Is Omega Better Than Rolex: Comparing Models & Collections

Is Omega Better Than Rolex

In recent years many have been asking themselves is Omega better than Rolex. I’ll be the first to say that the discussion is valid and needs to be had. In this article we’ll compare similar Omega and Rolex models to see how they contrast and which is better. At the end of the day both Omega and Rolex engineer amazing watches that everybody should want to own.

Omega manufactures high quality watches that are on par with Rolex. Assuming that the quality is equal or similar, Omega can be readily purchased and often significantly less than what Rolex. This makes buying an Omega vs Rolex not only a better value but often a better watch.

Let’s jump into how Omega compares to Rolex and I promise it’s not a one sided battle. Rolex is and has been the king for reason and we’ll find out why.

Omega Seamaster 300m vs Rolex Submariner

We are starting our “Is Omega Better Than Rolex” comparison with the Omega Seamaster 300m vs the Rolex Submariner because it’s been a hot topic of late. In 2018 Omega released a major update to its 300m collection. This release came with an improved new in-house movement, calibre 8800. The 8800 in-house movement is special because its a Master Chronometer which basically is a step above a chronometer. Some may say well Rolex is “Superlative Chronometer” but “Superlative” doesn’t actually mean anything. Outside of an improved movement the Seamaster 300m got a very modern and handsome redesign that includes a ceramic dial.

With all the improvements that Omega made with the Seamaster 300m it still has to go against the elephant in the room which is the Rolex Submariner. Arguably the most iconic watch in history, the Rolex Submariner has been the gold standard of dive watches for decades. It’s no nonesense attitude and modernized dimensions have made this watch a grail piece for many collectors. The Submariner is so popular that it’s even hard to buy new at authorized dealers.

If you want to know more about the Submariner waitlist check out our Guide To The Rolex Waitlist article.

The Winner

I know this may be controversial but we are going to give the win to the Omega Seamaster 300m. The reason why is because both of these watches are of the same quality but one can be purchased for $4,000 less. At the end of the day how much are you willing to pay for brand prestige? Yes I admit that it does matter and it is a thing but the value of the Omega Seamaster 300m really gives this watch the edge. And for those of you who are going to claim resale value, you’re not profiting $4,000 on flipping your new Rolex Submariner so the value play here is going with a watch that is the same quality at a $4,000 discount.

Comparing The Omega Seamaster 300m To The Rolex Submariner

Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Rolex Daytona

Ok so this one I think most people are in agreement with. The Omega Speedmaster, especially since its new 2021 release, is superior to the Rolex Daytona. We understand that the Daytona goes for a crazy price pre-owned but if its supply matched its demand do you think it would still hold up? The quick answer is no. So now let us take a look at these two watches and how they match up. In-fact the work has already been done for us and its been done by NASA. The Rolex Daytona went toe to toe with the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch and lost. In-fact it actually wasn’t even that close. That’s not to say that the Rolex Daytona isn’t an amazing watch but there is a reason why it had to rebrand itself from the Rolex Cosmograph to the Rolex Daytona.

For this comparison I think it’s better to evaluate based on tool watch performance rather than value because of what they were produced to do. One went to the actual moon and the other skyrocketed it’s price to the moon.

The Winner

As we already stated, the Omega Speedmaster edges out the Rolex Cosmograph *cough* Daytona.

Comparing The Omega Speedmaster To The Rolex Daytona

Omega Aqua Terra vs Rolex Datejust

So by now you probably think I’m an Omega fanboy but you’re wrong. My favorite watch in history is the Rolex Datejust. In my opinion it is the most icon and most recognizable watch due to its unique features. The Rolex Datejust can be spotted with the iconic jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel. But how does the Rolex Datejust compare to the Omega Aqua Terra?

Omega has done an amazing job with the Aqua Terra. It’s housed with all the amazing watchmaking technology that an enthusiast would love and it’s even $3,000 less. With all that being said the Rolex Datejust simply is just the better watch. This comparison differs from the two above. The divers are based on quality and ruggedness, the chronographs are based on the tool watch abilities, but the Aqua Terra vs Datejust is based on elegance and design. Although Omega has done a great job, the Aqua Terra doesn’t come close to the Datejust when it comes to design. For starters there are so many variations in which you can purchase a Rolex Datejust and all of them are simply perfect. There is a reason why this watches DNA hasn’t changed for decades. It simply works and people simply love it.

The Winner

The Rolex Datejust beats the Omega Aqua Terra based on its icon design and and everyday wearability.

Comparing The Omega Planet Ocean To The Rolex Sea Dweller

Omega Planet Ocean vs Rolex Sea Dweller

Just as obvious the Speedmaster out performs the Daytona, the Rolex Sea Dweller considerably outperforms the Omega Planet Ocean. Just to be clear, both of these collections are absolutely beautiful and should be loved by many, but these watches are meant to withstand the depth of the ocean. Rolex has really flexed its muscles with the Sea Dweller collection. They have not only produced a watch that looks good for everyday use but one that can withstand the intense pressure of deep dives in the ocean. Let’s all be honest though, we all aren’t James Cameron. If you’re looking for more serious rated dive watch but aren’t will to spend $10k+ the Omega Planet Ocean should definitely be on your radar but if you’re wanting to real deal, the Rolex Sea Dweller is what you should look at.

The Winner

When you’re evaluating serious dive watches when comparing is Omega better than Rolex, the Rolex Sea Dweller outperforms the Planet Ocean.

Comparing The Omega Planet Ocean To The Rolex Sea Dweller

Summary

When it comes to is Omega better than Rolex, ultimately it comes down to preference. We hope that we provided a good baseline comparing the models and collections against each other. To be honest they are about even with the main difference being one brand costs more than the other for watches of similar or equal quality.