The Breitling Superocean is an icon of the dive watch world, renowned for its robust construction, bold design, and professional heritage. Its commanding presence on the wrist is unmistakable, but its price point places it out of reach for many enthusiasts. For those who admire the Superocean’s tool-watch aesthetic and capabilities but seek a more accessible option, the market is filled with compelling alternatives.
Whether you’re looking for a direct homage, a watch with its own unique dive-ready character, or simply a reliable automatic timepiece for everyday wear, there is a perfect alternative waiting. This roundup highlights eight exceptional watches that capture the spirit of the Superocean, offering everything from Japanese workhorse movements to Swiss engineering and innovative solar power, all without compromising on style or performance.
Top Breitling Superocean Alternatives to Consider
- ORIENT Men’s ‘Mako II’ Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel Diving Watch
- Zodiac Men’s Super Seawolf 53 Comp Automatic Silver Watch
- Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Automatic Watch with Coin Edge Bezel
- Seiko Men’s SSC813 Solar Chronograph Watch
- Orient Men’s ‘Kamasu’ Japanese Automatic Diving Watch
- Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive Watch
- Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Men’s Watch
- Luminox Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Dive Watch
ORIENT Men’s ‘Mako II’ Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel Diving Watch
The Orient Mako II is a fan-favorite for its incredible value and authentic dive watch specifications. It features a reliable Japanese-automatic movement that powers the watch with the motion of your wrist, eliminating the need for a battery. With its 120-click unidirectional bezel, screwed-down crown, and solid mineral crystal, it is built to handle aquatic adventures while offering a classic, versatile look for daily wear.
This watch embodies the essence of a true tool watch, much like the Superocean, but at a fraction of the cost. Its clean dial design and robust stainless steel construction make it a perfect entry point for anyone seeking a genuine automatic diving watch. The Mako II proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality or performance for an accessible price.
Zodiac Men’s Super Seawolf 53 Comp Automatic Silver Watch
For those who desire Swiss heritage and a more direct historical connection to dive watches, the Zodiac Super Seawolf is a superb choice. This timepiece is powered by a precise Swiss-automatic movement, offering a level of craftsmanship and prestige that watch enthusiasts appreciate. Its 45mm stainless steel case provides a substantial wrist presence, and with 200 meters of water resistance, it is a capable companion for serious diving.
The Super Seawolf carries its own legacy, sharing a similar tool-watch DNA with the Breitling Superocean. The bold design, high-contrast dial, and robust construction make it a standout alternative for someone looking to invest in a timepiece with a rich history and modern Swiss reliability.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Automatic Watch with Coin Edge Bezel
The Invicta Pro Diver is arguably one of the most popular homages in the watch world, offering a familiar and beloved design with reliable mechanics. At its heart is the respected NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, known for its durability and accuracy. The exhibition case back allows you to view the intricate movement at work, while the luminous hands and markers ensure readability in any lighting condition.
This model features a two-tone stainless steel and gold-tone finish with a striking blue dial, providing a touch of elegance to the robust dive watch form. With its fold-over safety clasp and solid construction, the Pro Diver delivers exceptional value and a classic aesthetic that will appeal to a wide range of watch wearers.
Seiko Men’s SSC813 Solar Chronograph Watch
Blending sporty functionality with a sophisticated, vintage-inspired design, the Seiko Solar Chronograph is a fantastic alternative for those who appreciate a more complex dial. This watch is powered by light, thanks to its efficient solar movement, so you never need to change a battery. The sleek stainless steel case and panda-style dial layout offer a refined look that is equally at home in the office or on the weekend.
While not a pure diver, its chronograph functionality, excellent water resistance, and robust build quality align with the multi-purpose tool watch ethos. The Seiko SSC813 provides a high level of technical sophistication and a unique style that stands apart from the crowd, making it a compelling option for the discerning buyer.
Orient Men’s ‘Kamasu’ Japanese Automatic Diving Watch
Another stellar offering from Orient, the Kamasu, elevates the brand’s dive watch lineup with an upgraded sapphire crystal, which provides superior scratch resistance compared to mineral glass. It maintains the brand’s reputation for high-value automatics, featuring a striking sunburst dial and a solid, reliable movement. The luminous markers and hands are bright and long-lasting, ensuring clear visibility underwater.
The Kamasu is for the individual who wants a step up in specifications without a significant increase in cost. Its combination of a sapphire crystal, 200-meter water resistance, and attractive design makes it one of the best-performing automatic dive watches in its class, capturing the spirit of professional dive instruments like the Superocean.
Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive Watch
The Citizen Promaster Diver is a legend in its own right, known for its bulletproof reliability and innovative Eco-Drive technology. This watch converts any light source into energy, storing it to power the watch for months in the dark, so you never have to worry about a dead battery. Its professional-grade 200-meter water resistance and ISO certification confirm its legitimacy as a serious dive tool.
