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CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue WatchvsRolex Submariner

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

1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
CWC1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
MSRP $2,458
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 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

The CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is widely praised for its faithful recreation of vintage details, including its dial layout with markers touching the chapter ring and pointed crown guards. Owners and reviewers note its reasonable size and the original minute hand design. However, the lume is a point of contention: some find the "faux patina" tint too gold and glossy, while others specifically criticize the mismatched lume color between hands and hour markers, with the hour marker lume described as overly shiny and convex. On balance, the CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is highly regarded for its authentic vintage aesthetic and wearability, despite mixed opinions on the lume application.

From video reviewers

The watch's accurate movement is a notable strength. A potential weakness is its relatively high price point. Reviewers disagree on the watch's water-resistance, with one reviewer suggesting it could be improved and the other not mentioning any issues with water-resistance.

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
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch41mm
Submariner41mm
Power Reserve
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Submariner70h
Water Resistance
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
Submariner300m
MSRP
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$2,458
Submariner$10,050

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Thickness
12.7mm
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
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
Black
Indices
Applied
Index
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Chromalight

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
ETA 2824-2
3230
Power Reserve
40h
70h
Jewels
25
31

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,458
$10,050
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