Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver vs Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

Two divers compared — $250–$500 vs $10,000–$25,000

Quick Verdict

The Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver ($250–$500) offers Orient In-House Automatic precision in the tier below the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) ($10,000–$25,000). The Kamasu Automatic Diver measures 41.8mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional divers for their respective tiers.

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Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver

Orient

Kamasu Automatic Diver

$250–$500

Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

Rolex

Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

$10,000–$25,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureOrient Kamasu Automatic DiverRolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)
Price$250–$500$10,000–$25,000
Case Size41.8mm40mm
MovementAutomatic Caliber F6922Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date
Caliber TypeOrient In-House AutomaticRolex 3035, chronometer
Power Reserve40 HoursAbout 42 hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)300m (30 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire Crystal, Cyclops
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert
OriginMade in JapanSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Orient's design language vs Rolex's approach

The Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver features a Stainless Steel case at 41.8mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) offers Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor), unidirectional bezel with black insert construction at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Rolex

Automatic Caliber F6922 vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date

The Kamasu Automatic Diver runs the Automatic Caliber F6922 (Orient In-House Automatic, 40 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date (Rolex 3035, chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rolex

41.8mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 41.8mm, the Kamasu Automatic Diver has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Orient

Orient sits in the lower tier

The Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver sits at $250–$500 and the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Kamasu Automatic Diver uses Sapphire Crystal with 40 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Rolex

200m (20 ATM) vs 300m (30 ATM)

The Kamasu Automatic Diver is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) handles 300m (30 ATM). The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Orient

Kamasu Automatic Diver

Choose the Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver if you prioritize Orient In-House Automatic engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Caliber F6922 with 40 Hours power reserve.

View the dossier

Rolex

Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel)

Choose the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) if you value Rolex 3035, chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3035, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver and Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) represent two distinct approaches to the diver category — the Orient bringing Made in Japan tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

On price, the Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver sits a band lower ($250–$500 against $10,000–$25,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Orient Kamasu Automatic Diver offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Rolex Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Kamasu Automatic Diver at 41.8mm with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) at 40mm with 300m (30 ATM) is similarly capable. The Kamasu Automatic Diver uses Sapphire Crystal while the Submariner Date 16803 (steel and 18k yellow gold, black dial, black bezel) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.