Name a better dive watch under $3,000...

[bluemartinifan]

This is my 14060 (A). Circa 1999. I love it for all the traits and qualities we have often discussed.
I am always looking to add a diver and always compare the price, value, appeal, and resale against this one.

I challenge all my friends here - name a better dive watch - any brand for $3,000 or less.
Russ

[Mockingbird]

Hmmm I'm extremely hard pressed there, and would have to resort to the usual two: The PO and the SMP (Omegas)

I personally prefer the sub to them, and think that the design is better; but some Omega expert could come in and start making a case!

The 14060 (Non COSC) is a masterpiece though: Lug holes, uncluttered dial, normal dial and hands, timeless case, and 300m water resistance. What's there not to love?

The 14060 is truly king, even in the below 5k diver category!

[Sub'erman]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

This is my 14060 (A). Circa 1999. I love it for all the traits and qualities we have often discussed.
I am always looking to add a diver and always compare the price, value, appeal, and resale against this one.

I challenge all my friends here - name a better dive watch - any brand for $3,000 or less.
Russ

often imitated!! Never equalized!!!!
It's like that!!

[springbar]

Originally Posted by Sub'erman

Never equalized!!!!

Yes, for that it'd need an HEV. Har har.

[kyle L]

The Seamasters, Planet Oceans, or maybe a Breitling Superocean would be the biggest competition.

[warrior]

you asked, right? : )

what's your criteria? resale? rolex will win. if you're looking at history and being one of the first automatic dive watches as well as having an inhouse movement, then the nd sub will win many a contest.

if you're looking at legibility, lume, depth rating, bracelet quality, and timekeeping, there are many watches that are equal if not better. just go to the dive watch forum on WUS, and there will be many brands/watches (most people here have never heard of) that are superior to the sub. UTS is one example.

but, if you want a big higher end name, then the Omega Planet Ocean. After having owned the Sub No Date, I think the Planet Ocean is superior on many levels.

[mingsta]

Originally Posted by warrior

you asked, right? : )

what's your criteria? resale? rolex will win. if you're looking at history and being one of the first automatic dive watches as well as having an inhouse movement, then the nd sub will win many a contest.

if you're looking at legibility, lume, depth rating, bracelet quality, and timekeeping, there are many watches that are equal if not better. just go to the dive watch forum on WUS, and there will be many brands/watches (most people here have never heard of) that are superior to the sub. UTS is one example.

but, if you want a big higher end name, then the Omega Planet Ocean. After having owned the Sub No Date, I think the Planet Ocean is superior on many levels.

Gotta agree.

The Rolex Sub is a classic with an unimpeachable name and history.

HOWEVER, if you look outside of the big names and drop down to the sub $1500 mark, there is an almost bewildering number of micro-brands out there who are knocking out some fantastic, affordable, dive watches. Just check out the likes of Zixen, Benarus, Bathys and Kazimon for a taste.

Check out the WUS dive forum for a taste, but don't stay there too long or you may end up with another handful of watches on the wishlist

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

This is my 14060 (A). Circa 1999. I love it for all the traits and qualities we have often discussed.
I am always looking to add a diver and always compare the price, value, appeal, and resale against this one.

I challenge all my friends here - name a better dive watch - any brand for $3,000 or less.
Russ

Can't do it

[kyle L]

Hey, what about Invicta?

[smallcandle]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Hey, what about Invicta?

You poke fun, but IF (and that can be a big if) you can get a well-made Invicta they can be pretty hard to beat for the $.

[mcubed]

Originally Posted by smallcandle

You poke fun, but IF (and that can be a big if) you can get a well-made Invicta they can be pretty hard to beat for the $.

Amen

[jmsrolls]

Hmmm. . .

IMO, the Omega 2254.50 exceeds the the Sub in every category; i.e., movement, dial legibility, lume, fit, finish, bracelet:



The demand for this classic has pushed the re-sale prices up. Several years ago, I paid <$1500 for this one BNIB from an AD. Today, pre-owned prices exceed my purchase price.

The same goes for the "electric blue" Omega 2255.80:



I bought both BNIB for less than the price of one Sub.

Fr. John†

[ParisDakarBmw]

Korsbek makes a beefy watch. I didn't like how it felt on my wrist, but heavy duty.

[SLA]

Seiko Divers Automatic 200m is a very nice watch, around $250, several configurations. I don't know your criteria for "better" so it may not be what you are looking for. I don't consider it better than your Rolex but it's a good daily wearer.

[dont_getit]

Since there are quite a few Rado fans out here, I think this might just win. Rado divers watch, 1 customer review 5*

http://www.amazon.com/Rado-Original-.../dp/B000Y01RUS

Product Description
Stainless steel case and bracelet. Black dial with luminous green accents and indexes. Hard metal bezel. Sapphire crystal. 2 screw-down crowns with crown protection. Screw-down steel case back with Rado's stamped 'Seahorses' medallion. Turning diving bezel. Case size: 38.6mm x 46.2mm. Automatic movement. Water resistant at 300 meters (1000 feet). Rado Original Diver Mens Watch R12639013

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

This is my 14060 (A). Circa 1999. I love it for all the traits and qualities we have often discussed.
I am always looking to add a diver and always compare the price, value, appeal, and resale against this one.

I challenge all my friends here - name a better dive watch - any brand for $3,000 or less.
Russ

[newmedia]

DOXA, SEIKO MM300, UTS, and bigger size watches and dirt cheap brands from wilsonwatchworks, DWATCH, helson and so on...

as you can tell, Rolex is most recognized watch out their but their are many others that gets the job done for lesser money.

