Side by side

CWC E9 Automatic Diver WatchvsRolex Submariner

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

E9 Automatic Diver Watch
CWCE9 Automatic Diver Watch
MSRP $1,391
Submariner
RolexSubmariner
MSRP $10,050
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch for its military-spec toughness and satisfyingly easy-to-wind crown, with one owner calling it a perfect reissue due to its thin case, small size, and legibility. Some owners appreciate its durability and value as a beater or summer watch, noting its solid bars are a military requirement and highlighting its significant wrist presence and unique "Jolly Roger" dial design. Critics find the CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch overpriced for its mineral crystal and 60-click bezel, despite its military heritage and HAQ movement, and its luminous paint is noted as low glow. Overall, owners rate the CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch highly for its military-spec toughness and wrist presence, despite some reservations about its value proposition.

Rolex Submariner

Owners widely praise the Rolex Submariner's restored classic taper, improved case profile with slimmer lugs, and AR-coated crystal, contributing to its wearability and familiar feel for everyday use. The watch is recognized for its iconic status, widespread recognition, and exceptional accuracy, stemming from Rolex's highly integrated manufacturing. Some owners note a 70-hour power reserve. Availability remains a challenge, with long wait times reported at authorized dealers, leading some to consider the grey market. Opinions are split on whether the modern Submariner still justifies its price compared to competitors, with some viewing its appeal as driven by brand and hype, while others consider it the benchmark watch at retail. Owners also debate the aesthetic and functional merits of the date versus no-date Submariner models. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Rolex Submariner highly for its iconic design, build quality, and everyday wearability.

From video reviewers

The satin-brushed 904L stainless steel finishing and the Caliber 3230 movement with its 70-hour power reserve are highlighted strengths. Reviewers noted the Chromalight lume as a positive feature for legibility.

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
E9 Automatic Diver Watch41mm
Submariner41mm
Power Reserve
E9 Automatic Diver Watch40h
Submariner70h
Water Resistance
E9 Automatic Diver Watch300m
Submariner300m
MSRP
E9 Automatic Diver Watch$1,391
Submariner$10,050

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Thickness
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
Lug Width
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Oystersteel
Finish
Brushed and polished
Caseback
Solid
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Dial Color
CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch (SF300-E9 AS120)
Black
Indices
Applied
Index
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Chromalight

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
3230
Power Reserve
40h
70h
Jewels
25
31

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,391
$10,050
Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Follow this matchup

Get a note when CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch vs Rolex Submariner gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.