My Steeldive ‘53 Sub! Rolex Submariner “Homage” or blatant Rip off?

I’m taking a fun look at my new Steeldive ‘53 Sub and coming to grips with its “Homage-ness.” Without getting to far into the weeds about "homage" watches, I basically call it as I see it, that this particular "homage" watch is a direct design rip off of a real Rolex Submariner circa 1980's. Period. BUT, is it a "Good" watch? Hmmm?

[@Ericdagreat]

Who cares if it's a rip off of a Rolex. Wear what you like. Rolex don't pay anyone for any sort of commitment, but thank you Rolex for the design 😂

[@jonathanturner4220]

Exactly. I just ordered this model a few days ago. Rolex and the Submariner model is the most imitated timepieces out there. Many many homages exist of the model from different brands. People who can afford to buy a Rolex and be put on a waiting list to do so will go that route. Others will want to have an experience of owning a design and model that is iconic but can't justify 19-15k USD on their wrist. Especially with theft being what it is today. You are not getting ripped off if you know what the watch is and what it isn't. I am impressed that a watch like Steel Dive can make a 100 dollar or so timepieces with Sapphire crystal ceramic bezel solid end link bracelet super luminova and a decent albeit not in house movement. Rolex as a company is not that old compared to others. Their success is based on very good marketing and a universally recognized look that event the most uninformed recognize. So it's up to you what matters most .

[@thegorn]

Rolex kinda stole the name "submariner" from the first ever waterproof watch - the "Submarine" by Brook & Son. Rolex treat us like sh1t and don't even pay taxes. We owe them nothing.

[@thegorn]

It's funny just how many Rolex Submariner owners are buying Steeldives because they don't want to wear their expensive timepieces for fear of damage, theft and personal harm, and then end up thinking - WTF do I want this Rolex if it's just sitting in a box and I never wear it, then they end up selling the Rolex. It's hilarious and I support it fully.

[@TheGoatG]

These days they would jump you , for a Steeldive watch too 👽 Stay alert !

[@Obscurealternatives999]

I bought one. I have 3 real subs. I can’t tell the difference. Rolex won’t get another cent out of me. Hats off to Steeldive

[@waltppk]

Wow that’s mind blowing considering although you can flip the subs for very real money.

[@thegorn]

Flip 2 of the subs, put the money into bitcoin, and buy each of the colorways of the SD1953. They're so much fun.

[@TitanUranusYT]

My sd1970 Is absolutely a beast. Replaced my seiko spr63 as a daily watch. My steeldive came with sapphire crystal, milled clasp, 200m wr, screwdown crown and all that for under $100. Meanwhile, new seiko 5s come with none of that, only 100m wr and at a msrp of $300.

[@alexwatchserbia9960]

I have replaced srpd with steeldive much better watch

[@andromedagodit2492]

Touché guys. Getting better specs at a better price? Count me in... 😁 Stange though. Everyone gets called out for homaging Rolex... But they seem to conveniently forget that Rolex homaged the Smiths Explorer that launched them to stardom n no one really bothered. Value investment or not. Paying 20 - 30k for a watch that costs less than 2k??

[@andromedagodit2492]

Ooohhh, check out that incredible lume n super specs. 😁

[@docswatchbox8321]

The Steeldive SD1970 “out-Seikos” the Seikos! I love mine! For the price, it is unbeatable. You don’t get the QC misalignment that Seiko is now infamous for either.

[@thegorn]

@@andromedagodit2492 They also copied the name of the first waterproof watch - the "Submarine" by Brook & Son - changing it ever so slightly to "Submariner", so even the name of Rolex iconic watch is a homage. The entire Swiss watch industry got its start by copying British and French pocket watches of the late 18th century. It was funded by Dutch merchants and as such these fakes were called the Dutch forgeries. They set up in Switzerland because labour was cheap since over the Winter the agrarian workers had nothing to do due to snow conditions. So the Swiss watch industry was started from fakes. Rolex stole names, water proofing mechanisms, date mechanisms etc. For Steeldive to homage Rolex - I have no problem with that at all. They improve on the Rolex with lumed bezel and only 20mm lug width compared to the 21mm on the 122610.All strength to Steeldive.

[@edwinthompson159]

My Steeldive keeps time equal to, if not better, than my new Rolex. The lume is superior to the Rolexes I've owned. Not that I care, but, the Steeldive gets more notice than the Rolex - go figure. I like my Steeldive, I'm selling my Rolex.

