An Affordable Alternative to a Vintage Omega Seamaster

I find myself drawn to the looks of classic watches like this 1967 Omega Seamaster Day-Date watch currently being sold at the vintage watch dealer Second Time Around Watch Co. It's a beautiful timepiece with a stainless steel case plated with 14K gold.  It has a classic automatic movement and a timeless look.

1967 Vintage Omega Seamaster (Photo credit to SecondTimeAroundWatchCo.com)

If money were no object, I'd try to get a watch like this and add it to my collection. It's $2100. It would be a wonderful timepiece. It was made in Switzerland when that meant something. It is 14K gold plated. It has the classic looks and dimensions (37mm diameter) of a bona fide classic. Once upon a time, that would have been attainable. But, IT sector lay offs take their toll. If you are in position to get the real thing, you can find this vintage watch here.

From Vintage Omega to Modern Olevs

Instead, I'd like an easy, affordable watch, that might be somewhat inspired by the look, but that would fit into my tight budget. I can probably afford a $40 watch somewhere along the way. The OLEVS men's brown leather strap watch hits that mark well. The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has a 39mm diameter stainless steel case that is 9mm thick.

Olev's Quartz Watch with Brown Leather Strap (Amazon photo)

To check this vintage-inspired watch out, visit my Amazon affiliate link to this Olevs watch here.

Two Watches that Look Like an Omega Seamaster

If you haven't read Nicholas Monserrat's classic novel of World War II, The Cruel Sea, you are missing out on a classic.  If you haven't owned an Omega Seamaster, you are missing out on yet another classic.  However, as of 2024, that classic Omega dive watch costs nearly $4500.  The Omega Seamaster is a great, legendary, watch that's available on Amazon.  Unfortunately, that watch is about $4400 out of my price range.  

Omega Seamaster Automatic Black Dial Watch

Affordable Alternatives to the Omega Seamaster

Fortunately, there are affordable watches that evoke the look of the classic Omega Seamaster.  These two watches by Stuhrling Original and by Invicta are standard "go to" watches for those inspired by the Omega, but stuck with an Alpha budget!

1. Stuhrling Original Men's Depthmaster Men's Dive Watch with Screw Down Crown.  This quartz watch is a little larger than a Omega Seamaster at 42 millimeters in diameter.  It does have a screw-down crown, a cyclops, and 100 meters of water resistance.  It gets 4.4 stars out of 5 on Amazon and delivers the aquatic look at an affordable price.  You can find this watch on Amazon.

2. Invicta Men's 23678 Pro Diver Automatic Watch with Silicone Band.  This watch draws from the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster to come up with a classic.  For example, the Invicta provides the automatic movement, a Rolex-style cyclops magnifier over the the date, the 40 millimeter diameter case, and 200 meters of water resistance.  It offers a a coin edge bezel similar to a Rolex.

Invicta 23678 Pro Diver with Silicone Band

While some collectors have a love/hate relationship with Invicta, I like the winged logo at 12 o'clock.  On Amazon, this watch averages 4.2 stars with over 1000 reviews and provides an automatic movement for less than $100.  You can find the Invicta 23678 Pro Diver on Amazon.

[This post was updated in 2024 to provide new alternative watches.]

Alternatives to Rolex and Omega Dive Watches

Rolex and Omega make some of the most prestigious dive watches in the world. They are legends and rightfully so. They are the watches that are synonymous with adventure. Many, many people want them. But, they cost more than most people can responsibly afford.

That high price opens the door to a lot of scams and a lot companies that make fake watches.  Over on my favorite watch board, we've been discussing an interesting scam to offer homage watches as part of funding a rather hair-brained scheme on kickstarter.  As a consumer, there is no reason to go down that road.  Fortunately, there are plenty of nice dive watches made by legitimate companies.

When the day comes for you to buy a real Rolex or a real Omega Seamaster, you'll be able to do so with pride and with your head held high because it will symbolize real achievement.