Shoppers often search for “Submariner homage watches” when they want an independent dive watch with familiar rotating-bezel proportions, strong water resistance and a highly legible dial. The watches in this guide are independent products from Watchdives, San Martin and Thorn; they are not Rolex products and are not affiliated with Rolex.
Rather than treating every sub-style dive watch as interchangeable, this comparison focuses on what actually changes the ownership experience: movement type, case thickness, material, crystal, bezel construction and water resistance.
All five watches below were active with at least one available variant when this guide was prepared. Availability changes, so check the live product page before ordering. You can also browse the full sub-style dive watches collection.
Quick comparison: 5 current Submariner-style watches
| Model | Movement | Case | Crystal / bezel | Water resistance | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchdives WD1680Q V2 | VH31 quartz | 39mm steel / 10mm thick | Sapphire / full-lume ceramic | 200m | Slim, low-maintenance diver |
| Watchdives WD5513M | Miyota 9015 / 90S5 automatic | 40.7mm bezel / 11.8mm thick | Domed sapphire / aluminum | 200m | Vintage-inspired slim automatic |
| San Martin SN0017G-F | ST2130 automatic | 40mm steel / 12.7mm thick | Sapphire / ceramic | 200m | Date-and-cyclops automatic diver |
| Thorn T023 V2 | PT5000 automatic | 40mm steel / 12.3mm thick | Domed sapphire / aluminum | 200m | Vintage-style automatic diver |
| Thorn SHY036 | PT5000 automatic | 39mm titanium / 12.1mm thick | Sapphire / ceramic | 200m | Compact titanium diver |
1. Watchdives WD1680Q V2 — slim 39mm VH31 quartz diver
The Watchdives WD1680Q V2 is the outlier in this comparison because it is quartz rather than automatic. Its Japan VH31 sweeping-seconds movement keeps the case especially slim: the current specification lists a 39mm case, 48mm lug-to-lug and only 10mm thickness.
It also uses sapphire crystal with clear AR coating, a 120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel with full-lume markings, a screw-down crown and 200m water resistance. BGW9 lume is specified on the dial and hands.
Choose it if: you want the look and water resistance of a sub-style diver without prioritizing an automatic movement, or if a thin 10mm case matters more than mechanical movement architecture.
For more about the movement, see our VH31 movement guide.
2. Watchdives WD5513M — slim vintage-inspired Miyota automatic
The Watchdives WD5513M takes a more vintage-oriented automatic approach. Current variants use Miyota 9015 or 90S5 movements, with a domed sapphire crystal, aluminum bezel, screw-down crown, stainless-steel bracelet and 200m water resistance.
The current page lists a 40.7mm bezel diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug and an 11.8mm case thickness including the domed crystal. That makes it one of the slimmer automatic choices in this comparison.
Choose it if: you want a vintage-inspired automatic diver with a relatively slim profile and higher-beat Miyota movement options.
3. San Martin SN0017G-F — 40mm ST2130 diver with date magnifier
The San Martin SN0017G-F uses an ST2130 automatic movement inside a 40mm stainless-steel case. The current listing specifies sapphire crystal with AR coating, a 2.5x date magnifier, ceramic bezel, screw-down crown and 200m water resistance.
Its listed dimensions are 48mm lug-to-lug and 12.7mm thick. A solid stainless-steel bracelet and BGW9 blue lume are also specified.
Choose it if: you want a conventional 40mm automatic diver with a date window, magnifier and ceramic bezel rather than a more vintage aluminum-bezel setup.
4. Thorn T023 V2 — 40mm PT5000 vintage-style diver
The Thorn T023 V2 combines a PT5000 automatic movement with a 40mm stainless-steel case, domed sapphire crystal, 120-click unidirectional aluminum bezel and 200m water resistance.
The current specification lists a compact 46.6mm lug-to-lug measurement and 12.3mm thickness including the bubble crystal. Vintage C3 green lume and a stainless-steel bracelet are also listed.
Choose it if: you prefer vintage proportions, domed crystal and aluminum bezel character but still want a modern PT5000 automatic movement.
5. Thorn SHY036 — 39mm titanium PT5000 diver
The Thorn SHY036 is the material-focused option in this group. Its 39mm case and case back are titanium, while the watch uses a PT5000 automatic movement, sapphire crystal with AR coating, a unidirectional ceramic bezel and 200m water resistance.
The current listing gives a 44.4mm lug-to-lug dimension, 12.1mm thickness and 20mm lug width. BGW9 or C3 lume is listed depending on configuration.
Choose it if: you want compact 39mm proportions and a titanium case rather than the stainless steel used by most sub-style watches.
Which Submariner-style watch should you choose?
- For quartz convenience and the thinnest case: Watchdives WD1680Q V2.
- For a slim vintage-inspired automatic: Watchdives WD5513M.
- For a ceramic-bezel automatic with date magnifier: San Martin SN0017G-F.
- For vintage aluminum-bezel character: Thorn T023 V2.
- For titanium and compact dimensions: Thorn SHY036.
The movement is only one part of the decision. A 39mm titanium watch, a 10mm-thick quartz diver and a 40mm automatic with ceramic bezel can feel very different even when they share broadly similar dive-watch styling.
Automatic vs quartz sub-style dive watches
The WD1680Q V2 uses the VH31 sweeping-seconds quartz movement, while the other four watches in this comparison are automatic. Quartz is useful if you prioritize lower maintenance, thin case construction and convenient timekeeping. Automatic movements appeal to buyers who specifically want a mechanically powered watch.
Neither movement type automatically makes a watch better for diving. Water resistance, crown construction, bezel function, crystal, seals and the condition of the individual watch all matter. Check the exact product specification rather than assuming a design style determines capability.
Are these watches the same as a Rolex Submariner?
No. These are independent watches from different manufacturers. They use their own branding, movements, specifications, materials and pricing. The phrase “Submariner-style” or “Submariner homage” is used here only to describe the design category shoppers commonly search for, not to imply origin, endorsement or affiliation.
Where to compare more dive watches
For more models in this design family, browse our sub-style dive watches. To compare diver designs beyond this category, see the broader dive watches collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Submariner homage watch?
It is a common shopper term for an independent watch inspired by recognizable elements of classic Submariner-style dive-watch design. The term does not mean the watch is produced by Rolex.
Are all Submariner-style watches automatic?
No. This comparison includes both automatic movements and a VH31 quartz model. Movement type varies by product.
What case size is common for Submariner-style watches?
Many current models sit around 39–40mm, but exact dimensions vary. Lug-to-lug distance and thickness can change wrist feel as much as case diameter, so compare all three measurements before ordering.
