Rolex Submariner vs Tudor Heritage Black Bay
Ref. M124060-0001 vs Ref. 79220N
The Rolex Submariner 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 priced at $10,250 and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay at ~$4,200 (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
Tudor
Heritage Black Bay
The Rolex Submariner is priced at $10,250 while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay comes in at ~$4,200 (market value). On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Submariner trades around $13,500 and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay around $4,200, a difference of $9,300 favoring the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. This watch trades at 32% 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 +29.2%, 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 | Tudor Heritage Black Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 41mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.4mm | 12.7mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | Unidirectional rotating bezel with anodized aluminium insert in black |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1000ft | 200m / 660ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3230 | 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 leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 200m / 660ft), and the Rolex Submariner offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Submariner 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 costs $329 versus $102 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 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 or the Tudor Heritage Black Bay?
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is more accessible, priced at ~$4,200 (market value) compared to $10,250.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner currently trades at 31.7% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Submariner and Tudor Heritage Black Bay compare in size?
The Rolex Submariner measures 41mm in diameter and 11.4mm 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 uses the Rolex calibre 3230 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay runs on the ETA 2824 offering 38 hours of power reserve.