Side by side

Rolex Submariner DatevsSpinnaker Challenger Automatic

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

Submariner Date
RolexSubmariner Date
MSRP $50,900
Challenger Automatic
SpinnakerChallenger Automatic
MSRP $289
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Rolex Submariner Date

Owners widely prefer the Rolex Submariner Date for its versatility and value retention, with many appreciating the functional cyclops bubble. However, a significant portion of the community favors the no-date Submariner for its cleaner dial symmetry and historical aesthetic, viewing it as rarer and more classic. On balance, owners rate the Rolex Submariner Date highly for its lifelong utility and brand recognition, though some find the no-date variant's aesthetic more appealing.

Spinnaker Challenger Automatic

The Spinnaker Challenger Automatic is widely praised for its fun, playful design, solid build quality, and satisfying bezel action. Owners appreciate the comfortable 42mm DLC-coated case and the thoughtful integration of the Popeye theme, with the character serving as the hour and minute hands. Reviewers note the reliable Seiko NH35 movement and 300m water resistance. Some owners find the blue lume weaker than expected, and the ultra-domed sapphire crystal presents challenges for photography. The thick rubber strap is also cited as difficult to manage. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Spinnaker Challenger Automatic highly for its unique character integration and solid dive watch fundamentals at its price point.

At a glance

16 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Submariner Date41mm
Challenger Automatic42mm
Power Reserve
Submariner Date70h
Challenger Automatic40h
Water Resistance
Submariner Date300m
Challenger Automatic200m
MSRP
Submariner Date$50,900
Challenger Automatic$289

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Diameter
41mm
42mm
Thickness
19mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
Lug Width
22mm
Material
18 kt yellow gold
316L Stainless Steel
Finish
18 kt yellow gold
Brushed and polished
Water Resistance
300m
200m
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Solid

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Indices
Index
Applied
Lume
Chromalight
None

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
3235
NH35
Power Reserve
70h
40h
Jewels
31
25
Complications
Date
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$50,900
$289
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