Alright, let’s get into it. When it comes to famous watches, there’s no denying the legendary rivalry between Rolex and Omega. You’ve probably heard the question a million times: Rolex Submariner or Omega Speedmaster? These two heavyweights have been the center of countless debates, and it’s no surprise why – each watch has its own rich history and massive fanbase.
Now, they might not exactly be in the same category – one’s a rugged diver’s watch built to withstand the harshest conditions, and the other is a chronograph with deep ties to space exploration – but that doesn’t stop collectors from constantly comparing the two. So, which one should you go for?
In this post, we’re going to put all the speculation to rest. We’ll break down everything – from the history, features, and price, to which one might be the best fit for your collection. By the end of this, you’ll have all the info you need to make a decision on which iconic timepiece deserves a spot on your wrist. So, let’s dive in!
Rolex Submariner
Introduced in 1953, the Rolex Submariner is one of the most renowned dive watches in the world. Initially created for expert divers, it swiftly gained recognition for its toughness and accuracy. Over the years, it has been upgraded with modern materials and technology, while staying true to its original design. With its exceptional performance and appeal, the Submariner has come to represent the Rolex high-quality standards.
Today, the Rolex Submariner keeps that legacy alive while incorporating modern updates. With a sleek, durable design that’s built to withstand anything life throws at it, this model incorporates the advanced ceramic bezel and in-house Caliber 3130 movement, making it a perfect blend of history and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or simply adding an iconic piece to your collection, it carries the torch of the Submariner’s rich legacy while setting the standard for what a dive watch should be.
Features and Functions:
- Water Resistance & Oystersteel Case: The Submariner is water-resistant up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) and features a durable Oystersteel case that resists corrosion, scratches, and harsh conditions, making it perfect for diving.
- Self-Winding Movement & Power Reserve: Powered by the Caliber 3235 self-winding movement, the Submariner offers a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring reliable, accurate timekeeping without manual winding.
- Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal & Chromalight Display: The Submariner’s scratch-resistant sapphire crystal keeps it clear, while the Chromalight display provides a lasting blue glow for visibility in low-light or underwater.
- Crown: The Triplock crown features three sealed zones for enhanced water resistance, keeping the watch secure and waterproof up to 300 meters (1,000 feet).
- Cerachrom Bezel & Glidelock Clasp: The Cerachrom bezel is virtually scratch-proof, while the Glidelock clasp allows easy, tool-free bracelet adjustments, ideal for wetsuit wear.
Price Point:
The Rolex Submariner originally retailed for around $7,100, but as with many popular Rolex models, its value has climbed over the years. Nowadays, you can typically find it in the range of $9,000 to $10,000 in the pre-owned market, though prices can fluctuate depending on factors like demand, condition, and market trends. Given its status as one of the Rolex most sought-after models, it’s not unusual for the Submariner to command a premium, especially in mint condition or with original packaging.
Who It Is For:
If you’re someone who values versatility, this is the perfect watch for you. Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or just looking for a piece that can take you from casual weekends at the beach to important meetings in the boardroom, the Submariner delivers on all fronts. It’s the ultimate “one-and-done” piece that offers everything – exceptional build quality, a classic design that never goes out of style, and the reliability of the Rolex in-house movements.
Omega Speedmaster
Introduced in 1957, the Speedmaster earned its place in history as NASA’s official chronograph, famously accompanying astronauts on the Apollo missions, including the first moon landing. Its association with space history has made it one of the most celebrated timepieces in the world of horology.
Today, the Omega Speedmaster continues to honor that legacy, staying true to its iconic design while incorporating modern advancements. Powered by the Caliber 3861 movement, a master chronometer certified for precision and anti-magnetism, this chronograph is as reliable for daily wear as it is steeped in lunar history. Featuring the signature Hesalite crystal, a tachymeter bezel, and an exhibition caseback, the Speedmaster remains a top pick for collectors who appreciate both its smart design and its incredible heritage. Whether you’re captivated by its space ties or simply drawn to a chronograph with character, this watch is a must-have for any serious collection.
Features and Functions:
- Chronograph Function: The Speedmaster features a central seconds hand, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter for precise event timing, making it a favorite for chronograph enthusiasts.
- Movement: Powered by the Caliber 1863 hand-wound movement, the Speedmaster includes small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters.
