The Rolex Submariner is generally regarded as the diving watch par excellence. It’s not suprising considering the Sub is one of the most copied watches of all time. However, this does not mean that the Submariner is completely unrivaled. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, in particular, has been winning the hearts of watch fans for years. It’s no wonder: Thanks to its unique design and technical finesse, it offers a lot of watch for significantly less money than the Rolex. Both watches are on an equal footing. Today, we’re comparing the Rolex Submariner Date ref. 126610LN and the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ref. 210.30.42.20.01.001 in five categories to answer the question once and for all: Which of the two diving icons is better?
Rolex Submariner vs. Omega Seamaster 300M: History
When it comes to luxury watches, the history of a watch plays a relatively important role for many watch fans. An impressive story gives a watch a certain value and charisma. The Rolex Submariner is an old hand in this respect, having been on the market since 1954. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M cannot offer such a long history. It first saw the light of day in 1993.
But despite the huge difference in age, there is one thing that both watches have in common: The Submariner and the Diver 300M have already graced the wrist of James Bond as a service watch. The Submariner was mainly seen in the first films with Sean Connery and Roger Moore. The Diver 300M, on the other hand, made its first appearance in 1995 in the film “GoldenEye” with Pierce Brosnan. Since then, 007 has exclusively worn Seamaster models on his wrist – especially the Diver 300M.
Though it may seem difficult to compete with the Submariner’s long history and iconic status, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M certainly has nothing to hide.
Rolex Submariner vs. Omega Seamaster 300M: Design
Rolex traditionally adapts the designs of its watches with the utmost caution. Thus, the current Submariner Date with the reference 126610LN remains true to its roots. The stainless steel case is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) and has a diameter of 41 mm , but it’s very comfortable to wear thanks to its narrow lugs and lug-to-lug of just under 48 mm. The three-piece link Oyster bracelet, which can be adjusted in length by a few millimeters without additional tools thanks to the Glidelock clasp, contributes to this further. The black lacquered dial offers astonishing depth, while the diving bezel can be rotated unidirectionally and features a black ceramic inlay. A sapphire crystal cover glass protects the display from external influences. A characteristic feature of the Submariner Date is the date magnifier at 3 o’clock, which enlarges the date below it by a factor of 2.5.
Omega took a much bolder approach to the design of the Seamaster Diver 300M than Rolex. Compared to the Submariner, the Diver 300M, which is also water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 974 ft), looks a lot more modern. Its stainless steel case measures 42 mm, but appears much trimmer thanks to its refined facets and slim lugs. This impression is reinforced by the rotating bezel with its curved edge and black ceramic insert. A special feature of the Diver 300M is the additional crown at 10 o’clock. Behind which hides a helium escape valve, an essential feature for saturation diving. The unique dial is made of black ceramic. It features a laser-engraved wave pattern that has a hypnotizing effect on the wearer. The bracelet looks a little bulkier than that of the Rolex Submariner. Omega uses its own system for the clasp, which allows you to adjust the length of the strap by several millimeters.
The design of the Rolex Submariner is more traditional and simpler, while that of the Omega Seamaster is fresher and bolder. It is no coincidence that both models are among the most popular watches of all time and have a large fan base behind them.
Rolex Submariner vs. Omega Seamaster 300M: Technology
In terms of caliber technology, both the Submariner and the Diver 300M are up to snuff. The Sub is equipped with the in-house Rolex movement 3235, which was first introduced in 2016 and has since set the pace in the Submariner Date, the Sea-Dweller, the Deepsea, the Yacht-Master 40 and 42, as well as some Datejust and Perl-Master models. Rolex equips the movement with a blue Parachrom hairspring and the particularly efficient Chronergy escapement. Both are made of anti-magnetic materials, so they remain unaffected by magnetic fields. Even temperature fluctuations won’t harm the components. The Paraflex shock protection system also protects the movement from impact. The power reserve is 70 hours. The caliber 3235 is also certified as a “Superlative Chronometer.” This means that Rolex first has the movement tested by the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and then carries out its own, even more rigorous tests. The Genevan manufacturer guarantees an average daily rate deviation of +/- 2 seconds, which is significantly higher than the + 6/- 4 seconds of normal chronometers.
The Diver 300M is also equipped with a high-performance caliber: the Master Co-Axial Caliber 8800 with a 55-hour power reserve. It has a co-axial escapement and is resistant to magnetic fields thanks to its silicon components. Omega has this confirmed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The institute also tests the watches for their accuracy (max. +5 /-0 seconds deviation per day), their water resistance, and their power reserve. If the watch passes the test, it can call itself a Master Chronometer. Unlike Rolex, Omega does not hide the movement behind a stainless steel case back. You can watch the finely decorated 8800 at work through a sapphire crystal reverse.
Rolex Submariner vs. Omega Seamaster 300M: Quality
The dial of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M has an extremely high-quality finish. The laser-engraved waves are crisp and look like a computer animation. I would put the quality of the dial above that of the Rolex Submariner.
In my opinion, however, Rolex is unbeatable when it comes to the feel of a watch. With the Submariner, Rolex offers you a tactile experience that is second to none. The strap is soft and supple, while the edges of the case are razor-sharp. The clasp closes tightly and produces an extremely satisfying sound, which is only surpassed by the precise clicks of the ceramic bezel. You can turn them slowly or quickly: Each of the goosebump-inducing 120 clicks can be selected perfectly. In my opinion, the bezel is the best on the entire watch market.
The Omega diving watch doesn’t achieve such a tactile feel, despite the high quality of the materials. In my opinion, however, the biggest point of criticism is the ceramic bezel of the Diver 300M. It cannot be turned nearly as precisely as its Rolex counterpart and feels a little like a foreign body. I hope that Omega will make improvements here in any successor models.
Rolex Submariner vs. Omega Seamaster 300M: Price and Performance
When it comes to value for money, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M clearly has the edge. With an MSRP of $5,900 (as of February 2025), it is significantly cheaper than the Submariner, for which Rolex charges a whopping $10,250. If you look around on the secondary market, the prices diverge even further: here, around $5,100 for an unworn Diver 300M contrasts with a price of just over $14,000 for the Submariner Date.
A look at the performance of both models over the past 12 months (02/2024 – 02/2025) shows that both the Submariner and the Seamaster have held their value. Both watches are therefore considered solid investments.
Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster 300M: The Bottom Line
So, which of the two iconic diving watches is better? The Rolex Submariner offers you a more impressive history and prestige, the Seamaster 300M more technology. In terms of design, both diving watches are on an equal footing: the design of the Rolex is traditional, that of the Omega fresh and bold. The feel of the Rolex Submariner is unrivaled, but the value for money of the Omega Seamaster is worlds better. The performance of both watches is similarly good.
The conclusion can, therefore, only be that we have a clear tie. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you want from a watch. Do you want a prestigious, iconic, and traditional watch? Then go for the Rolex Submariner. Do you want something fresh and new, with great technology and top value for money? Then go for the Omega Seamaster. Both are among the best diving watches of our time – each in its own way.