[@waltppk]

I would enjoy both! Cheers!

[@wgb_jd]

I wouldn't call it costume jewelry. It's an homage watch with some pretty credible specs.

[@Nasdaqslaktarn]

I have a fake rolex but just above rolex name on dial it has a dot so they fucked it up. Anyways i was at a party and a guy noticed and called me out. I did as every guy would, i attacked without hesitation. Mostly his balls since im short and he was long but eventually i lost the fifht and i had to flee but they had looked the doors. It was now getting really hot, unsure if the rest also decided to join the tal guym anyways i fought them for 3 days before winning and escaping.moral of story dont use fake

[@HOOKSnKISSES]

@@Nasdaqslaktarn moral of story dont use d-lysergic acid diethylamide

[@thegorn]

@@Nasdaqslaktarn Cool story bro

[@Nasdaqslaktarn]

@@thegorn ty but i dont remember writing this. Most likely i was on drugs

[@meeno_the_man]

I figure, if you want to sport something cool like this but can’t afford the real kit, well then take a shot on it. Take the shot…

[@donquxiote7653]

I feel safer wearing my Steeldive than my Rolex. Price for the Steeldive is unbeatable...Have a nice day!

[@davidcrandall4958]

The people that will kill you for your Rolex! will kill you for your SteelDive! Thugs are not geniuses!

[@donquxiote7653]

Yeah. But, if I could, I'd just say take it and not be too upset about it!

[@georgecostanza2695]

My wife and I got Rolexes for our anniversary. She seemingly has no problem going out while covered in literally tens of thousands of dollars worth of “stuff”, from earrings to handbag, whereas I feel awkward wearing a thousand dollar watch, let alone a ten thousand dollar watch. I’m always hyper conscious of getting it damaged, dirty, or stolen. I love how the watch feels and looks but I have no desire to display wealth or status, so I can’t wrap my head around just hanging something of such value out in the open like that. If I can still enjoy everything I like about the Submariner without the worry, sign me up.

[@QbanoPuraSepa]

Man, the only crime I see here is Rolex charging $15k for one of these when these homages are exposing it costs 100x less to make them 😂

[@mattfinleylive]

The specs, though, the specs are INCREDIBLE for the price. Sapphire crystal, Ceramic bezel, Full BGw9 super-lume, High-mag. cyclops, Claimed 300m water-resistance, Anti-reflection coating. Supposedly Seiko Japanese NH35A movement. Unreal!!

[@waltppk]

Totally agree! Wearing mine now!!

[@davidgutierrez8795]

even if I was a millionaire I wouldn't spend money in a rolex, that's just a snob ridiculous behavior imo, there are other places to put $10,000 to work for you. Now, I own several $700-1500 "swiss" watches (Mido, Tissot, etc) and they are just ok, nothing really fantastic: their movements need maintenance which cost a lot of money over time, etc. so they are just a liability at the end of the day. I recently bought a SteelDive (free shipping, not sure why you paid $20) and I am just impressed. The watch has just few flaws (the bracelet is poorly built) but the Sapphire crystal is real, the ceramic bezel is real, the anti reflective coating on the crystal is real, the movement is as good as the rolex, japanse movement, etc. so one must wonder how they do it for $100?, I don't think their profit is much, instead they are playing a long game here, pretty much what they (Chinese govt) are doing on a macro economical scale.

[@thegorn]

Nice one. Leave Rolex to the nouveau riche, or pretend-rich... people who are struggling to pay their rent but still have a Rolex 😂

[@lordcharfield4529]

I’ve just ordered one. I can’t afford a Rolex and if I had the money, I would rather give something to my daughters or do some house improvements for £13K ‼️

[@BigTimeRockFan]

The Rolex catalogue was also comical…..I bought this Steeldive ‘53 to wear when I travel to places that I don’t deem safe (in our current we-will-keep-you-safe “police state”, call us and we will get there in 10-minutes, 9 minutes and 45 seconds too late) instead of wearing my actual Rolex

[@alejandroventura8875]

Casio is Made in China too, haha!!!, even 40% of the Rolex components are made in china with the brand approval.

[@stevenmccarthy112]

Consider yourself lucky to get that quality for so little.

[@Phade101]

To be honest I feel safer it saying Steeldive on mine.