- Hesalite or Sapphire Crystal: Traditionally, the Speedmaster uses a Hesalite crystal for durability, with some models offering scratch-resistant sapphire.
- Water Resistance: The Speedmaster has 50 meters of water resistance, suitable for light swimming but not diving.
- Lume: The Speedmaster uses Super-Luminova on the hands and indices, producing a green glow for legibility in low light.
- Tachymeter Bezel: The tachymeter bezel measures speed over a set distance, ideal for motorsports and precise timing.
- Exhibition Caseback: Some models feature an exhibition caseback, allowing a view of the Caliber 3861 movement.
- Size and Design: With a 42mm stainless steel case and vintage-inspired design, the Speedmaster offers versatility and can be paired with various straps.
- Moonwatch Design: Known as the Moonwatch, the Speedmaster’s simple, legible dial with white hands and black markers makes it one of the most recognizable chronographs worldwide.
Price Point:
The Omega Speedmaster Professional typically falls in the range of $5,000 to $6,600 for a new model, depending on the crystal choice (Hesalite or Sapphire) and the specific configurations. Compared to the Rolex Submariner, the Speedmaster offers a more accessible price tag, making it an excellent option for collectors looking for a legendary chronograph without breaking the bank. On the pre-owned market, you can often find them for as low as $2,500 to $4,500, depending on condition and age. Given its rich history and the quality behind it, the Speedmaster remains an incredible value in the world of luxury watches.
Who It Is For:
The Omega Speedmaster Professional is made for those who appreciate a piece of history on their wrist. If you’re a space enthusiast or someone fascinated by the Apollo missions, this watch is practically a must-have. The Speedmaster serves as a reminder of the historic moon landing and the astronauts who wore it during that unforgettable journey. Space geek or not, if you’re into chronographs and love the mix of quality watchmaking with a touch of nostalgia, this watch will definitely catch your eye. It’s a great fit for collectors who seek a piece with real character – whether you’re passionate about history, accuracy, or simply looking for a standout, timeless piece that makes a statement.
Comparison of Features: Rolex Submariner vs. Omega Speedmaster
When comparing the Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster, it’s clear that both timepieces are well-known, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct features. Let’s break down the individual qualities of each to see how they stack up.
Case Size
When comparing the case sizes of the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Speedmaster, both timepieces present distinct dimensions:
Rolex Submariner:
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: Approximately 13mm
- Lug-to-Lug Length: 47mm
Omega Speedmaster:
- Diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: Approximately 13.5mm
- Lug-to-Lug Length: 49mm
While the Omega Speedmaster has a marginally larger case diameter and thickness, the differences in lug-to-lug length and overall wearability are minimal. Both watches offer a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes, with personal comfort being subjective.
Bezel
When it comes to the bezel, the Submariner features a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, which is virtually scratch-proof, ensuring the watch maintains its pristine appearance even with frequent use. The unidirectional rotating bezel also makes it an ideal choice for divers to track elapsed time underwater.
On the Speedmaster, the bezel is equipped with a tachymeter scale, allowing you to measure speed over a known distance, an essential tool for motorsports enthusiasts and those who appreciate the Speedmaster’s chronograph function.
Crystal
The Rolex Submariner uses a flat, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing durability and clarity. However, it is not coated with an anti-reflective layer, which can impact visibility in direct sunlight.
The Omega Speedmaster traditionally uses a Hesalite crystal, known for its shock-resistant qualities and strength. While not as scratch-resistant as sapphire, Hesalite is more resistant to shattering and can be polished back to its original form. Some models also feature a sapphire crystal for enhanced scratch resistance.
Dial:
When comparing the dials of the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Speedmaster, several distinctive features emerge:
Rolex Submariner Dial:
Design: The Rolex Submariner usually features a matte dial, providing a clean and legible look, especially under varying lighting conditions. Some models, like the green-dialed Hulk (116610LV) and the Kermit (126610LV), showcase a sunburst effect, which creates a dynamic gleam in direct light.
Hour Markers: Equipped with 18-carat white gold indices, enhancing luxury and minimizing tarnishing.
Hands: Utilizes Mercedes hands, crafted from white gold, ensuring strength and a bit of elegance all in one.
Date Feature: The Submariner Date variant includes a date complication at 3 o’clock, magnified by a Cyclops lens for improved readability.
