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CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue WatchvsRolex Deepsea Challenge

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
Deepsea Challenge
RolexDeepsea Challenge
MSRP $29,100
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 Deepsea Challenge

The Rolex Deepsea Challenge is widely recognized as an engineering feat, showcasing Rolex's first all-titanium construction and extreme 11,000m water resistance. Owners and reviewers consistently describe the 50mm Rolex Deepsea Challenge as a massive, gigantic, and barely wearable "monster" of a watch, with some finding its size and proportions impractical and uncomfortable for extended wear. Reviewers note a crude, charred-like brushed finish on the titanium bracelet and dial printing with soft edges and inconsistent spacing, which falls short of the brand's usual high standards. On balance, owners and reviewers view the Rolex Deepsea Challenge as an outstanding technical achievement and a unique collectible piece, rather than a practical daily wearer.

At a glance

16 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch41mm
Deepsea Challenge50mm
Power Reserve
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Deepsea Challenge70h
Water Resistance
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
Deepsea Challenge1,000m
MSRP
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$2,458
Deepsea Challenge$29,100

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Diameter
41mm
50mm
Thickness
12.7mm
9.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46mm
Lug Width
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
RLX Titanium
Finish
Brushed and polished
RLX titanium
Water Resistance
300m
1000m
Caseback
Solid
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown. Rolex Ringlock system case architecture with nitrogen-alloyed steel ring and helium escape valve

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
$29,100
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