Omega Speedmaster vs. Rolex Submariner: Complete buying guide [2026]

The Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Submariner are two giants of the watch world, but they are fundamentally different tools: the Speedmaster is a legendary chronograph born from motorsports and famous for space exploration, while the Submariner is the archetypal luxury dive watch. This functional difference dictates their design, price, and appeal, with Omega offering historical significance and technical complexity at a more accessible price, whereas Rolex represents iconic design, investment value, and uncompromising robustness.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which iconic watch belongs on your wrist.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

The Speedmaster is, simply put, a piece of history. Best known as the "Moonwatch" for being the first watch worn on the moon, its legacy gives it a unique place in horology. It is a manually wound chronograph with a distinct sporty and technical aesthetic, celebrated equally for its past achievements and its modern, highly precise Master Chronometer movement.

• What it is: A luxury chronograph watch with a legendary connection to NASA's Apollo missions and a permanent place in watch history.
• Key features: Chronograph complication with three sub-dials, a tachymeter scale on the bezel (for measuring speed), and a Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement known for its anti-magnetism and precision. Classic models are manually wound.
• Price: The standard steel model retails for around $5,000 to $6,500.
• Materials/Construction: Built with high-grade stainless steel, typically featuring a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and sometimes a ceramic bezel on modern variations.
• Sizing/Fit: A 42mm case diameter with a lug-to-lug of about 48mm makes it wear comfortably on a wide range of wrists, though its 14mm thickness gives it a notable presence.
• Pros: Enormous historical significance ("Moonwatch"). Excellent value for a luxury watch with such high technical performance. Versatile sports watch aesthetic. The Master Chronometer certification guarantees top-tier accuracy and magnetic resistance.
• Cons: Lower water resistance (50 meters) means it's not suitable for swimming or diving. The dial can appear busy to those who prefer minimalism. The manual-wind movement on the classic model requires daily interaction.

This is the watch for enthusiasts who prioritize horological history, impressive mechanics, and a more understated form of luxury that true watch fans instantly recognize.

Shop this product: omegawatches.com/speedmaster-moonwatch-professional

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is the benchmark against which all other luxury dive watches are measured. Created in 1953 as a professional tool for divers, it has since evolved into a global symbol of success, achievement, and timeless style. Renowned for its unparalleled build quality, robustness, and ability to retain value, the Submariner is as much a financial asset as it is a timepiece.

• What it is: The definitive luxury dive watch, known for its iconic design, robust construction, and deep-sea-rated water resistance.
• Key features: Unidirectional rotating 60-minute bezel (usually in scratchproof Cerachrom ceramic), 300 meters (1,000 feet) water resistance, highly legible dial with luminescent markers, and a "Superlative Chronometer" certified in-house automatic movement.
• Price: Retail price for steel models is around $9,000 to $13,000, but market price is often significantly higher due to intense demand.
• Materials/Construction: Made from Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel blend (Oystersteel), which is more corrosion-resistant than standard steel. Features a nearly indestructible Cerachrom bezel and sapphire crystal.
• Sizing/Fit: The modern version is 41mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug around 48mm and a thinner 12mm profile that helps it sit elegantly on the wrist. The Oyster bracelet's Glidelock extension system allows for tool-free micro-adjustments.
• Pros: Excellent investment that often appreciates in value. Unmatched brand recognition and prestige. Legendary durability and build quality. Timeless and incredibly versatile design. Exceptional water resistance.
• Cons: Extremely difficult to purchase at retail due to long waitlists and limited supply. High entry price. Its classic design can feel almost too ubiquitous for those seeking something unique.

This is the watch for someone seeking an iconic, durable, and recognizable luxury symbol that holds its value exceptionally well and works for any occasion.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/submariner

Omega Speedmaster vs. Rolex Submariner Comparison

Functionality &, Design

The biggest difference lies in their core functions. The Speedmaster is a chronograph, designed to measure elapsed time with its pushers and sub-dials. Its tachymeter bezel is meant for calculating speed, reflecting its roots in motorsport. This creates a technical, instrument-panel aesthetic that is sporty and complex.

The Submariner is a dive watch. Its purpose is to track elapsed time underwater, which is why its primary feature is the unidirectional rotating bezel that allows a diver to safely time their decompression stops. This focus on life-or-death legibility results in a clean, simple, and highly functional design with large markers and an uncluttered dial.

