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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ROLEX SEA DWELLER AND SUBMARINER?
Rolex has been an iconic name in the world of high-end watches for decades, known for its timeless designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and unparalleled precision. Over the many decades Rolex has been producing watches, it has certainly made some of the most famous and well known pieces. The submariner is arguably one of the most, if not the most, famous watch to have ever been made.
However, if you look on the Rolex website in 2023 you will very quickly see in their sports model section many watches that look alike. Two of the most similar and sporty watches of them all are the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller. While both are exceptional timepieces designed for underwater adventures, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we'll take a look at the key differences between the Rolex Sea-Dweller and the Submariner.
The difference in depth
Given that they are both dive watches, it makes the most sense to start looking here for the differences. Their depth rating is the most significant difference between the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Submariner. With the Sea-Dweller boasting an impressive water resistance of up to 1,220 metres (4,000 feet), this makes it Rolex's ultimate tool watch for professional divers and underwater explorers.
On the other hand, the Submariner is water-resistant up to 300 metres (1,000 feet), which is still more than sufficient for recreational diving but falls short of the Sea-Dweller's extreme capabilities. For those in the diving industry, this could be a very important factor when considering the two pieces.
Source : Bob’s Watches
Source : Swisswatches Magazine
Another key difference is the presence of a helium escape valve (HEV) on the Rolex Sea-Dweller. The HEV is a crucial feature for saturation divers who spend extended periods in pressurised environments, such as deep-sea exploration or offshore construction workers. It allows helium molecules that may seep into the watch during a dive to be safely released during decompression, preventing damage to the watch.
The Submariner, on the other hand, lacks this feature, as it is primarily designed for divers who do not face prolonged exposure to high-pressure environments. The Submariner was really built with the intention of a diver coming out from the sea, quickly being able to adjust the watch bracelet and then head off anywhere else. A do-all go-anywhere watch is what the submariner has in its very DNA, not that the Sea-Dweller was not built to be worn everywhere too, because it was and is, but it has a much more niche tool watch design.
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The case size is another noticeable difference between these two Rolex models. The Sea-Dweller features a larger case, with a diameter of 43mm, compared to the Submariner's 41mm. This larger case size provides enhanced legibility and a bolder presence on the wrist, making the Sea-Dweller a preferred choice for those who appreciate a more substantial timepiece. The Sunamrier is also 13mm thick compared to a case thickness of 15.5mm found on the Sea-Dweller, that extra thickness gives it better water resistance but may make it more difficult to wear for people with smaller wrists. The Sea-Dweller will also struggle to slide under a shirt cuff so if you are planning on dressing this watch up, bear in mind it may be a bit cumbersome to do so.
Source : Jomashop
While both the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Submariner sport unidirectional rotating bezels, they differ in terms of materials and markings. The Submariner's bezel is made of ceramic, which is highly resistant to scratches and fading, its bezel also features minute markers for precise timekeeping underwater. In contrast, the Sea-Dweller's bezel is made of Cerachrom, Rolex's patented ceramic material, and it features a simpler design with hour markers only, emphasising its professional tool watch status.
A difference in clasps
The final difference is the clasp, the famous glidelock clasp on the Submariner is well known within the watch community offering 20mm of adjustment through and easy glide system. However, the Sea-Dweller features the same brushed oyster link bracelet and a Similar looking glidelock clasp to the Submariner. But, once you open it up you’ll notice it is slightly different, the glidelock works the same but the links attached to the glidelock system can also be significantly extended.
These links are called the ‘flip-lock’ links or system which gives you another 50mm of extension. This is because the divers who go down to deep depths of over 1 km under water have quite a bit more diving kit on over a diver going to 250m for example. Again, another small difference but gives the Sea-Dweller that extreme tool watch feel.
Yes the previous difference is still the final difference but this one is a bonus one, it’s not to do with the watches themselves but rather their line up offerings instead. The Rolex Submariner has a no-date option, white gold, yellow gold, two-tone with a blue or black dial, and even a green bezel option! However, the Sea-Dweller gives you two options, an all steel version or a two tone Yellow gold version, so much less choice when compared to the Submariner. So if having multiple different colour options and styles is something that’s important to you this would definitely be something to bear in mind.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller and Submariner are both remarkable watches, each designed to excel in specific environments and cater to the needs of different types of divers. Your choice between these iconic timepieces will ultimately depend on your diving requirements, personal preferences, and style. The Sea-Dweller stands as Rolex's ultimate tool watch with extreme water resistance and a helium escape valve, while the Submariner combines versatility, a sleek design and an iconic history. Here at ZEALANDE, you can choose multiple strap options for your submariner and Sea-Dweller including the newest addition of a rubber strap that works with your Rolex clasp for both models! For the ultimate sports watch feel, look and durability, you cannot beat the ZEALANDE rubber straps!