Rolex Submariner Date vs Tudor Heritage Black Bay
Ref. 126610LV vs Ref. 79220R
The Rolex Submariner Date and Tudor Heritage Black Bay represent one of the most compelling matchups in luxury watches — a sibling rivalry between two brands under the same parent company. With the Rolex Submariner Date priced at $11,350 and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay at ~$4,800 (market value), the price gap raises a critical question: does the extra investment in the pricier option deliver proportional value? We break down the specs, market performance, and flip potential to help you decide.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Submariner Date
Tudor
Heritage Black Bay
The Rolex Submariner Date is priced at $11,350 while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay comes in at ~$4,800 (market value). On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Submariner Date trades around $17,000 and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay around $4,800, a difference of $12,200 favoring the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. This watch trades at 50% above retail on the secondary market and is trending upward — a strong indicator of collector demand. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay also shows a healthy market premium of +47.7%, with upward momentum. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 7/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Submariner Date | Tudor Heritage Black Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 41mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.5mm | 12.7mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in green | Unidirectional rotating bezel with anodized aluminium insert in burgundy red |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1000ft | 200m / 660ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3235 | ETA 2824 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 38 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system | Folding clasp with safety catch |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 22mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner Date leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 200m / 660ft), and the Rolex Submariner Date offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Submariner Date uses Oystersteel while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay opts for Stainless steel. With 7 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Submariner Date costs $415 versus $117 for the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. For water resistance, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Submariner Date if you value better value retention, serious diving capabilities. Go with the Tudor Heritage Black Bay if you prioritize a lower entry price, serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Submariner Date or the Tudor Heritage Black Bay?
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is more accessible, priced at ~$4,800 (market value) compared to $11,350.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner Date currently trades at 49.8% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Submariner Date and Tudor Heritage Black Bay compare in size?
The Rolex Submariner Date measures 41mm in diameter and 12.5mm thick, while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay is 41mm by 12.7mm. Water resistance differs too: 300m / 1000ft versus 200m / 660ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Submariner Date uses the Rolex calibre 3235 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay runs on the ETA 2824 offering 38 hours of power reserve.