Cheapest Rolex Submariner Watch Alternative

Do you really need a Rolex watch in your life. The amount of watches that are out there which are so much cheaper than buying a Rolex is substantial. However, if you're looking for a watch that closely resembles a Rolex Submariner in appearance, works well, and at the cheapest possible price, a serious contender has to be the Invicta Pro Diver (Seiko NH35A Automatic movement). 

 

Yes, it's certainly not as refined and nowhere near the high quality of an original Submariner, but for the low price its actually a great alternative for those who don't have much money to spend but still want something that looks similar to a Rolex. Put them together, side by side in comparison, and you'll have to look closely to see the difference. 

There's also some that look very similar to other Rolex models, such as the Sea-Dweller and Datejust. If you want one of those look for a brand called Pagani [Lot's on Amazon]. They are pretty decent. If someone is looking from a distance, it would be hard to tell if what you were wearing was either a Rolex Submariner or an Invicta Pro Diver [8928OB].

Yes, you could say, and many do, that the Invicta Pro Diver is a replica of the Submariner. And for the most part, it is! But its not an out-and-out fake or a cheap copy like much are out there. It does have its own brand name, Invicta, and they do take some pride in their workmanship. Much more than the many run of the mill no-name Rolex replica's that flood the marketplace. No, this is good quality watch for the price.

In fact some reviewers actually own both and have done some comparisons. A few even conclude that there isn't really all that much difference when it comes down to time accuracy and in some cases, even how it feels on the wrist. 

Of course, the biggest difference between the two is not only the price, which is huge, but also the fear of damage, or lack thereof that comes from wearing the Invicta over the Rolex. Superb little timepiece. The only downfall is the aftersales service, which going on what a few customers have reported isn't that great.

Nixon Regulus A1180 Watch Review

Nixon Regulus A1180 Digital Watch Review. Available in the UK, USA and Canada. When it comes to digital watches, especially supposedly tough digital watches, one can't help but compare it against the Casio G-Shock range. Genuine G-Shocks do offer excellent durability and can be found for sale at a reasonable price. The Nixon Regulus A1180 however, does fall into a slightly higher price range (in come countires) than many of the G-Shock models. But In my opinion the Nixon Regulus is priced accordingly.

Pictured: Nixon Regulus A1180 Camo

As well as the super cool Military / Navy Seal style appearance that does a good job of drawing people to the A1180 to begin with, It also has some features that many people will find very useful, so I can see why there is some hype, and a competitive price tag around the Nixon Regulus.

Nixon Regulus All Black / Red

The main features of this watch are the twin Chronographs, water resistance to 100 meters, two stopwatches, countdown timer, 3 alarms, a great illumination light, and a five year battery life. But the main feature for some, is the A1180's overall toughness and durability. It is a solid watch. And like previewed in the video, which basically shows a brand new watch after 1 year of use, it's longevity seems to be excellent.

Video: Watch review after one year of ownership

A wide range of different colours are available. Some of those include: Gold, Grey, Olive, Black, all Black, Clear, Dark Slate, Black/Red, Sand Brown, Multi-Camouflage Tropic Green, Black/White/Lime and Carbon. There's also stainless steel versions out there for sale (Regulus SS A1268). Those models come in Silver, Gold, Black and Gunmetal.

The only negative experienced by the individual in the video review after one year was a slight distortion of the lower part of the LCD, apparently from the pressing of the front button(s) over time. Overall, a good watch for the price.

Here's a few other watches that are also talked about on this blog: Casio F-94WA | Rolex Sea-Dweller | Rolex Datejust 41 | Casio W-800H | Old Seiko

Casio models that could be considered rivals to the Nixon Regulus A1180: G-Shock GX-56BB-1ER | G Shock GW-M500F | G-Shock GD-350-1BER | G-Shock GW-7900-1ER

Classic Casio F-94WA Watch Review

Classic Casio F-94WA Watch Review. The Casio F-94WA is one model that has gone somewhat under the radar when compared to some of the much more well-known models, such as the classic F-91W and W-86 [here]. Maybe one of the reasons for this is due to it being a bit harder to find for sale. Don't get me wrong, it's not super rare or anything. But take a look on Amazon UK, US and Canada, and you won't find the Casio F-94WA on there being sold. It is more widely available in Asia / India. Update: I did find it for sale on Amazon. See the link below for availability.

