Can't Afford a Rolex Submariner? This Incredible Diver Is For You

The Rolex Submariner is quite nearly the perfect dive watch. The "no date" version is simple, elegant, and versatile. It’s the OG go anywhere do anything sort of time piece that could easily serve as someone’s "one watch collection." As an archetype dive watch, it’s got everything a one could need underwater and nothing more—time-only, water resistant to 300 meters, and comes equipped with a 60-minute graduated dive bezel. The only knock to be had at the Sub is the $9,200 price tag. Once a tool for divers, it’s now a luxury piece only the well-heeled can afford. But the Baltic Aquascape is the best watch alternative for the storied Rolex—and it's well under $1,000.

Rolex Submariner Dive Watch vs. Baltic Aquascape Dive Watch

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Many brands make what we euphemistically call homage pieces—or watch dupes or alternatives colloquially—at more affordable price points. But the French brand Baltic manages to put its own spin on a dive watch clearly inspired by the classic Rolex. The time-only Aquascape, much like the no-date Submariner, features a traditional dive timing bezel and 200 meters of water resistance, which is still much more than you’re likely to need.

The Aquascape’s 39mm case is crafted in 316L stainless steel and is shorn up with a screw-down case-back and screw-down crown. A double-domed sapphire crystal covers the grained black dial, which features three-hands and simple indexes filled with Super-Luminova for easy time telling, day or night.

For those who appreciate vintage vibes, the lack of crown guards and sapphire bezel insert make the Aquascape a bit more akin to the Submariners of the 1960s. Plus there’s a cool, mid-century frogman etched on the caseback.

Baltic Aquascape Dive Watch

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Inside the watch is powered by a automatic Miyota 9039 which is accurate to ｰ10～＋30 seconds a day and offers a 40 hour power reserve. That’s not nearly as robust as the Sub’s Rolex Calibre 3230’s -2/+2 seconds a day accuracy and approximately 70 hours of power, though given the Aquascape’s $603 price point the comparison is apples to caviar.

Baltic offers the Aquascape in five colors, but the black and silver offers the most traditional Sub-style. By default the watch comes on a rubber strap. For about $83 more, we would upgrade to a flat link, stainless steel bracelet for the aesthetic and all-season utility. At $687 all in, it’s a steal in steel.

CASE: 316L stainless steel MOVEMENT: Miyota 8205 automatic DIAL: Black SIZE: 39mm STRAP: Rubber, stainless steel bracelet ($83 extra)

Related: Best Dive Watches of 2025 That Can Go the Distance