Rolex Submariner: Top 5 Under $500 Alternatives To James Bond's Watch

After comparing the iconic Rolex Submariner 5513 verses the Omega Planet Ocean XL in a recent James Bond special video, today I follow up with some affordable alternatives. Even if you don't have 007 money or feel the need to buy luxury watches, you shouldn’t miss out!
In this episode I share my top 5 affordable, non-homage, under $500 alternatives to the legendary Rolex Submariner. These options are just as capable, cool, compelling, and enjoyable as the Swiss dive watch classic. No matter your budget, here are 5 suggestions that will keep you on time during any daring mission life may throw at you, because one watch in this world is not enough and you only live twice!
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[@georgegiesbrecht8224]

TGV not forgetting about us beginners. What a class act! Thanks for another great video

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

I love how Orients remain so affordable. It is heartening to know that this level of in-house manufacturing is available to all watch lovers regardless of income. That is really cool. --Michael

[@LuksWGS]

And currently it is really mindblowing that they became so moddable with all those bracelets and bezels fitting skx inserts. After 2 years of enjoying original Ray II on original bracelet and natos I switched to miltat tapered oyster bracelet with solid endlinks, gave it new bezel with ceramic and lumed insert as the old aluminium one was pretty beat up too. Looks stunning, looks like new piece AND looks really like $1500 watch. That is just truly incredible stuff you get on such affordable level.

[@TheShotenZenjin]

The Ray 2 is incredibly affordable. I live in Japan and got the beautiful blue dial one recently from amazon.co.jp for the equivalent of US110. It’s surely a great looking watch, but suffers from a too small, just a little difficult to screw in crown and my model just runs too fast, gaining about a second an hour on the wrist.

[@pymandragore]

@@LuksWGS Interesting, I didn't know about that! Are bracelet endlinks also compatible?

[@LuksWGS]

@@pymandragore yep, they fit perfectly. However I was a little worried about one thing before I received the bracelet, just something to keep in mind is that I've heard (I read it somewhere, not sure even where tbh, reddit probably) that some Rays, depending on where they were produced, have the holes in the lugs drilled in just slightly different positions and for some people it was an issue to fit the bracelet in or it just didn't fit at all. Anyways, it was not the case for me, everything worked out fine and it's just superb. And I ordered the parts from LIW by the way.

[@darkphoenix2k61]

Just got my orient mako xl....awesome watch love the weight of it

[@JasonRoeske]

I’ve worn my Mako II almost every day for the last 2 years. It has seen every environment. Been paired with every type of outfit . From gym clothes to suits, and i still love putting it on every morning. It’s got chips and nicks, but it’s a watch and it still looks great

[@evano8312]

Same mate I wear the blue mako 2 everyday

[@diavalus]

Still rocking my Mako 1 on a daily basis which I got brand new for 65 EUR at that time.

[@gickojerke1262]

I first saw the orient on your channel and recently bought it. Now I have it on a dark red nato strap, looks really nice with the blue face of the watch. Thank you for not being a watch snob, I got one in the family actually so I know what I am taking about (no interest in horology but luxury brands only) I own some watches that are a lot more expensive than the Mako ll but I can never relax as I am afraid to get the very first scratch on it, afterwards it gets better but that’s why I love affordable quality watches you can have fun with, and you are helping us all with that. Thank you a lot :) great community, very helpful, very wholesome :)

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

As soon as I saw the video title I knew the Lorier Neptune would be in it. Great watch!

[@cryptoteslafan]

I love this top "5/10/.." type of videos, I've learned so much from them because you just go in detail and talk about the history of every watch. Would like to see a "Breitling Navitimer: Top 5 under $500 Alternatives" !

[@ianbutler1983]

Merry Christmas to you and your relations, TGV. Thanks for a wonderful year of videos. Time with friends and family is the most important thing we have, and I hope you enjoy yours.

[@MagnumOpus007]

Always a great education from TGV!! Thanks for all you do and Happy Holidays!