[@phil291254]

Frightening what Rolex profit margin is now - for everyday use these are ok

[@ged3680]

Hello, I have a Rolex 16610, 2005. I also have a Steeldive 1953, it cost £40, free postage and arrived in the UK within a week. It keeps great time. I wear it when I am doing jobs where it might get damaged. Ged.

[@albertsmith9315]

I'm laughing because as I'm watching this video, I'm wearing my Invicta Pro Diver (59 dollars during Prime Day) and it looks nearly identical. FWIW, I ordered the Steeldive which should be delivered in a couple of days. I love these cheap watches.

[@urbnctrl]

Which one is your favorite? I own an invicta pro diver and the open case back Seiko movement and Swiss heritage brand initially made me pick this over the steeldive. But I hear that the steeldive has some pros over the invicta such as sapphire chrystal and a better lume. As I love mine, id love to hear which one you prefer!

[@albertsmith9315]

@@urbnctrl I really feel the steeldive is the better watch, so much so that I bought 3. I have the SD 1953, SD 1954 and the SD 1970. The 1954 won me over because it forgoes the date complication and the cyclops magnifier protrusion. It is clean and easy to set (no need to worry about going past midnight). These three watches have less cumalitive cost than many of my true Seikos or Orient watches and have not given me a single reason to doubt their operation.

[@urbnctrl]

@@albertsmith9315 much appreciated! Logically, I have as we speak, the SD1953 in my cart! I must say it does look very nice. Look forward to having one on the wrist!

[@darioscomicschule1111]

The Magnification on the Cyclops is just too much. It ruins the Balance.

[@allenang9541]

It is a copy... No said it is not. But you certainly have a bias right on the start that it was a garbage before even tested it. Rolex is prettier. No once despute that. But for the prize tag, I think it is logical that SD is pratical choice. I think you just trying to trash the SD just because it was made in China.

[@waltppk]

I don't think you watched or really understood the video. Didn't trash it or say I didn't like it. I'm actually wearing it right now.

[@ozzyramos1216]

Greetings, thank you for sharing this excellent model of Steeldive SD1953, first of all I think you have to know a little about what you are talking about, the industrial design patents of some watch brands such as Seiko, Rolex and some others only protect the design during a period of approximately 10 years, so it is clearly understandable that if the patents have ceased to be valid anyone can copy an industrial design, that is why there are many watch brands such as Pagani Desing, Loreo, Addies Dive, Steeldive etc that currently their business model is based on saving the cost of industrial design and making what is known as Homage, I do not understand your comment because if it is about criticizing these commercial strategies you should not have spent money on a Homage watch but on a real Rolex, on the other hand, I think that of all those brands mentioned, Steeldive is the one that in my opinion provides the best quality in materials and construction. I feel that you are happy but resigned and that is a strange feeling for those who love to collect watches, in any case, thank you very much for sharing, I am going to subscribe to know a little more about your opinions, in business matters in this current world you only live once and those who do not have a way to acquire an original Rolex at least feel that they are wearing a watch worth the price on their wrist money invested. Thanks my friend

[@andrewrobertson3894]

Great comment.

[@con81rad]

I gotta lot of love for steeldive, affordable, great Introductory watches, great for getting into the hobby without worrying that you are throwing money away

[@thewatcher5084]

can we do a drop test between a steeldive and a real rolex?

[@waltppk]

That could get pricey.

[@zorgonfire]

Its better than a Rolex. I can wear it everyday everywhere. My Swiss watches remain in the drawer most of the time. I don't want to get killed for a stupid watch.

[@jasons2562]

Do you like the light blue dial version? I think it looks great

[@felipegonzalez1509]

Best bang x buck outhere imho. Nice video.

[@waltppk]

Thanks! Yes, it's a fun watch that doesn't put even the slightest dent in the bank account!! Cheers!

[@gavinroberts9349]

What’s the difference between the steeldive 1953 and a Rolex submariner apart from the price and bragging rights?

[@waltppk]

Well there is actually light years worth of difference between the two, but if you want an OK watch that LOOKS like a Rolex Sub get a cheapy Chinese Steeldive "homage" - Cheers!

[@johnwilkinson3582]

Surely the Rip Off is that Rolex get away with 10k dollars for their Blancpain 50 fathoms copy.

[@net0465]

Man you killed me at 3:58 ... 😂😂👍

[@waltppk]

Thanks!! Glad you see the fun in it!!! Cheers!

