Davosa Ternos vs. Rolex Submariner: Complete buying guide [2026]

The Davosa Ternos is a Swiss-made dive watch that offers a classic aesthetic and reliable performance for around $1,000, while the Rolex Submariner is the iconic luxury benchmark, featuring in-house engineering and premier materials with a starting price over $9,000. The primary differences come down to brand prestige, materials - 904L steel for Rolex vs. 316L for Davosa - and the movement inside, with the Ternos using a respected third-party Swiss caliber and the Submariner using a proprietary, chronometer-certified Rolex movement.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these respected dive watches from Davosa and Rolex is the right choice for you.

Davosa Ternos

The Davosa Ternos has earned a strong reputation among watch enthusiasts as one of the best value propositions for a Swiss-made automatic dive watch. It delivers a quintessential tool-watch aesthetic, robust build quality, and reliable performance inspired by iconic designs, but at a price point that makes it accessible for daily wear without the financial anxiety of a top-tier luxury piece.

• What it is: A Swiss-made automatic dive watch known for its classic design homage and exceptional quality for the price.
• Key features: Unidirectional rotating bezel, sapphire crystal, luminous hands and markers, screw-down crown, and 200 to 300 meters of water resistance depending on the model.
• Price: Typically ranges from $800 to $1,200.
• Materials/Construction: The case and bracelet are crafted from durable 316L stainless steel, with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and often a ceramic bezel insert for enhanced longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: Most models feature a versatile case size around 42mm, hitting a sweet spot that looks proportional on a wide range of wrist sizes. The bracelet includes standard adjustments.
• Pros: Excellent value for a Swiss-made watch, reliable and easily serviceable Swiss automatic movement (often Sellita SW200), high-quality materials like sapphire and ceramic, classic and versatile design.
• Cons: Design is not original and is heavily inspired by the Rolex Submariner, lower brand recognition, and does not hold its value like a luxury branded watch.

This is the ideal watch for someone who wants the performance, look, and feel of a classic Swiss dive watch for everyday use without the massive financial investment.

Shop this product: davosa-usa.com/collections/ternos

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is more than just a watch, it's a global icon of success, adventure, and horological achievement. Since its introduction in 1953, it has set the standard for dive watches with its timeless design, robust construction, and pioneering technology. It is a status symbol and an investment piece recognized and respected in any setting.

• What it is: The original luxury dive watch, produced by Rolex and certified as a Superlative Chronometer for its exceptional precision and reliability.
• Key features: In-house automatic Caliber 3230 or 3235 movement, unidirectional Cerachrom bezel, Triplock screw-down crown for 300m waterproofing, and Glidelock clasp for fine bracelet adjustments without tools.
• Price: Starts at $9,150 at retail, but often trends much higher on the secondary market due to demand. Precious metal versions are significantly more expensive.
• Materials/Construction: The watch is crafted from a block of proprietary 904L stainless steel (marketed as Oystersteel), prized for its superior corrosion resistance and high polish. The bezel is made of Cerachrom, a virtually scratch-proof and fade-proof ceramic.
• Sizing/Fit: The modern Submariner features a 41mm case that has been carefully refined for wrist presence and comfort. The Glidelock extension system on the clasp allows for a perfect fit over a wetsuit or on a bare wrist.
• Pros: Unmatched brand prestige and recognition, exceptional investment that often appreciates in value, superior in-house movement and materials, timeless and iconic design, built to last a lifetime.
• Cons: Extremely high price point, notoriously difficult to purchase from an authorized dealer due to long waiting lists, can attract unwanted attention.

The Rolex Submariner is for the serious collector, the successful professional celebrating a milestone, or anyone who wants the undisputed benchmark in luxury watches with strong investment potential.

Shop this product: rolex.com/en-us/watches/submariner

Davosa Ternos vs. Rolex Submariner Comparison

Price & Value

The price gap is the most significant differentiator. A Davosa Ternos can be purchased for around $1,000, while the cheapest Rolex Submariner costs over nine times that at retail - and often more on the secondary market. From a pure hardware perspective, the Ternos offers incredible tangible value: a well-regulated Swiss movement, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and solid steel construction for a very reasonable price.

The Submariner's value is different. While the materials and engineering are superior, a large portion of its price is attached to intangible assets: the brand heritage, decades of marketing, an in-house movement, and its status as an investment-grade asset. The Rolex is famous for holding and even increasing its value over time, something the Davosa cannot offer.

