Rolex, a brand known for luxury, precision, and durability, has consistently led the way in creating exceptional watches that meet the demands of professional divers and ocean enthusiasts alike.

Rolex made its mark in the world of waterproof watches as early as 1926 with the introduction of the Oyster case. The bar was raised again in 1954 with the debut of the Submariner, the first replica watch specifically designed for divers.

The top Rolex dive watches, examining the features, innovations, and perfect style that make them trusted tools for underwater exploration and iconic pieces in horology. While replica Rolex is primarily recognized today for luxury, their dive watches remain highly functional. Rolex’s dive watches are categorized into three main lines: the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller, and the Deepsea.

For those who wish to dive with a luxury watch, here are our top picks for Rolex’s premier dive watches:

Rolex Submariner Steel Watch Date Ref 126610LN
The Rolex Submariner Steel Watch Date Ref 126610LN is crafted for high-performance diving, withstanding depths of up to 300 meters. It is one of eight new models introduced in the Submariner line in 2020. Although there are only a few subtle changes from its predecessor, the 116610LN, even minor adjustments in Rolex’s design can be significant.

Key features include a rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations for monitoring dive time and decompression stops, a robust and corrosion-resistant ceramic Cerachrom bezel insert, and a sporty three-link solid stainless steel Oyster bracelet. The 2020 Submariner models have a slightly larger 41mm case, but the actual size difference compared to previous models is minimal, which is appreciated by collectors for its continuity.

The dial is highly legible, with large luminescent hour markers and a Cyclops lens magnifying the date at 3 o’clock. Beneath the dial, the watch houses the Rolex calibre 3235, an automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve and a remarkable accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Rolex Submariner Steel Watch No Date Ref 124060
Similar to the date model, the Rolex Submariner Steel Watch No Date Ref 124060 shares many of the same features. Also released in 2020, this model has a 41mm case size in Oystersteel. Many wearers of older Submariners find that the new models, despite the slightly larger case size, wear smaller due to improvements in the case profile and bracelet configuration.

This durable watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) and easy to read in low-light conditions. The large hour markers and Mercedes hands are filled with the new blue Chromalight lume, which stands out against the black dial. It uses the fake Rolex calibre 3230 movement, which offers a similar unidirectional ceramic bezel with a 60-minute timer.

Rolex Sea-Dweller “4000” Steel Ref 16600
For those seeking a watch that can endure the harshest conditions, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Steel Ref 16600 is an ideal choice. This robust dive watch features a 40mm Oystersteel case with a helium escape valve and water resistance up to 4,000 feet (610 meters). The textured, rotatable bezel provides excellent grip and allows precise timing of dives and decompression stops.

The Sea-Dweller’s large black dial includes luminescent hour markers and hands for easy readability in dark waters. Designed with divers in mind, its three-piece bracelet includes an Oysterlock clasp to prevent accidental release and a Glidelock adjustment for easy resizing over a wetsuit. Despite its thicker and heavier design, the watch maintains a comfortable fit due to its balanced case proportions.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Ref 116660
The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Ref 116660 offers engineering excellence, even by Rolex’s high standards. With an astounding water resistance of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet), it allows diving to depths more than twice that of the Sea-Dweller. This capability is achieved with the Ringlock system, which helps absorb the immense pressures of deep-sea diving.

The watch features an integrated helium valve that releases helium gas during deep saturation dives. The titanium caseback and 5.5mm sapphire crystal are designed to withstand extreme pressures. The 44mm case is the largest of Rolex’s dive watches but remains compact due to the innovative Ringlock system. The watch continues the classic Rolex dive aesthetic with a black dial, luminescent markers and hands, and a unidirectional Cerachrom ceramic bezel with a 60-minute timer.

Rolex Deepsea Challenge in Titanium Ref 126067
Following the famous 1960 dive where a Rolex Deepsea Special prototype reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench unscathed, Rolex has been a leader in deep dive watches. The 2022 Deepsea Challenge in Titanium (Ref 126067) is Rolex’s first all-titanium watch and the most waterproof, rated for depths up to 11,000 meters. However, clone Rolex tests these watches to 125% of this rating, ensuring durability under even greater pressures.

The exceptional water resistance is thanks to the patented Ringlock system, which combines a steel inner ring with a thick sapphire crystal and a titanium caseback. By dispersing pressure through the inner ring, the copy watch remains slim. The Deepsea Challenge uses RLX titanium, a grade 5 titanium alloy that is 40% lighter than steel, enhancing wearability while increasing water resistance.

Measuring 61mm lug-to-lug with a 50mm case, the Deepsea Challenge is an engineering marvel. Inside, it features the Rolex calibre 3230 movement with a 70-hour power reserve and a 28,800 beats/hour frequency. The matte black dial retains typical Rolex dive features, including Chromalight paint on the markers, Mercedes hands, and a Cerachrom bezel.