Casio F-94WA - Check Availability

You can, however, find the F-94WA for sale on eBay, and on the official Casio website (only for India I believe). After some research on eBay, it is clear that some of sellers that have the F-94WA listed are actually selling fakes. I've looked through a lot of feedback, and trust me, there are quite a few fake F-94WA's that have been sold, and also some that are still listed (on eBay UK). So if you are looking to purchase one from eBay be careful. But really, this is the case for all Casio's. They are replicated like crazy.

So, what does the Casio F-94WA offer. Well, other than not looking like your average digital retro Casio, which is a good thing if you want something a bit different to what everyone else is wearing but still remain brand loyal, and packing a much better microlight than the F91W (but not better than the real Illuminators), the bare bones aren't much different. The Casio F-94WA does have the hourly time signal though (beep beep at the hour), which I personally think is great.

A 7-year battery life comes as standard, but do check the age of the stock if you can to see how fresh it is (ask the seller). You can always replace the battery though if it doesn't quite last seven years. This model takes the CR2016. Be sure to buy a decent brand of CR2016 to maximise your chances of getting a nice long battery life from the replacement. I recommend either Sony, Duracell, Energizer or Panasonic. They are very cheap to buy, so that's a bonus.

Two different colours of F-94WA are available: The F-94WA-8, which has the darker / charcoal colour trim. And the F-94WA-9. This model has the yellow trim and is reviewed in the video above. Both are exactly the same other than the difference in appearance. A great little slightly quirky Casio to add to your collection.

Rolex Sea-Dweller 12,800 ft 3,900 m Price

Rolex Sea-Dweller 12,800 ft 3,900 m Price. If you don't want to read you can find the price below. While all Rolex watches are waterproof, people who need or want a basic level of resistance usually go for one of the less depth demanding models, like the Datejust 41, or the GMT-Master II. Both of which have a water resistance depth of a respectable 100 meters.

But if its extreme depths you're after, you need look no further than the Rolex DEEPSEA Sea-Dweller [also known as the Rolex Deepsea 126660]. This super pressurised diving watch is capable of an almost unbelieveable depth of 12,800 feet, or 3,900 meters. I don't know for certain if this model holds the watch submersion depth record, but it much be somewhere in the top 10 for sure

Pictured is the D-Blue model, which displays a nice light blue dial at the top, fading into a dark blue (almost black). Representing the change from shallow (in comparison) to the deepest depths of the sea that divers can reach.

This is a serious watch, and the demand is rather high for this model. Prices do vary greatly depending on where you buy it from. If you can find one for sale, with many dealers you may also be able to haggle a little and get the price down, especially if you are paying the full amount by cash or card. Of course, you can also obtain this watch and pay for it in installments, but I would not recommend that. If you don't have the money, don't buy it.

If you want something much cheaper but still an excellent watch for deep sea diving, the Omega Seamaster Professional Planet Ocean may be a better fit. A beautiful watch with a master chronometer and a water resistance limit of 600 meters (2000 foot).

If you need something a lot cheaper than both of the timepieces talked about here, you could consider the Invicta 8926OB Pro. It's what some people call a poor man's Rolex. However, don't be put of by this label, it's an excellent watch for the price.

Rolex Datejust 41 For Sale Price UK

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 [126334-RHOSJ] For Sale Price UK. What is there left to say about this beautiful watch that you probably haven't already read on a different website. With it's Sapphire Crystal glass, 904L stainless steel, Solid 18 Carat White Gold Fluted Bezel and superlative chronometer quality and Swiss precision. The model pictured below has the Dark Rhodium Dial (with Jubilee Bracelet). But there are other colours available, most notable are the black (with diamonds), white and blue dials. Rose Gold is also an option, but is the least desirable in my opinion. But each to their own. We all have different tastes and preferences.

Check Sale Price

One example well-worth taking a look at due to it being slightly more unique looking to the rest, is the Grey Datejust 41 with Roman Numerals. Anyway, enough about the different types of Datejust 41, let's talk money. What's the damage (the price) for such a prestigious timepiece. 

Prices do vary quite dramatically. However, if you come across one that is too cheap (new or used), or must appears a little too good to be true, it's most probably a fake. Always make sure to buy from a reputable company / seller. Genuine Rolex watches are never cheap.

Practial, reliable and dependable, reviews are solid for the Datejust 41. The Datejust 41 is not just a nice watch, but also a fairly decent investment. New and used prices for Rolex watches have increased somewhat over the last year. And some people buy a Rolex for that very reason. 

So, while you won't get back the full amount of what you paid, if bought brand new, and then a few years later decided to sell, it would still fetch a good price. And don't forget the pleasure you got from wearing the watch in the process. Rolex watches are remarkable timepieces.