[@BristolEngland]

Welcome home and Merry Christmas TGV and got to say.. you have by far the best intro of any watch channel out there.. love the music 💯 P.S bought the Seiko flighty that you have mentioned many times and love it👌🏽👍🏽

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Zee! You are a true gent. Welcome to the flighty club my friend! I hope it brings you as much happiness as it has for me. Best regards, TGV

[@hoopsnbulls2207]

I've gone from 1 to 7 watches in the last 2 months because of this channel. Also a box to keep them in and a watch repair kit. Not forgetting more EDC items. Nice to see one of my pieces in your top 5. Keep up the good work. All the best from Dorset!!

[@Langersport]

Great video; love the Bond theme and your enthusiasm for these watches. For me the Lorier is perfect... it’s got a wonderful understated elegance and style of its own while also harking back to the feeling of early Rolex and Tudor Subs without going down the homage route. Have a feeling this will be finding a way into my collection soon!

[@DaveMGmovies]

Spot on with the Neptune. I absolutely love mine. On similar lines I've been impressed with the micro brand diver made by Baltic. BTW: Merry Christmas to you and your family TGV -- and I look forward to more great watch videos in 2020.

[@theurbangentry]

Baltic are great too, I borrowed one last year, sadly I never had time to review it, but good call suggestions it. Thank you Dave, merry Xmas to you and yours. 2020 is going to be amazing!!! :D Best regards, TGV

[@MrSafetyForever]

Your unquestionable passion for horology is reflected in your video's! Your knowledge and wisdom is in a category of its own! Thank you for allocating the time to create such a phenomenal channel!

[@JYMBO]

"Bondian" is now my new favourite word.

[@magnuscarlsenbutdumb]

I wanna like but its at 69 should i break it

[@SeeThroughScreen]

Merry Christmas man, thank you for all the education I received from you this year!

[@theurbangentry]

Hearing that makes me so happy, an honor and a pleasure! Have a wonderful holidays, thank you my friend. Best regards, TGV

[@kennethMblake]

Here here.

[@davidstokes5444]

Thanks for this TGV. May be it's time for a Glycine they do look great. Always stalking the next watch . . Wishing you and the Gentry a very Happy Christmas.

[@thestig007]

Ah, I see you're back in England for Christmas! Always great to see a video from your vacation house. I hope you're enjoying your time away, and that you find it relaxing. I wish your family a very happy holidays!

[@BhunaTube]

Thanks for reminding me about the Timex, I've been waiting for it to be restocked since watching your review.

[@lucianosilva3887]

Mais uma lista de excelência. O vídeo ficou muito bom e serviu para mostrar relógios de fino acabamento a preços acessíveis. Parabéns pelo vídeo....👏👏👏👏

[@android61242]

Cheers to the video and Merry Christmass m8. Have a happy holiday.

[@gabrieleconti9033]

1:53 Kandinsky's Several Circles, one of my favourite ones! On Orient, I went for the Mako II over the Ray because those numerals make the watch look much more different from the Submariner

[@gowen_places_5471]

Instantly recognized that quaint country room! Great place, it seems! These are all pretty cool, affordable alternatives, and I wonder which one I’ll be treating myself to this Christmas! Godspeed, Owen

[@LordTwaddle]

I really want the Gen 1 Neptune, I love the slightly undersized dial.

[@rp20832]

I love mine, and never understood the need for the design change. The gen1 feels more right somehow.

[@wristwatchtalk]

I bought a V1 off of ebay last month and will be getting it over the holidays so haven't even seen it yet. Cannot wait to have it on wrist. Fell in love with the smaller dialled Neptune but after they changed the design. I am hoping the condition is good. I would check ebay. I was checking everyday until one at a fair price in my country came up.

[@puzzlenerd1456]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year TGV! Thanks to you I rediscovered my interest in watches. Since watching this channel I added a victorinox maverick 2, seiko 5, and orient sun and moon to my watch collection. I only use my smart watch as a gym watch and when I go snowboarding. Want to add a seiko or glycine watch to my collection. In addition to the orient ray II.