Omega Speedmaster Dial:
Design: The Omega Speedmaster features a matte black dial that absorbs light, enhancing its vintage appeal. The design emphasizes legibility and functionality, with a classic look that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction.
Hour Markers: Comes with rhodium-plated indices, providing a sleek look and resistance to tarnishing.
Hands: Equipped with baton-style hands, contributing to its classic and straightforward design.
Sub-Dials: Incorporates three sub-dials for chronograph functions: small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.
In short, the Submariner’s dial is all about luxury and legibility, with those shiny, gold indices and hands catching the light just right. On the other hand, the Speedmaster’s dial brings that classic, no-nonsense chronograph vibe, blending vintage style with practical functionality.
Crown
The Submariner stands out with its Triplock crown, which provides superior protection against water ingress. The Triplock system uses three sealed zones to ensure the watch remains water-resistant even at depths of up to 300 meters.
The Speedmaster uses a push-pull crown, which is easier to use but does not provide the same level of water resistance as the Submariner’s screw-down crown. This makes the Submariner a better choice for those who need a watch that can handle extreme water conditions.
Case Back
Both the Submariner and the Speedmaster come with stainless steel case backs, but Omega made a significant change in the sapphire version of the Speedmaster by incorporating an exhibition case back. This feature lets you admire the intricate details of the watch’s movement, particularly the Caliber 1863. On the other hand, the Submariner sticks with a solid case back for practicality and to ensure maximum water resistance, which is essential for a dive watch.
Movement
The Submariner is powered by the Caliber 3235, a self-winding movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Known for its precision and reliability, this movement is designed to keep ticking under the harshest conditions, providing both practicality and ease of use.
On the other hand, the Speedmaster uses the Caliber 1863, a rugged hand-wound chronograph movement with small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. While it lacks the convenience of automatic winding, the Caliber 1863 offers a more traditional and historically significant experience for collectors.
Lume
The Submariner and Speedmaster both deliver reliable luminescence, but each watch does so in its own unique way. Since the Submariner is a tool watch designed for diving, it features Chromalight, which emits a blue glow for legibility in dark or underwater environments.
In comparison, the Speedmaster uses Super-Luminova, producing a green glow that ensures readability in low-light conditions, making both watches excellent choices for visibility in the dark.
Bracelet and Clasp
The Rolex Submariner is equipped with the Glidelock clasp, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length without the need for tools. This is especially helpful when wearing the watch over a wetsuit, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The Submariner typically comes with the Oystersteel bracelet, but there are also options for gold (yellow, white, or Everose) versions, offering a more luxurious alternative. Also, it is sometimes paired with rubber or leather straps for more casual or versatile styling.
The Speedmaster, on the other hand, comes with a stainless steel bracelet that can be adjusted by removing links, making it a bit less convenient than the Submariner for quick adjustments. However, the Speedmaster offers versatility in strap options, with the ability to swap out the bracelet for nylon, leather, or rubber straps for a more personalized look.
Water Resistance
Since the Submariner is designed as a diver’s watch and the Speedmaster is known for its space exploration ties, there’s a significant difference when it comes to water resistance. The Speedmaster only offers 50m of water resistance, which is suitable for light swimming and recreational use, especially given its push-pull crown.
On the other hand, the Submariner was purpose-built for underwater adventures, with Rolex equipping it with its patented Triplock screw-down crown, allowing it to achieve an impressive 300m water resistance. This makes the Submariner the more suitable option for professional divers.
Variations
Both the Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster offer several variations, catering to different tastes and preferences. The Rolex Submariner comes in several well-known references, with popular models being the Submariner 114060 (No-Date), Submariner 126610LN (Date, Black Dial), and the iconic Submariner 116618LB (Gold, Blue Dial). These models vary in features such as the date function, bezel color, and the use of precious metals like yellow or white gold.
Similarly, the Omega Speedmaster offers various versions, with the most famous being the Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.005 (“Moonwatch”), the Speedmaster “Sapphire Sandwich” 311.33.42.30.01.001, and the limited-edition Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 311.92.44.30.01.001. These models vary in design details, such as the crystal type (Hesalite or sapphire), caseback (exhibition or plain), and commemorative editions celebrating space history.