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

I challenge all my friends here - name a better dive watch - any brand for $3,000 or less.
Russ

Here is the answer to your question..http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=127588
I own several Subs and love them all. But I must say I am really loving my new Sinn. Is it a better Dive watch you be the judge.For the money (under $1500) Its a great Dive watch

[acce1999]

I agree with Nikos. If I where a professional diver, and my requirement was an automatic diver's watch I'd go with a Sinn. They are today what Rolex once was. Just check their use of technology out.

Best,

A

[Denizen]

the Sinn U-series divers are very nice divers and i wouldn't have any problem wearing one if i were a profesional diver, but there are some differences in the level of finishing,etc that separates them with the Rolex divers. it really depends on what features, etc are most important to you.

Originally Posted by acce1999

I agree with Nikos. If I where a professional diver, and my requirement was an automatic diver's watch I'd go with a Sinn. They are today what Rolex once was. Just check their use of technology out.

Best,

A

[Mike B]

I would say an Omega SMP, or definitely a PO, is just as good as a Sub. But lets not start the whole Omega vs. Rolex again lol

[rolexsubdate]

THe way your question is worded, you will get hammered by tons of models from tons of companies ....

Seiko would rip Rolex to shreds, pound for pound .... Seiko is the best value for the $$ ... what your 14060M can do, so can some Seiko divers under $300....

Rolex is a brand name my friend.....quality yes but a brand name .... Apart from the SD and the DSSD, most other company divers would clobber Rolex divers...

Invicta is another one ....

[ParisDakarBmw]

I actually enjoy every brand mentioned. Of course Rolex makes a great watch, but there are plenty of other watches that handle business too.

[Strut99GT]

You asked, so here's my opinion!

The Omega SMP is a far better watch for the money, since that's how you are framing this question. I got my SMP brand-new for about $1500, which is half of the number you stated. It has better lume, has a date, and keeps better time (COSC spec'd).

I may be a Rolex owner, but I also think the SMP is one of the best bang-for-the buck watches of all time.

[bluemartinifan]

Well done everyone - let me tighten my original post question up.
Re Seikos, Invictas, Rados, Sinns, Omegas, etc.

Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time?
Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does?
Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum?

Here is my biggest differentiator - have you ever sold a Rolex so you could buy one of those???
keep em coming

[rolexsubdate]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

.....Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time?
Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does?
Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum?
.....:

The answers to your questions is NO .... Rolex gives us that special feeling that's why be buy them ... but your original question was "name a better watch" and that's a subjective question ....

Just like a Honda accord will go anywhere a Ferrari will go, the accord does not have that WOW factor and it does not elicit that response frrom onlookers or buyers .... so same goes with the way your question was worded.... what we are paying for is intrinsic value when we buy the Rolex ... we're not buying the watch, instead buying how the watch makes us feel...

But an ordinary seiko diver will do just as well as a submariner technically....

Apart from the DEEP SEA, I believe the invictas and seikos and other low end brands will embarass most Rolex divers when it comes to underwater performance and even out of water, daily performance.....or do just as good ....and they do ....

[Strut99GT]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

Well done everyone - let me tighten my original post question up.
Re Seikos, Invictas, Rados, Sinns, Omegas, etc.

Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time?
Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does?
Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum?

Here is my biggest differentiator - have you ever sold a Rolex so you could buy one of those???
keep em coming

Yes - the Omega Seamaster professional with the "electric blue" color is the most beautiful dial I've seen on any watch. Just my opinion! Great pictures of it here:

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/se...r/bluesmp.html

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by Strut99GT

Yes - the Omega Seamaster professional with the "electric blue" color is the most beautiful dial I've seen on any watch.

+1!



Fr. John†

[Denizen]

to answer your questions:

Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time? Yes, though I don't think I've ever looked at any watch 25X a day.

Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does? Sure, plenty.

Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum? Yes, I happen to spend much more time reading and participating in the non-Rolex forums

Have you ever sold a Rolex so you could buy one of those??? I've never had to sell a watch to buy a Rolex, but I certainly have watches that I would elect to keep over my Rolexes if I needed to sell or liquidate. I like my Rolexes but there are some other pieces that get more love.

any other questions?

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

Well done everyone - let me tighten my original post question up.
Re Seikos, Invictas, Rados, Sinns, Omegas, etc.

Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time?
Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does?
Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum?

Here is my biggest differentiator - have you ever sold a Rolex so you could buy one of those???
keep em coming

[warrior]

Originally Posted by Denizen

to answer your questions:

Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time? Yes, though I don't think I've ever looked at any watch 25X a day.

Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does? Sure, plenty.

Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum? Yes, I happen to spend much more time reading and participating in the non-Rolex forums

Have you ever sold a Rolex so you could buy one of those??? I've never had to sell a watch to buy a Rolex, but I certainly have watches that I would elect to keep over my Rolexes if I needed to sell or liquidate. I like my Rolexes but there are some other pieces that get more love.

any other questions?

[bluemartinifan]

Originally Posted by Denizen

to answer your questions:

Do you TRULY look at any of these 25 times a day without needing to know the time? Yes, though I don't think I've ever looked at any watch 25X a day.

Do any of those give you that "feeling" that your Rolex does? Sure, plenty.

Do you spend many hours a week on the Seiko, Invicta, Sinn, etc forum? Yes, I happen to spend much more time reading and participating in the non-Rolex forums

Have you ever sold a Rolex so you could buy one of those??? I've never had to sell a watch to buy a Rolex, but I certainly have watches that I would elect to keep over my Rolexes if I needed to sell or liquidate. I like my Rolexes but there are some other pieces that get more love.

any other questions?

no need to be a smart a--