The Rolex Deepsea might not be as well-known as the Submariner or Daytona, but it’s a watch still worthy of icon status. It was first launched in 2008 and became Rolex’s most powerful diver’s watch. Thanks to the innovative Ringlock system, the Deepsea boasts an impressive water resistance of 3,900 metres, a depth no human can survive while scuba diving.
Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold - Credit Rolex
For Watches & Wonders 2024, Rolex released a new addition for the Rolex Deepsea line, one that proves the watch’s utilitarian origins and underwater capability, but also its commanding and unmissable character on land. The new 2024 Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold arrives fully decked in precious 18ct yellow gold and is joined by a nautical blue dial and matching blue ceramic bezel.
It still retains the model’s 44mm diameter, 3,900 metre water resistance and the Superlative Chronometer movement inside, priced at CHF 49,900. It’s a price we expect from a Rolex-made, solid gold, high-performance dive watch but sadly, it’s also a price that alienates most of us.
Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold - Credit Rolex
So, what do you do if you like the look of the Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold, but you don’t quite have the financial scaffolding to support the purchase? How about checking out some of these equally brilliant affordable alternatives to the Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold. They might not have the same substantial water resistance or 18ct gold architecture, but they still command an extraordinary presence on the wrist.
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 - Credit WatchGecko
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The Tissot Seastar collection is home to a fantastic selection of affordable 300 metre water resistant dive watches with a personality just as bold as the Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold. Reference T120.407.37.041.00 is a great choice for its large 43mm wide rose gold-plated case and black ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel. At the centre, it displays a gorgeous dark blue gradient dial that turns black at the edges and rose gold plated hardware for the time and date. What’s more, this Tissot Seastar 1000 watch is powered by the Swatch Group’s famous Powermatic 80 automatic movement with an anti-magnetic balance spring and 80-hour power reserve. Price: £820.
Oris Sixty-Five Cotton Candy Blue
Oris Sixty-Five Cotton Candy Blue - Credit WatchGecko
While not quite solid gold, the Oris Sixty-Five Cotton Candy watch offers an equally luxurious and nautical-inspired aesthetic with its 38mm bronze case and bracelet. This material is widely used in dive-related gear due to its corrosion resistance and in watchmaking, the case slowly develops a patina entirely unique to the wearer as it reacts to pH levels in the skin and air. The case contrasts brilliantly to the pastel blue dial set with 1960’s inspired rose gold hands and markers, powered by the Oris 733 automatic winding movement. Price: £2,425
Longines HydroConquest
Longines HydroConquest - Credit Longines
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A popular affordable alternative to the Rolex Deepsea collection for many is the Longines HydroConquest series. These 300 metre water resistant dive watches are Swiss made, automatic winding and in some instances, available with yellow gold detailing. Reference L3.742.3.96.7 is one of the same, electing a 41mm wide two-toned stainless steel and yellow gold plated case and bracelet. It also arrives with a blue rotating bezel to match the sunray blue dial. It is powered by the L888 automatic winding movement offering a 72 hour power reserve. Price: £1,500.
Certina DS Action Powermatic 80
Certina DS Action Powermatic 80 - Credit WatchGecko
Another affordable Swiss made diver’s watch worth mentioning is the Certina DS Action Powermatic 80. As you can guess by the name, this model delivers the same Powermatic 80 movement as the Tissot previously revealed but one housed within a slightly sleeker and more refined sports watch case. The two-toned stainless steel and yellow gold-plated housing measures to 43mm wide and nominates a blue ceramic rotating bezel, an ISO-certified 300 metre water resistant rating and a screw in gold-plated crown. The dial is blue and highly legible with SuperLumiNova inserts placed on the hands and indexes. Price: £960
Citizen Promaster Diver
Finally, our most affordable alternative to the Rolex Deepsea Yellow Gold watch goes to the Citizen Promaster Dive watch found under reference BN0162-02X. For less than £300, this diver’s watch boasts a sturdy gold-toned stainless steel case, mineral crystal glass, a 200 metre water resistant rating and the innovative EcoDrive solar-powered movement. The best feature of this Citizen Promaster Diver watch is the dial, which exudes plenty of personality with its bright turquoise gradient colour and unique yellow and red coloured hardware. Price: £289
