch

[@brians2733]

My fantastic watch for the money Submariner alternative was easy. I got a brand new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean on bracelet out the door for $4.5k (about 18 months ago). For just a bit more than a Black Bay 58, it was a purchase I couldn’t resist.

[@meredithgodwin7866]

Hey Fed. please do a review/video of history and info on the JLC Sector Dial of the Master Control. I think it is the classiest "simple watch" I've seen under $10,000 and I can't find any online. Thanks. love you stuff. learn so much

[@simonadelin934]

Love that pam😎Nice program, have been there since you started… you are doing good Fed Br Simon

[@mortgages_by_jason]

Exceptional list. The JLC and GO are on the top of this list for me.

[@dandessner1947]

A friend of mine walked into our local Rolex dealer in medium sized Midwest city last fall and bought a no date sub at retail from stock. It can happen.

[@antoniogomes4541]

Great video. I have stopped buying and looking at Rolex. You are right. There are quite a few alternatives to Rolex and at descent prices. Pélagos and GS are fantastic.

[@uptheorg]

I had a Submariner and I also had a (gold) Yachtmaster -- neither one spoke to me like my other watches. So now I am on the hunt and for sure, I have considered all of these in your very well-reasoned video. You know what no one is thinking about and yet it is more than 100m water resistant and beautiful? Panerai! Yup. Panerai has gotten such a bad rap these past few years that no one wants to recommend them. But they are very pretty, very functional in the water, and, aftermarket, very reasonably priced.

[@ennigmaa]

Smartwatches can speak to you. Can be Siri or Alexa for example. Sub n Yatchmaster are mechanical watches and so cannot speak. Hope this helps.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Great suggestions Fed considering the Rolex Sub can only be bought on the grey market for most of us at well over retail. With the brands you suggested, there is room to negotiate with the AD, or better yet, work with Delray Watch to buy it at a discounted price. Also, since most watch collectors do not take their watches diving, my choice is the Breitling Transocean with the blue dial and Milan mesh bracelet. It is both elegant & sporty all at once. I look forward to checking out Delray Watch's new inventory as it arrives this week.

[@darrenaquilina1403]

Love the input on JLC especially. Not many admit its that high end! ❤️

[@spenym14]

I agree with the JLC Polaris. I got to try on the memovox version and I feel in love. I’d take it over a sub any day

[@sjsisdhdjdkssosjdhxnx]

Rolex Submariner: Gaudy Rolex fanboy watch fan. Blancpain Aqualung: BOSS

[@thegabal1484]

Not the IWC aquatimer?

[@denisdaly1708]

I prefer the Glashute over the sub.

[@watchalyst]

I planned a similar video on my channel and we have only the pelagos in common! No oris aquis? That's surprising!

[@Nalot56]

I heard Frederico has a banging Casio collection.

[@williammize4352]

I like the Roman numerals on the Cartier.

[@danielwilliams2467]

I have the pelagos. I love it. And IMHO, I prefer it over the sub. Great content as always

[@mauriebarnes8272]

All viable options! G-Seiko is very cool with its 5Hz movement.

[@thenotanclan]

You CAN get Submariners no problem - simply start a grey market reseller business that gives authorised dealers significant kick back commission for every sale you make on watches they supplied you at retail price - all while regular customers and even big spenders have to wait years on lists for watches that AD’s will never sell them - and all under the unofficial ‘approval’ of the manufacturer - simply repeat this process over and over - and hey presto - you have created false demand / market control for a product that originally had plentiful supply - well done boys - good job

[@harmoniaartificiosa]

The gold Sub is allegedly more attainable. 2022 feels like a year for some golden stuff. Yeah, I’m going for that!

[@emircolo43]

....that green IWC on wallpaper, nice go for it!

[@CastawayHikes]

I really think that the Oris Aquis would be a fantastic honorable mention

[@lk7144]

Union Glashütte Belisar Sport! This one has a bezel made from sapphire crystal.