[@justmeeagainn]

These “homage” watches always leave me flat for some reason. I don’t know. It just makes me feel like a poser wearing something that’s blatantly trying to look like something it’s not. I’m glad you’re happy with yours. If you like these, you might want to try the Steeldive or Addiesdive Captain Willard ripoff (sorry…homage) too. I have one and it’s ok, but a little rough on the case back. Anyhow, I like your style and energy so I’m subscribing. Nice Rolex book too. I’m guessing at least the book is real.

[@waltppk]

Yes the Rolex book is real! Procured in Switzerland over the summer! I do agree with you but I am enjoying this “homage” watch without any worries about how I treat it in the wild!

[@mattfinleylive]

The "Submariner" has nearly become genericized as a dive watch, practically. It's a little like using a ball jar, and feeling like a poser because it's not a "mason".

[@thegorn]

I too had your mindset about a year ago. That's when I thought that Rolex and others were honourable companies and that they shouldn't be homaged (ripped off). But that all changed. Rolex is a mean, vicious, nasty, litigious company that doesn't pay taxes and greenwashes, and treats customers like garbage. Buying a homage is an act of rebellion. It's a bonus that they improve on the Rolex with a fully lumed bezel, and a more practical lug width of 20mm, without proportions looking off. I still have the mindset of Pagani Design which is pure clone and no homage/improvements and also poor QC, but for San Martin and Steeldive - I love them!

[@a0r0a7]

No patent on the Rolex sub design now. Allows many to get the look of a classic without the worry of being robbed for it. Alot for not alot.

[@mras402]

Does your Steeldive Submariner Homage still work in 2023??? If they do work, then they are worth the USD100 dollars.

[@thegorn]

NH35 movement will go for years. Based on the 7S26 which is one of the most bombproof autos ever made (in the fabled SKX007 / SKX009). NH35 is a 7S26 with stop mechanism ("hacking") and hand-winding mechanism added.

[@halua1969]

I actually enjoyed your "rant" quite much, loved that you didn't call the lume "radium" lol

[@waltppk]

Cheers! Thanks!

[@kittybelles]

love it. will get the green one. how long does the lume last?

[@waltppk]

No idea but my lume is still rocking.

[@user-xk6hw4lw3w]

Hello, thank you for your presentation, obviously it has nothing to do with a Rolex I admit I don't understand the comparison even from afar, it says steeldive. On the other hand, I would have liked to understand the general quality of this inexpensive little watch with a nice look, starting with the quality of the assembly of the NH35 and the water resistance... probably a few meters to allow water sport or not.. .

[@seanhickling7340]

Aren't you forgetting the submariner is actually an homage to the 50 fathoms? Well it is if you didn't know.

[@thegorn]

Nah they are completely different watches

[@newtonlimanewtinho5212]

Comprei este relógio e achei incrível a qualidade, nunca vi de perto um Rolex submariner, mas olhando para essa cópia posso entender o porque gostam tanto do submariner.

[@phil291254]

Invicta quality not quite up to steeldive in my opinion - finish is much better than inv.

[@ccampbell1117]

Thing is that people who can only dream about wearing a Rolex can own something that performs at say 85% of one for , as you say $100 . That’s never going to affect Rolex sales because most people who can afford them wouldn’t be seen dead wearing a Steeldive , it means that the dreamers can look at their wrist and enjoy their $100 investment and maybe buy something similar when the have save up.

[@metaljew4456]

Great review! I just Sub’d. Keep the Homage watch reviews coming.

[@MichaelAChang]

I don't get your point of the rambling. When was the last time you got such good value from anywhere for anything? It's a well crafted case containing a robust NH35 movement for $100 - it'd be at least $500+ if it was Seiko branded. As for "homage", the Swiss do it too, if you're unfamiliar with the hype surrounding the Snoopy MoonSwatch which is a piece of plastic junk that's trading at 4X MSRP.

[@waltppk]

I don't get what you're upset about. I freakin' said it's a good watch for the money. BUT it is a blatant cheap ass rip off of a Rolex Submariner. Period.

[@offcamber]

Thanks for sharing. It’s too bad Levy Jewelers couldn’t keep their Rolex authorized dealership.

