Best Rolex Submariner Alternatives Under £2000

The Rolex Sub is an iconic, trend-setting, and much-loved watch in the industry today. Unfortunately, it's super expensive, hard to get, and don’t even get me started on the Maxi dial sizes. So, what are the best Rolex Submariner alternatives for every budget?

Previously, we explored some of the best affordable alternatives to the Submariner, focusing on watches that captured its style and aesthetic. This time, I’m taking a different approach. The watches on this list don’t just resemble the Submariner—they offer serious technical specs that make them worthy contenders in their own right and each one packs some serious dive watch capability.

Before we begin, here’s something to keep in mind: this is not a homage list. Yes, there will be similarities to the ubiquitous Submariner, as these are all dive watches, but each of these picks brings something unique to the table. These are my personal choices, so if you have a different preference, let me know in the comments!

Let’s dive in—pun absolutely intended.

Ten, or maybe even five years ago, my go-to affordable dive watch would have been a Seiko SKX. But as much as I love Seiko, their rising prices mean that a new affordable king has emerged: the Orient Kamasu, also known as the Mako III. Available for less than £300 (depending on the region), the Kamasu offers incredible value.

This watch is perfect for someone on a budget or anyone who appreciates a great deal. The specs speak for themselves: 200m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, an in-house movement from Orient that hacks and hand-winds, a 120-click unidirectional bezel with an aluminium insert, and a 42mm case with 22mm lugs. But don’t let that size put you off—this is a Japanese watch, meaning it wears much better than its dimensions suggest.

Moving up the budget ladder, we land in France with the Baltic Aquascaphe. Priced around £500, this watch delivers vintage aesthetics and solid specs. The double sapphire crystal gives it that true vintage charm, while its 200m water resistance ensures it’s more than just a pretty face.

Powered by the high-beat Miyota 9039 movement, the Aquascaphe is available in a 39mm case with 20mm lugs—just the perfect size in my book. If you want something a bit more adventurous, the GMT version costs a little extra and comes with a Soprod C125 movement. I had the pleasure of reviewing the Aquascaphe GMT for a few weeks, and I absolutely loved it.

Hopping across the Channel, we find one of the best British watch brands: Christopher Ward. For under £1,000 (around £915 on the bader bracelet), the C60 Trident Pro 300 is an exceptional value proposition.

Powered by the fantastic 4Hz Sellita SW200-1 movement, it boasts 300m of water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a refined, well-constructed design. The Trident range has matured over the years, and the latest generation is arguably the best yet.

A quick side note—Christopher Ward recently introduced the Trident Lume, which costs nearly £2,000 but has incredible blocks of lume for a striking look. It also comes with a COSC-certified SW300-1 movement, but for those on a stricter budget, the Pro 300 remains an unbeatable option.

Honourable mention in this price range: the Certina DS Super PH500M (£870). If you can stretch your budget slightly, it’s another fantastic diver worth considering.

At this price point, we’re talking about serious money, but we also enter the realm of premium features. Like Charlotte, I just couldn’t turn my nose up at the Oris Aquis, as, priced around £2,000, it offers one of the best bang-for-buck propositions in the watch world today.

I’d personally go for the 39.5mm version, but Aquis models come with both Sellita-based calibers and Oris’ in-house movement. Either way, you’re getting a robust dive watch with sapphire crystal, 300m of water resistance, and some stunning dial variations—including ones made from recycled ocean plastic. Oris is a brand that continues to impress, and the Aquis lineup is a prime example of why.

For just under £2,500, my pick is a watch with tons of history, great looks, and serious industry cachet: the Longines Legend Diver. It’s a name that perfectly describes what this watch is—a legendary diver.

Powered by the Longines 888 movement, this watch has an impressive 72-hour power reserve. It’s based on the vintage Longines 7042 from the 1960s, giving it serious heritage credentials. It’s also the only watch on this list with a bidirectional internal bezel, adding an extra touch of vintage charm.

Longines, in my opinion, should be mentioned in the same breath as Rolex, Omega, and Tudor. But because it isn’t, that means you get incredible value for money—and without any annoying waitlists.

So, there you have it—five (or maybe six) epic alternatives to the legendary Rolex Submariner, covering a range of budgets. Whether you're looking for an affordable daily diver or a premium alternative to the Sub, there’s something here for everyone.

What’s your ultimate Submariner alternative? Would you go for a Seiko, a Citizen, or maybe a Mido? And if you're still not quite sated, don't forget to check out Charlotte's affordable alternatives. Let’s chat in the comments!