[@paulmisencik]

Just found your channel and have been binge watching. GREAT STUFF! You have a fantastic delivery, and the content is top notch! Keep 'em coming!!

[@franciscoj.sepulvedal.7975]

Great video TGV!! I have a Glycine Combat Sub and I love it!! Greetings from Chile.

[@paulblakey4589]

Great video, very interesting reviews. Thank you the posting a wide variety of affordable timepieces.

[@simonthewatchguy6073]

Yesssss!!! The Golden Tuna. I bought mine due to the Moore connection. However I sold mine and I've now got sellers remorse!

[@paulhannoever7680]

I bought a skx013 as a memorandum for graduating high school a couple of months ago. You, dear TGV were the nail in the coffin of my considerations towards it. Totally happy with it. Even more with it being discontinued now...

[@jhelwig19781]

Great selection TGV - enjoying closing out the year with your final reviews!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you John, wishing you all the best this holiday season. Best regards, TGV

[@OldGinger]

Just wanted to say I'm a huge fan of you and your work! You inspired me to get the Dan Henry 1964 and I'm keen to get some more watches you've reviewed. You videos are fun, informative, great for newbies! I love all your videos and how much you enjoy the passion of watches. I'm very happy I came across the Urban Gentry! :)

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Good to see a mention of Orient. I own a Mako XL, and at the moment it’s my favourite watch (I’m saving for a Black Bay 58). Such a good quality, value for money automatic diver, and one that I’m very attached to. Always happy too to hear you endorse Seiko - I’ve owned 3 - a Kinetic, a 5 and a mecha-quartz chrono. All lovely watches, and terrific value for money.

[@TheFilm2011]

Another great report and Happy New Year!

[@peterhal129]

I like the fact that you have 'Het melkmeisje' as your wallpaper on your pc. That makes me smile.

[@MegaGmano]

Wonderful video. I've just gotten an Orient Bambino to complement my SKN. Both beautiful pieces that make me very happy. I would love to see your suggestion of a 5/6 watch collection with affordable pieces for a younger audience.

[@vespermatu6411]

Could someone tell me whats the model of the Glycine tank watch thats on the newspaper at 12:37. Could'nt find it anywhere!!

[@ChaxSouthSide]

personally i would pick a sznf Sea Urchin over Tuna, resembles more to a submariner, hence the nickname "Bond on a budget" Great vid TGV!

[@mb8kr]

"Bond on a budget" 😃🤣🤣👍

[@Solo_adv]

Thank you for your review always a pleasure. What did you think of deep blue (dive watches)?

[@steventaylor3884]

I have learnt so much from your channel about great affordable watches that wont break the bank of this factory worker from Wiltshire.Have a great new year and keep them coming,I learn something new with every one😁

[@QMR406]

Really original edit, congrats and merry xmas from Spain!

[@B2OBOGOTA]

I was watching the video awaiting stressfully to see if glycine made it to the top, with my new combat sub on the wrist, I was so happy to see it top 2, great work as always TGV, also really like the 24 hour dial see-trough on the timex

[@rickewilde]

I've been a very good boy this year and I hope my letter to Santa got through...coz the Glycine Combat was top of my list. Merry Xmas TGV. Good work fella.

[@ericparent7794]

I love mine, can definitely vouch for it.

[@cmnderbob]

Thanks TGV love the Channel wishing you and yours all the very best this holiday season, Bob

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Bob, All the best to you and yours too :D Best regards, TGV

[@heikowallauer]

Good evening TGV, perfect Christmas episode in your channel 😉Actually I was enjoying my Orient Ray II today (blue dial, blue bezel, on a black NATO strap) and decided to go with this watch for the Rest of the week until Seiko Saturday. Have a great rest of the day and enjoy your time in England!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Heiko, so glad to hear you are enjoying a Ray II. Have a great week too my friend. Loving it so far. Best regards, TGV

[@funkymonk3487]

I love my orient ray 2, it's my first automatic watch and I get so many compliments on it. I'm hoping to change the mineral crystal on it to sapphire when I get the chance. Thanks for the video TGV and Merry Christmas to you!