[@lpg12338]

Very nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@loopbloke]

Please talk about Favre Leuba. I don't know why no one talks about it. One of the best dive watches ever.. bathy... They also have the best climbers watch that can measure including Mt everest. (9000m)

[@fresnochris88]

couldn't get a sub, but I did score a James Cameron. Aint about it. I think the Sea Dwellers are a little more obtainable at an AD

[@20thcenturyboy85]

JLC Polaris style is AWESOME!

[@jaegermeister1968]

Not only is the Submariner not available from retailers, there are no Rolexes from 36mm to take away. I live in Austria and have been collecting watches, including Rolex, for 25 years. Last week I was in the center of Vienna where all Rolex dealers can be found within a radius of 2km. DateJust 41 in steel, waiting list around 2 years, in steel/gold 1 year. Milgauss waiting list about 1 year, all Rolex diving watches in steel waiting list about 5 years, steel/gold 2-3 years, Daytona no longer waiting list because sold out for at least 10 years. I travel a lot for work, even during Corona. In 2021 I was in Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, Monaco, France, England, Thailand, Ireland and Italy and the same picture everywhere. Rolex models only in solid gold in stock. But I'm not willing to pay 50-200% above list on the gray market. It doesn't matter, other mothers also have beautiful daughters, if a new Omega comes into the house.

[@tonyaboines768]

Hey I have a submariner the hulk one I didn't know they were so popular. I was at a restaurant last week and gentleman said wow you have the hulk. Nobody can find it. It's worth a ton of money. I said wow I didn't know. Thanks so much!!

[@davidmcclain8851]

Good list, the Breitling is the standout for me.

[@sunsetsavinelli7260]

Fed you forgot to mention the original diver Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

[@carstendettmar7210]

Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver. That would bei my pick, not only but also because I like a bit of quirk. Mainly though, it's the UN watchmaking chops and the grey market price that win me over.

[@WatchUnwind]

Great choice. Really unique and different than pretty much everything else and UN is a true high horology brand. The highlight of my watch life was trying on a freak for like 10 mins

[@carstendettmar7210]

@@WatchUnwind I'd love to get my hands on a freak, even if only for five minutes.... Have you seen their new Moonstruck in the Blast case? Still drooling over the thoughts about it.....

[@WatchUnwind]

@@carstendettmar7210 yeah it looks absolutely insane. The other watch I had my hands on from them was a executive skeleton x carbonium. This place let me shoot a few videos for my channel. It was crazy. They really are next level in innovation and what they do

[@yaaxarr8977]

Love your new eyeglasses 👌🏻! Better and great alternatives to the boring submariner.

[@williamo.2519]

No. There is the Victorinox Maverick in blue or black. The Tudor Pelagos, Longines Hydroconquest, Orient RA-AC0K01B10B and Tissot Sea Star 1000, and Tudor Black Bay M79230B-0008

[@chris22824]

You cannot beat the Omega Seamaster 300 at the price point!

[@chuckykid1]

JLC polaris mariner date looks so nice 👍

[@bon2198]

I did the waiting list for 3 submariners. Put 2 up for sale the day after purchase which the profit paid for the submariner I kept. They’re worth the wait, and you can make stupid money off em.

[@fardeenr.168]

Blancpain?

[@ScottAlanAnderson]

I knew the Glashutte would be your first choice. It is a gorgeous watch.

[@LanguagesWithAndrew]

JLC is underrated (still). Good choices, I would only add the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.

[@darrenreed7714]

Love the JLC … but I like the Ulysse Hardin diver 👍🏻

[@alunjones2550]

Any decent watch collector should not have a problem with the name "Seiko" being in "Grand Seiko" because any decent watch collector should have a Seiko in their watch collection.

[@WatchUnwind]

100% !!! I own a seiko and would be proud to add in a grand Seiko. I have now added in a Rolex and an omega but I got married in my seiko and I’m actually wearing my seiko right now

[@desertsoldier41]

Is that the Lebanon IWC green dial?

[@robertschmidt9584]

GS is under appreciated! Such a great deal.