With its rugged, no-nonsense design and iconic angular case, the Promaster offers a distinct and highly functional aesthetic. It appeals to those who value practicality, durability, and hassle-free operation, providing a trustworthy and capable alternative to more expensive mechanical dive watches.
Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Men’s Watch
The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph offers a more dressy and contemporary take on the dive and sport watch category. It features a sophisticated chronograph complication for timing events, housed in a sleek and polished stainless steel case. The bold, luminous hands and markers against the deep dial color create a high-contrast, legible display that is both stylish and functional.
This watch is perfect for someone whose style leans towards a modern, active elegance. It maintains the water resistance and robust feel of a sports watch while incorporating refined design elements that make it suitable for more formal occasions, offering great versatility for the modern man’s wardrobe.
Luminox Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Dive Watch
Built to the specifications required by the U.S. Navy SEALs, the Luminox 3051 EVO is the ultimate tool watch for low-light and no-light conditions. Its key feature is the self-powered illumination system, which uses micro gas tubes to provide a constant, incredibly bright glow for up to 25 years without needing an external light source to charge.
This watch is about pure function and durability. The carbon-reinforced polycarbonate case is incredibly tough and lightweight, making it exceptionally comfortable for all-day, everyday wear. If your lifestyle demands a watch that is always readable and can withstand extreme conditions, the Luminox is a purpose-driven alternative that delivers unmatched nighttime visibility.
What to Look For in a Breitling Superocean Alternative
If you like the look of a Breitling Superocean but your budget doesn’t quite align, you’re in luck. The world of watches is full of fantastic options that capture that same tool-watch spirit without the luxury price tag. When I’m searching for a good alternative, I focus on a few key characteristics that define the Superocean experience.
First and foremost is water resistance. The Superocean is a serious dive watch, so any worthy alternative should have solid water resistance, ideally 200 meters or more. This isn’t just for actual diving; it’s a mark of overall build quality. Next, consider the bezel. A unidirectional rotating bezel with clear, legible markings is a signature feature of any proper dive watch. I always check that it feels sturdy and clicks into place with a satisfying, precise action.
The dial is another big one. The Superocean is known for its high legibility, often with bold hands and clear indices. Look for alternatives with similar traits—a clean, easy-to-read face, often with some lume for low-light visibility. The case material and finish also matter. While you might not get Breitling’s level of finishing, many microbrands and established brands offer watches with excellent case work, using materials like solid stainless steel with both brushed and polished surfaces.
Finally, think about the bracelet or strap. A comfortable, well-made bracelet can make or break the wearing experience. Many affordable watches now come with solid link bracelets and decent clasps. The goal is to find a watch that feels substantial and reliable on your wrist, giving you that same confidence you’d get from a Superocean, just from a different brand. There are plenty of great homage and affordable watch options that deliver on this promise.
FAQ
What is the main difference between an homage and a cheap replica?
This is a crucial distinction. An homage watch takes design inspiration from a famous watch, like the Breitling Superocean, but puts its own brand name on the dial and often incorporates its own subtle design changes. It’s an honest interpretation. A cheap replica, or “fake,” tries to copy the watch exactly, including the branded logos, with the intention of deceiving buyers. I always recommend going for homages from reputable companies, as they offer original quality and design integrity without the ethical and legal issues of replicas.
Are these affordable dive watches actually waterproof?
Yes, provided you buy from a legitimate brand and understand the rating. A watch rated for 200 meters water resistance is more than suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. It’s a standard that requires rigorous testing. However, it’s always important to check that the gaskets are in good condition and the crown is fully screwed down before entering the water. The water resistance is a key feature these brands use to compete, so they generally take it very seriously.
Which movement is better, a Japanese automatic or a Swiss automatic?
For most people looking at affordable options, this comes down to a choice between reliability and prestige. Japanese movements, like those from Seiko (NH35) or Citizen (Miyota), are incredibly robust, accurate, and very affordable to service or replace. Swiss movements, like the Sellita SW200 or ETA 2824, have a long history and a certain cachet, but they often increase the watch’s price. In my experience, for the price of a basic Swiss movement, you can often get a watch with a top-tier Japanese movement and better overall specs. Both are excellent; the Japanese option usually gives you more value.
Can I get a good Superocean-style watch for under $500?
Absolutely. The market under $500 is incredibly strong. Brands like Seiko with their “Turtle” or “Samurai” models offer incredible value, unique designs, and proven in-house movements. Microbrands like Phoibos and Spinnaker also create fantastic original designs with strong Superocean vibes, often including features like sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels that you wouldn’t expect at this price point a few years ago. You have to do a bit more research, but the options for affordable watch options are better than ever.
Do microbrand watches hold their value?
Generally, no, most microbrand watches will not hold their value like a Rolex or Breitling. They are fantastic for what they are—well-made, often spec-heavy watches sold directly to you, which cuts out the middleman and keeps prices low. You should buy a microbrand watch because you love it and plan to wear it, not as an investment. Some limited editions from very popular microbrands might retain value or even appreciate slightly, but that’s the exception, not the rule.