[@BigTimeRockFan]

Love your style and energy, but come on this was comical….“‘Casio’ real deal”…..1980s junker/disposable watches…..LOL

[@davidcrandall4958]

Your misunderstanding The Terms Homage And Fake And you forgot to mention the Saphire crystal and ceramic bezel and great movement! your way off! If you dont apppreciate it,sell ot to me for 60 percent off!

[@waltppk]

I love it but since you appreciate it I'll sell it to you for $8K and then you can feel like you have a real Sub. Cheers.

[@davidcrandall4958]

@@waltppk *You really are what I thought you are!

[@gazookerman1328]

Why come on here wearing a cheap but nice Casio watch in order to slate a watch that many people own and appreciate? When I first got into collecting watches, I was unaware that this submariner design was "exclusive to Rolex", (which apparently, it is not...) I like my watches, and this design in particular. It's just plain snobbery to refer to good quality watches as costume jewellery or rip offs/copies. We all like nice things. Let's enjoy what we can afford...Enjoy your Casios and your Rolex. Nice watches

[@rec2nd]

Cotume jewelry? FFS do some research!

[@gianniskaniaris5228]

i love san martin

[@3316xtendedmedia]

Happy the algoritm gave me your channel.I Have also a steeldive Arnie(in blue) and i love it.The amount of qualities you get for 100 bucks is awesome.Hey,it's chinese what do you expect,

[@lucioweht2161]

All of the chinese brands are made by the exact same factory , maybe some of the models are exclusively made for one brand like san martin, but they are esentially the same watch

[@thegorn]

It's in no way a rip off of the 1980's submariner. The 5-digit reference subs were much smaller, had hollow end links, aluminium bezels. It's a homage of the current 126610 41mm submariner but with superior fully lumed bezel (objectively superior functionality - looks are subjective), and a 20mm lug (as apposed to Rolex 21mm), which you'll find of 99% of enthusiasts prefer since 20mm straps are waaay more common. The things said in this video can only be explained by the Dunning-Kruger effect.

[@waltppk]

Wow, someone got triggered. Talk about Dunning-Kruger effect. Well sir, it is a total design rip off as I actually SHOW in my video. I do like mine and I'm not sending it back and I'd love to know where you get the stat that "99% of enthusiasts" prefer a 20mm lug" - why? Because you do?

[@daniloorlino2256]

Quit hating. It's a quality watch.

[@waltppk]

C’mon! Perhaps you should rewatch the video. No hate. Love my Steeldive.

[@origamicrane685]

It is what it is.

[@monkeyman8265]

I have so many Rolex sub homages that my watch box looks like it belongs to a crazy person. Believe it or not they sell fake Rolex’s still called super clowns costing up to $1,000 but you need to lose all respect for yourself to buy one.

[@jamesmills706]

Good God we know it’s a rip off. What else is it? You say will you get what you get well what do you get? You never say. What kind of crystal? What’s the movement? Are you answer No questions in this video.

[@soggz4246]

It’s a great watch for the money.

[@FantaconeBoxWorks]

I stopped watching your video because you laugh it off as a copy. Isn't that exactly what a homage is? We get that it isn't a rolex. Your spending too much time pointing that out. Just review it as it is.

[@waltppk]

If you'd read the description of the video you would have saved yourself some time. Cheers!

[@thegorn]

I gave the video a thumbs down because he calls the Steeldive "costume jewellery" = load of horse shite.

[@GunGuy258]

But Tudor isn't a costume jewelry knock-off though? Aren't they ripping off Rolex, too? Funny how a name brand makes it ok??? You have no clue.

[@smokeylake3150]

Not a rip off after all that time. Who cares? Most people don’t care or don’t know.

[@dany1441]

You win first prize for most inane homage watch review in the 21st century. Congratulations!

[@superflybry123]

That's the big difference between the 'copies' from a few years ago to the modern 'homage'.. at least the homages work now because they mostly have the off-the-shelf NH35 seiko movement.

[@thegorn]

Chinese fakes only a few years ago were tacky with hollow endlinks, loosy-goosy bracelets, mineral glass, hard plastic bezels, crunchy unreliable Chinese autos or budget quartz, and QC issues out the wahzoo. They were made to look Sumariner-like from a distance, but just don't get too close and squint if you do. Nowadays with these steeldives, they are spec monsters and 100% enjoyable even up close, with reliable/functional Japanese Seiko-sourced movements, or even decent clones of ETA movements like the PT5000. It's the dawn of a new era in watches.