Quality & Materials

Rolex distinguishes itself with proprietary materials. The Submariner employs 904L grade "Oystersteel," a higher-chromium steel that offers better corrosion resistance and a unique luster when polished compared to the still-excellent 316L steel used in the Davosa Ternos. Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3230/3235 movements are Superlative Chronometers, tested to an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, which is stricter than standard COSC certification.

The Ternos uses a reliable Swiss workhorse movement (like a Sellita SW200-1), which is accurate and easy to service but doesn't have the same level of finishing, accuracy, or power reserve as the Rolex caliber. The fit and finish on the Rolex - from the feel of the bezel click to the function of the Glidelock clasp - are executed at a higher level, reflecting its luxury position.

Design & Aesthetics

Both watches share the classic dive watch DNA: a black dial, luminous markers, a rotating timing bezel, and a steel oyster-style bracelet. The Davosa Ternos is an honest homage, capturing the handsome and utilitarian spirit of the Submariner's 5-digit era references. For many, this look is the perfect "go-anywhere-do-anything" design.

The Rolex Submariner, however, is the original that defined the genre. Every element, from the shape of the crown guards to the font on the dial, has been refined over decades. It possesses a sharpness and iconic presence that is immediately recognizable and signals luxury and quality to nearly anyone, watch expert or not.

Who Each One Works Best For

The Davosa Ternos is perfect for the watch hobbyist who loves the classic diver look but has a practical budget. It’s an ideal "beater" luxury watch - a timepiece you can wear daily without constant worry of theft or damage. It satisfies the desire for a well-made Swiss automatic watch and serves as a fantastic entry point or addition to a growing collection.

The Rolex Submariner is tailored for a different buyer. This is a Grail watch for many, often purchased to commemorate a major life milestone like a career promotion, wedding, or anniversary. It is for the individual who values brand legacy, expects their watch to serve as a long-term store of value, and wants to own a piece of horological history.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both watches are excellent in their own right, but they serve entirely different shoppers and budgets.

Choose the Davosa Ternos if:

• You have a budget of under $1,500 for a quality Swiss watch.
• You want the iconic aesthetic of the Submariner without the associated cost and attention.
• You need a reliable, handsome, and robust automatic watch for daily wear.
• This is your first entry into Swiss mechanical watches, and you want the best value for your money.

Choose the Rolex Submariner if:

• Price is a secondary concern to heritage, quality, and brand prestige.
• You are looking for an asset that will likely hold or increase its value over time.
• You demand the highest level of finishing, a proprietary in-house movement, and superior materials.
• This is a "Grail" watch purchase to mark a significant life achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Davosa Ternos a Rolex replica?

No. A replica or counterfeit illegally copies a brand's logo and trademarks. The Davosa Ternos is a legal "homage" watch. It uses a well-established design language but proudly displays its own brand name and is made by a legitimate Swiss company.

What's the main difference between the Ternos and the Submariner?

The key differences are price, brand heritage, and the components inside. The Submariner uses superior, proprietary materials (904L steel) and an in-house, chronometer-certified movement, commanding a price over 9x higher than the Ternos, which uses excellent standard components for fantastic value.

Is a Rolex Submariner really worth the price difference?

If you judge its value purely on its ability to tell time, then probably not. But the Rolex price reflects unparalleled brand equity, R&D, superior materials, exceptional accuracy, and its status as a Veblen good - its value is tied to its high price and exclusivity. It's an investment as much as it is a timepiece.

Which watch has better resale value?

The Rolex Submariner has one of the best resale values of any consumer good in the world, often selling for more than its original retail price on the secondary market. The Davosa Ternos, like most watches in its price tier, will depreciate after purchase.

How difficult is it to buy a Rolex Submariner?

At an official dealer, it is extremely difficult. Demand far outstrips supply, leading to long waitlists that can span years. Most buyers must turn to reputable grey market dealers where they pay a premium over retail for immediate availability.

What movement does the Davosa Ternos use?

The Davosa Ternos typically uses a reliable Swiss-made automatic movement, most commonly the Sellita SW200-1, which is a Swiss clone of the well-respected ETA 2824-2 caliber. It is robust and easy to maintain.

Can you actually dive with a Davosa Ternos?

Absolutely. With 200m or more of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional timing bezel, the Ternos is a fully capable dive watch well-suited for recreational scuba diving and all other water activities.

Is the extra 100m of water resistance on the Submariner important?

For almost all users, no. The Submariner is depth-rated to 300m, while many Ternos models are rated for 200m. Recreational diving rarely exceeds 40 meters, so both watches offer more than enough water resistance for any realistic use case.