Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner and Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300 seems to be head to head. Which one is the better option?
In the contemporary world of watches, diving watches have become versatile timepieces in that men and women use them for everyday wear, even for people who have neither the plans nor the inclination for scuba diving and the like.
This is because diving watches, such as the Submariner and Aquaracer, are manufactured with on-land and on-sea applications from their steel and gold bracelets to their precision movements and chronographs. Indeed, both of these Rolex and TAG Heuer watches are great investments in their own right!
But if you were made to choose between the two watches, what would you choose? Let’s take a closer look at the features, pros and cons of each diving watch so that you can make a smart decision.
Rolex Submariner When it was released in 1953, the Submariner was intended as a professional diver’s watch, the best of its kind. But as is the case with everything that Rolex touches, it soon outgrew its diving watch application to become a luxury watch suitable for everyday wear for both men and women. Such ready acceptance can be attributed to its robust construction, functional design, and beautiful aesthetics, which continue to make the Submariner one of the most valuable and collectible watches of modern times.
The Rolex Submariner 116610LN has the following technical specifications culled from the official website:
- Model case Oyster 40mm in steel
- Oyster bracelet, black dial with Chromalight display
- Oyster architecture characterized by screw-down case back, Monobloc middles case, and screw-down winding crown
- 904L steel
- Unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduation, numerals and graduations are coated in platinum, and Cerachrom insert
- Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
- Scratch-resistant sapphire for crystal with Cyclops lens over the date window
- Waterproof up to 100 meters or 1,000 feet
- Caliber 3135, perpetual mechanical, self-winding movement with -2/+2 sec/day accuracy
- Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
- 48 hours power reserve
Your first impression of this Submariner is a luxury watch that combines the best of professional aesthetics and sports functions so much so that you can wear it for various occasions and with various attires. The Oyster bracelet, a Rolex hallmark, is made from the finest stainless steel known as 904L manufactured for high resistance against corrosion as well as imbued with understated elegance.
The black-and-white dial design means that it has a classic contrast that can easily be adapted to contemporary fashion demands. But it’s not just about aesthetics either – the high contrast means that you can easily read the information on the dial even in underwater and dark scenarios, a feature also complemented by the luminous blue Chromalight display. Even the hands and hours indicators, which are in 18-karat white gold, adds a touch of elegance while also allowing the luminescent glow appear whiter during the day.
Of course, the inside matters as much as the outside when it comes to the Submariner and it does not disappoint. With its Caliber 3135 automatic movement, you will be assured of a high-precision watch with an outstanding degree of reliability in timekeeping.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300M Ceramic Bezel Caliber 5
TAG Heuer continues to give Rolex a good fight in the luxury watches market with both brands having their loyal followings. The Aquaracer 300M is the Aquaracer 300M Chronograph’s companion watch and replaces the Aquaracer 500M, all of which are hardcore diving watches that has built up a loyal fan base, too.
The Aquaracer 300M comes in a steel case with several color combinations although you will also find a pair of titanium models. You will find that it has a sportier feel than the previously released Aquaracer 300M without the ceramic bezel, thanks to the former’s larger hands, Cyclops lens above the date window, and polished hour markers. Your sense of style will likely find its match in the glossy ceramic bezel, which replaced the original model’s brushed steel bezel.
With a closer look at the hour markers, these appear to be the dominant feature on the dial particularly on the 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions, a feature that may turn off a few watch enthusiasts. But with the horizontal streak look giving the dial a sense of depth, which many traditional flat-black dials do not have, it’s a minor flaw easily overlooked especially as the large hour markers adds more blue and green luminescent tones.
Which of the two is the better investment? Ultimately, your personal preference will win but keep in mind that when it comes to recognizable brand name, design, and technology, Rolex wins!
You may, however, be unable to afford the hefty price tag of a genuine Rolex Submariner. Don’t despair because you will find plenty of affordable options in high-quality imitations of the real thing – such excellent imitation quality that almost every design and technology detail is copied.