I have owned the Submariner for three years. By series letter it is a 2005 model with one service performed in 2011. I wear this watch at least twice as much as any of the other of my current collection of nine watches. It serves as my go to watch for any occasion.
I have had the Aquatimer for three days. Originally purchased in 2012, it has no service history. I feel confident that it can be worn for any occasion as well.
The dual crown of the Aquatimer is quite attractive to me. Sort of a modern compressor type look.
The lug holes of the no date are equally appealing to me.
I am drawn to somewhat dressy divers and both of these fill that aesthetic nicely.
The Aquatimer is industrial cool. But refined enough to look great with anything. The Sub is classic understatement that in my mind's eye is what a watch should look like.
Both are comfortable to wear for my 7.5 inch wrist. The IWC has the best link adjustment that I have ever encountered. The bracelet is a work of art and fits the style of the watch perfectly.
The Sub's bracelet is adequate at best. Not to anger any purist, but I replaced the OEM clasp with an aftermarket glide lock style clasp, and like the bracelet much better.
Neither will ever see more than the occasional swim in the lake, but I am more than confident that each could handle anything that I would put them through.
I have never timed either watch, but both seem very accurate. The Aquatimer has a date feature, which might be preferred by some. Unless the date feature detracts from the overall look of the dial, I have no problem with or without this feature.
Lume is about equal initially, but the Rolex lasts longer. Neither is particularly a torch.
Both are at the upper limits of my spending comfort level. For the ballers here these are entry level divers. To each his own, but I am proud to own both.