Price Point
The price of the Rolex Submariner typically ranges between $8,000 to $9,000 for the Submariner 114060 (No-Date) model. However, prices can fluctuate depending on the reference, availability, and market demand. Premium models or those in precious metals (like the Submariner in yellow or white gold) can command even higher prices, reaching over $10,000 or more.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional generally falls within the $5,000 to $6,000 price range, making it more affordable compared to the Rolex Submariner. Limited editions or models with specific features like the “Silver Snoopy Award” may cost more. The Speedmaster offers good value for money, especially considering its rich history and distinctive style.
Key Differences:
- Water Resistance: The Submariner’s 300m water resistance far surpasses the Speedmaster’s 50m, making it the more practical choice for diving.
- Case Back: The Submariner sticks with a solid case back for water resistance, while the Speedmaster offers an exhibition case back for collectors to admire the movement.
- Lume: The Submariner uses Chromalight for a blue glow, ideal for diving, while the Speedmaster uses Super-Luminova, emitting a green glow for clarity in low-light situations.
- Movement: The Submariner’s automatic movement offers convenience and a 72-hour power reserve, while the Speedmaster’s hand-wound chronograph offers a traditional experience with more functionality for timekeeping.
- Bezel: The Submariner features a Cerachrom ceramic bezel perfect for diving, while the Speedmaster’s tachymeter bezel is designed for measuring speed.
The Submariner is perfect for those who need a rugged dive watch with exceptional water resistance, an automatic movement, and a more traditional design. Meanwhile, the Speedmaster caters to chronograph lovers and those fascinated by a hand-wound movement, a tachymeter bezel, and the Moonwatch design. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you prefer the precision and practicality of the Submariner or the historic charm and chronograph functionality of the Speedmaster.
| Feature | Rolex Submariner | Omega Speedmaster |
| Case Size | Diameter: 40mmThickness: 13mmLug-to-Lug: 47mm | Diameter: 42mmThickness: 13.5mmLug-to-Lug: 49mm |
| Bezel | Cerachrom Ceramic, Unidirectional Rotating | Tachymeter Scale, Fixed |
| Crystal | Flat, Scratch-Resistant Sapphire (No Anti-Reflective Coating) | Hesalite (Traditional), Sapphire in Some Models |
| Dial | Sunburst Dial, 18-Carat White Gold Indices, Mercedes Hands, Date Complication (Submariner Date) | Matte, Grainy Dial, Rhodium-Plated Indices, Baton Hands, Chronograph Sub-Dials |
| Crown | Triplock Screw-Down Crown | Push-Pull Crown |
| Case Back | Solid Stainless Steel Case Back | Stainless Steel Case Back (Exhibition Case Back for Some Models) |
| Movement | Caliber 3235, Self-Winding, 72-Hour Power Reserve | Caliber 1863, Hand-Wound Chronograph Movement |
| Lume | Chromalight (Blue Glow) | Super-Luminova (Green Glow) |
| Bracelet and Clasp | Glidelock Clasp, Oystersteel Bracelet, Options for Gold & Rubber/Leather Straps | Stainless Steel Bracelet (Adjustable Links), Options for Nylon, Leather, Rubber Straps |
| Water Resistance | 300m (1,000 feet) with Triplock Screw-Down Crown | 50m (Recreational Swimming), Push-Pull Crown |
| Variations | Popular References: 114060 (No-Date), 126610LN (Date, Black Dial), 116618LB (Gold, Blue Dial) | Popular References: 311.30.42.30.01.005 (Moonwatch), 311.33.42.30.01.001 (Sapphire Sandwich), Limited Editions like ‘Silver Snoopy Award’ |
| Price Point | $8,000 – $10,000, can go higher for premium models | $5,000 – $7,000, with Limited Editions Costing More |
Which One Should You Choose?
The Rolex Submariner and the Omega Speedmaster are both exceptional timepieces with rich histories and remarkable features, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
If you value rugged versatility, superior water resistance, and a timeless design, the Submariner is the better choice. It’s a renowned diver’s watch that excels in both style and function, making it suitable for virtually any occasion.
On the other hand, if you’re drawn to space exploration history, chronograph functionality, and a more affordable price point, the Speedmaster is the perfect option. It’s a fantastic chronograph with an unmatched legacy, offering precision timing and a story that no other watch can quite match.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences – whether you want a watch that’s a true dive companion or a piece of history that’s been to the moon. At the end of the day, whether you go for the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Speedmaster, either one will be an awesome addition to your collection.