Quality &, Materials

Both watches demonstrate exceptional Swiss craftsmanship. Rolex is famous for its vertical integration and uses its own hardcore 904L Oystersteel, known for its superior sheen and corrosion resistance. Every element, from the case to the bracelet to the in-house movement, is obsessively engineered for longevity.

Omega also uses high-quality materials and its finishing is superb. Its secret weapon is its movement technology. Omega's Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements offer industry-leading resistance to magnetic fields and incredible precision, certified by both COSC and METAS. While Rolex is the king of perceived durability, Omega is a leader in modern movement innovation.

Price &, Value

Omega offers far greater accessibility. A new Speedmaster Professional can be purchased for roughly half the market price of a new steel Submariner. From a pure value-for-money standpoint, the Speedmaster provides an iconic watch with a top-tier movement and historic legacy for a much lower cost.

The Rolex Submariner, however, is an undisputed champion of value retention. Due to unmatched brand power and carefully managed supply, it not only holds its value but often appreciates over time, making it one of the few luxury goods that can be considered a genuine investment.

Exclusivity &, Brand Prestige

Buying an Omega is a straightforward luxury experience, you can walk into a boutique or authorized dealer and purchase one. Rolex operates on a completely different level of exclusivity. Getting a new Submariner from an authorized dealer often requires a long purchase history and years on a waitlist. This scarcity model massively enhances Rolex's prestige, turning the buying process into a defining part of the ownership experience.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both of these watches are incredible choices, but they serve very different buyers.

Choose the Omega Speedmaster if:

• You are fascinated by the history of space exploration and the "Moonwatch" story.
• You appreciate the technical look and function of a chronograph.
• You want the best possible value in a top-tier luxury watch.
• You prefer an iconic watch that is more of an "insider" classic than a mainstream status symbol.

Choose the Rolex Submariner if:

• You see your watch as a long-term investment that is likely to hold or increase its value.
• You value brand recognition and the prestige that comes with owning a Rolex.
• You need a highly durable, go-anywhere, do-anything watch with superior water resistance.
• You love a versatile and timeless design that fits in everywhere from the beach to the boardroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The main difference is their function. The Speedmaster is a chronograph designed to measure time, with a bezel for calculating speed. The Submariner is a dive watch designed for underwater use, with a bezel for timing dives. This fundamental difference dictates their entire design and feature set.

Which watch is a better investment?

The Rolex Submariner is almost universally considered the better investment. Due to high demand and limited supply, pre-owned and new models consistently sell for above their retail price and tend to appreciate over time. While the Speedmaster holds its value well for a luxury watch, it typically does not appreciate in the same way as the Submariner.

Is the Omega Speedmaster waterproof?

The standard professional Speedmaster has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. This makes it splash-resistant and safe for washing your hands, but it is not recommended for swimming or diving. The Submariner, with its 300-meter rating, is built specifically for water activities.

Why is the Rolex Submariner so hard to buy?

The difficulty in buying a Rolex Submariner at retail is due to a demand that far exceeds Rolex's production supply. Rolex keeps production tight to maintain quality control and brand exclusivity. This forces most buyers to go through authorized dealers who use waitlists, often prioritizing long-standing customers.

Which one is more versatile for everyday wear?

Both are highly versatile. However, the Submariner's cleaner dial and slimmer profile, combined with its high water resistance, arguably make it slightly more "wear-and-forget" for any situation. The Speedmaster is equally at home with casual and formal wear, but its lower water resistance requires more caution.

Is the Omega Speedmaster an automatic watch?

The most iconic model, the Speedmaster Professional "Moonwatch," is a manual-wind watch, meaning you have to wind it by hand every day or two. Omega does, however, produce many other Speedmaster models that feature automatic movements.

Is the Submariner more durable?

Both are built to last a lifetime. However, the Submariner is engineered specifically for harsh environments. Its screw-down crown, robust case construction, and 300m water resistance give it a practical edge in durability for users with very active lifestyles.

Which brand has a better history?

Both brands have outstanding and equally compelling histories in different fields. Omega's history is tied to space exploration and the Olympics, culminating in the Moon landing. Rolex's history is tied to adventure and exploration on Earth, including Sir Edmund Hillary's ascent of Everest and deep-sea expeditions. Neither is better, they are just different and equally amazing.