[@bert4768]

You're videos are awesome man. As someone who's just getting into watches, you're opinions are well respected and give a good perspective on things! Keep being amazing

[@thwrkmns70]

I agree, but he certainly has a bias for mechanicals/automatics. While I appreciate the massive amount of skill and engineering that goes into a mechanical/automatic timepiece, there's simply better watches. They're not accurate, they tend to require expensive servicing, etc. There's the value of not ever needing battery changes and would survive an EMP, but quartz and even eco-drives absolutely provide more bang for the buck and comparable quality. But then again, he's an horologist and not your common watch wearer.

[@clausborg77]

This video is perfect for all new watch enthusiasts and inspirational for the long timers enthusiasts. Orient Mako 2 and Ray 2/Raven leads my list for what Orient offers as a watch company. Unbeatable! But all other watches are amazing as well. 👍

[@ants1516]

Another fab video , glad you put the tuna at number 1 I brought the exact same model at the start of the year it's a cracking watch.

[@seanreeves3503]

Thank you for entertaining video, excellent watches. My favourite micro brand is FORMEX Essence, I love this watch I know it’s not in the theme but I thought I had to mention it. I always look forward to wearing it.sean

[@sk8brdninja746]

TGV! Love the Orient and the Seiko is a given ! Merry Christmas my friend!

[@iluvj00]

I just bought an Orient Mako 2, and love it. My next time piece is going to be a Lorier for sure, it is incredible good looking.

[@HSalamista]

Hi TGV, given you have not mentioned that you exclude homage watches, I would go for the Steinhart Milsub on no.1

[@megabenstevens]

Love your content thanks for helping people out

[@everydaypatriot1083]

Thanks for including Orient and Seiko SKX. My modest collection appreciates that very much. Merry Christmas TGV.

[@ill_threads1628]

Absolutely love your passion. Why wouldn't you start a series about history behind legendary watches and companies - so neophytes like myself could learn more about it?

[@jeremycorrao]

Great video! I love all of them! Have a Merry Christmas! Cheers.

[@ilcasa3133]

solid watch advice for anyone just starting his watch collection journey.

[@justlucky7322]

I know this question is kinda odd but I'm thinking to buy l a watch but couldn't decide between these 2: 1one is (Timex tx2r60900 Quartz watch) cost about 50usd second one is (Seiko 5 military automatic Snk805k2) cost about 185usd yes I know that you can buy it for 100$ in the US but I'm from Ukraine and that is the price that I can buy for my question is is it worth overpaying the 85$ for Seiko I guess it's a better watch of course I'm not sure this is gonna be my 1st watch so any help appreciated

[@oldfartsdarts6147]

Hi TGV. Great video, love the Glycine. Great to have you back home to enjoy some wind and rain this Christmas.

[@kiwi_commander]

Dear TGV, thank you for another fantastic video. I was mulling over the Glycine Combat Sub GoldenEye for a while and because of this video I just had to order one. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

[@perri.mannix]

The Orient Ray II was my first "serious" watch and i realy liked to wear it for a couple of years. Now, about 3 month ago, i bumped into a door an the edge of the glass shattered. To test it i ordered a coinedge bezel, a black ceramic insert and a domed saphire crystal from namoki. In the meantime i serviced and regulated my watch. I’ve mounted the parts, put on a wrist candy watch club strap and fell in love again. The new parts are a huge upgrade and now it is my personal homage to the 62MAS. Thank you TGV for all you great videos and carissimi saluti dall’italia. 👍👍

[@neilmorgan7323]

Thanks TGV, great run down as always. I'm looking at the Kano which seems like another great value automatic dive watch from Orient. Any plans to review this model in future?

[@ryancollins8763]

Fantastic videos really enjoy watching and learning from your channel. Currently wearing my orient ray 2 on my self made paracord black reflective strap.

[@markdavis2475]

Not watched (groan!) your channel before. I really like your positive presentation style. I'm looking for an inexpensive new watch for 2020, your guide has really helped, thanks!