Casio W-86 / Casio W-800H Comparison

Casio W-86 / Casio W-800H side by side design and size comparison. I wrote about Casio watches not long ago, so thought I'd follow up with a quick post while they are still on my mind. This isn't a review or a "spec" list of the W800 Vs the W86, but just a size comparison. However, my opinion on the W-800 is, I don't really like it.

The W-800H is bigger than the W86 in every way. Larger screen, thicker (see the picture below), and has bigger buttons.

There's just something about the W800. It's too digital, if you know what I mean. Numbers everywhere. The screen is too reflective, and the actual read out (the time, date etc) is overly large for what I prefer. Regardless of my opinion on this watch, other people love it.

And to be fair, it does provide a lot of features for the cheap price. 100 meters water resistance, alarm, stopwatch, and it has a 10-year battery life. It also has an Illuminator light, but its certainly not as good as the Illuminator other models have, such as the W-86 (One of the best) and F105.

Casio W-800H (left) Vs Casio W-86 (right)

It's still decent, though, and much better than the poor micro light seen in the F91W. There's also a mod that can be applied to the W800H that gives it the ability to be used as a countdown timer. Lots of instructional articles and videos on how to do this online. These can be found on YouTube, Reddit etc.

Casio W86 Vs F105

Casio W86 (1VQES) Vs F105 (W1A). I've always liked Casio watches, especially the cheap digital models. I actually prefer the older retro models from the 80s and 90s. You can find a link to some old brochure catalogue / promotional material which features lots of different Casio watches below. But these days, many of the rare older models are either hard to find for sale, or when they can be found they are selling for high prices due to how many people also love and collect the vintage model Casio's.

Casio W86 1VQES Illuminator Watch Green

It doesn't matter though, because there are so many cheap up-to-date, but still retro looking digital Casio watches to choose from. The most popular being the F91W. Great watch. The only real downer is the poor backlight (micro light) if compared to other models that have the Illuminator function. But for value for money, it's hard to fault the F91W. The W86 and F105 are more expensive. Watch the instructional video below which shows how to use the watch and shows a quick comparison to other models, including the F91W.

Read the reviews for the W86 on Amazon UK | Amazon USA

And that brings me to the two models in question, the W-86 and the F-105. These two are very similar. The main difference between the two is that the W86 lights up green (Some say its blue / turquoise), and the F105 (F-105w-1a) lights up blue. They also each have a green (W-86) and blue face (F-105) design. I presume this is indicating what colour each one lights up. They both have the Electro Luminescence "Illuminator" backlight.

Casio W86 (1VQES) Vs F105 (W1A)

So, which one to buy. That's up to you. Either one will serve you well. I bought the W86. Mainly because green is my favourite colour. They are both very practical watches. The illumination on both models is very bright and clear. Another reason why I like these two models and compare them, is because they are small. I struggle to wear even a small watch without wanting to take it off, so I absolutely hate how big watches have become.

Read the reviews for the F105 on Amazon UK | Amazon USA

These days the big majority of men's watches are huge. Like wall clocks for the wrist! That goes for many Casio's too. The G-Shock models are massive. But the W86 and F105 are much smaller and slimmer than most, and that's a good thing.  They are small, cheap to buy, simple to use and inconspicuous. There's a sale on at the moment for the W86 on Amazon UK. And here is the link to the old brochure catalogue if you want a trip down Casio memory lane.

 

Nixon Regulus Review:

https://product-talk.blogspot.com/2021/03/nixon-regulus-a1180-watch-review.html

 

Casio F94W Review:

https://product-talk.blogspot.com/2021/03/classic-casio-f-94wa-watch-review.html

Old Seiko 5 Watch Model 703922-63198090

Here is an old Seiko 5 Watch. The Model number on the back casing is: 703922-6319-8090. And inside: Japan 6319A . I think this watch is from the 1970's. So classed as vintage I suppose. It was one of my family members and hasn't been worn or used for years. It's been stored in a box for many years. Seiko make very good watches, many of them at affordable prices.

Okay, Seiko's are certainly not Rolex in terms of quality and precision, but they are still excellent watches for what they cost to buy. This one is a 21 Jewels automatic and is all original. It has a lot of scratches on the glass, and the wristband has seen better days. But guess what. After a little bit of shaking it has started working again.

I took the back off and it quickly became apparent that the automatic mechanism that rotates inside is quite stiff. A thorough clean, a good service, and I think this watch would run like clockwork - pardon the pun. I'm not sure if it would be waterproof to any reasonable level due to me opening it up and not having the right tool to close it as tight as it needs to be to stop water getting in and damaging the watch. Great watch though. A classic Seiko.