[@ScottUK]

Sorry to go off topic, but I’m currently in the process of designing my signet ring through goldcrestsignetrings as per your recommendation, and was wondering which ring face size you went with for your “TGV” monogram ring? Thanks!

[@fredrickgreat5683]

Great Videos and the best watch enthusiast!

[@xon3E]

Orient Kamasu (the green one) is my recommendation for this price range. $200-300, sapphire, beautiful dial and full of character. P.S. Love the glycine too!

[@carlexplores8709]

Seiko Tuna! I never realised Roger Moore wore one in my favourite bond movie! That's now next on my list! Thanks for all your fabulous research!

[@ZekaPilot]

Really proud to have Orient Blue ray 2. To me it's a mix of James Bond's Omega Seamaster and Rolex Submariner and that's something I really like about it. I have it for around 3 years now and it haven't disappointed me not a single time. It's beautifully made with a lot of nice well made details and I recommend everybody who likes divers and all that style to buy it! -Andrija Zecevic

[@barrycolmer324]

Hey TGV, great show, may I ask about the Citizen you were tempted to put in?

[@frogfine6881]

new to watches!! loving this channel!!! First auto was a Seiko 5 snk805. thinking of making my second either a Sekio Alpinist, of Bulova Devil Diver. community vote?

[@ericparent7794]

I've got both the Glycine 42mm sub and the Ray II (blue), can definitely vouch for both. I was saddened to see that one of my collection faves wasn't nominated, the Deep Blue Master 1000, but it's not that well known so I'm not surprised, it's a short list after all.

[@markfoster1761]

Thank you very much for this very enjoyable video that was presented with great thoughtfulness and style.

[@nathanwalker6360]

Way of topic but i love your RAN film poster!! Kurosawa is astounding as a director - Seven Samurai is fantastic. Love seeing you back in England. All the best over the Christmas period. Peace n Love

[@JavierBonillaC]

OMG the Lorie. I’ve said for years now “not one more watch”. This is the first time I’ve said “I’m going to think bout it”. It is just a piece of art, like when you see an Art Deco modern building. Wow!

[@camoph]

Thanks for your video. Right now I’m looking for a diver, case diameter < 40mm, which is a bit difficult to find (no Invicta). However, I came across the Gigandet Sea Ground 100 Vintage, which looks pretty good. What’s your opinion on that piece?

[@vamheredur413]

Brilliant video TGV!

[@danbrown7857]

TGV is one grounded dude. Great to see these wonderful‘ affordables’ celebrated! Bravo!

[@stevesolis1793]

Thank you TGV for the solid recommendations, my glycine goldeneye just arrived today, perfect timing 😅😅😅

[@charliedoyle118]

You have some of the best intros on the Tube. Merry Christmas.

[@Samlowry27B-6]

Some wonderful choices as always. That Lorier.....so understated.

[@richardwoolard9804]

Greetings TGV , I am new to your channel and enjoy your writing and camera work. Being an older man (68) and have worn a wrist watch everyday of my life since I was about 8 years old I'm so glad to see young men and women wearing watches again , even if a fair amount of them are Apple watches , which I am not a fan of but I guess it qualifies even if it requires daily charging Being a collect of sorts and by that I mean a collection of watches under $100 dollars . Thank you all the great content. RGW in NC

[@kristijanhresc4]

I'm a big fan of vintage watches and just love to watch your videos. I was wondering can you make a video about French watch company called Ultra. There is little information you can find online about them. I have their really rear vintage diving watch and hope you could shad a little light about them. Happy holidays and lots of great videos in the next year.

[@johnviano4584]

Hi TGV, Great video! Nice to see the Glycine Combat Sub get some attention. I still have mine from when I bought it new from Saltzman's back in 2015. I was inspired by your review at that time. It still gets a lot of wrist time. I hope you enjoy your holidays in England. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Best wishes, John

[@greenmarowak]

At first I was surprised that my favorite dive watch, the Squale Y1545, was not featured, but then I remember I paid about $600. Just missed the cut off! LOL Great video as always. It reminded me how much I still want a Glycine Combat Sub. I purchased the golden eye model a year ago and returned it because I was planning on purchasing the Squale Y1545. Cheers from Chicago! Peter

[@rickyang5095]

TGV, great video as always! I've been wanting to get my hands on a JLC Master Calendar REF. 1558420 for the longest time, and might just pull the trigger soon. I wanted to hear your thoughts on the watch, and how it compares to the the ultra thin moon REF. 1368420. Which would you recommend? And is there any other dress watch you'd recommend in this price range. Thanks!

[@raulsaavedra709]

Casio Duro. So affordable, and WR 200m, and I'm impressed at how incredibly silent it is. Hopefully that Timex diver in your list is not like the Timex Weekenders. Don't get me wrong, the Weekenders are good value watches, but I can't sleep when wearing one or even when having it near my bed. I can however perfectly sleep with the Casio Duro right next to my ear. Of course loud ticking is irrelevant for a diver, but a good diver can easily be a great daily sports watch / beater / all rounder. Yet a loud ticking prevents a watch from being that, imho.

[@cmdrbpsmith]

I love the video, and I totally agree with your assessment of Orient watches. However, I think you missed the best Orient deal of the bunch... The Orient Mako II USA. Upgrades include enhanced lume, a sapphire crystal, and solid endlinks. The only thing missing is a ceramic bezel. But Marc at Long Island Watch, being the consummate engineer that he is, had a new bezel manufactured that allows you to add any SKX bezel insert. With recent discounts on Orient's website, you can get this updated Orient for $200. Even with Marc's amazing bezel and ceramic bezel, the whole package is less than $300.00. That is hard to beat...

[@randynovick7972]

Nice choices. Good set and recommendations.

[@cretan911]

I have the Neptune. Love mine! I ordered the Blue 1. Cracking watch and I agree Husband and Wife team are great people.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Great watches. I'm thinking of a tuna or one of the mass drop collaboration combat subs. Looking forward to the next video. Keep up the good work.

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great job with these affordable gems. Your passion for watches is very cool.

[@31128]

Love the repeat "turn their passion into a career" at 4:55. I hope you feel you've succeeded, TGV.

[@JessicaSeverin]

Great list and so happy to see you include Lorier at #5 (I love my Lorier Falcon). Too bad Squale is just outside the $500 limit to make the list though.

[@r.daniels1165]

Great vid! I really appreciate these ideas for affordable alternatives to the Sub Mariner! Concerning Invicta, not all are hideous strap on clocks. I'm glad they bought this company, Glycine. It gives them more credibility in their overall line. Have you ever looked over the Invicta Intrinsic line? A little big at 43-47 mm, but very handsome analogue, digi watches.

[@gickojerke1262]

Hi TGV, i got a challenge for you, that is a Sarb035 replacement/something similar, I bought one recently but now they are getting too expensive, it’s ridiculous. The biggest problem is that the Sarx/Sary are simply too big for smaller wrists to wear in all situations and more expensive as well. So an everyday watch (preferably a clean and simple design like the sarb) with at least 100m water resistance you can both dress up and down in a similar price category or a bit more expensive is something I haven’t found yet. Please help us guys with smaller wrists. Or at least something that satisfies some of those criteria Keep up the good work and greetings from London:)

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Interesting alternatives! Not the run-of-the-mill suggestions at all👍🏻 For a second I thought I spotted the flag of Finland at 10:19 but turned out to be nautical signal flags haha! Great quality content and a pleasure to watch as always, thank you!

[@mattscoggin514]

Awesome. Just awesome. Thanks TGV

[@joec222]

Great video and great choices. I have the GLYCINE combat Sub "GoldenEye" which is very nice, esp. with the black Milanese that TGV suggested. It wasn't available when the video was made but an alternative to the lorier that I own is the gilt dress KX, Seiko srpe57. Very Bondian.

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Love the glimpse of the British countryside hearth & home. Merry Christmas and a blessed 2020.

[@edteach3r]

I love this video.... affordable watches that capture the Bond spirit.