RTL Two-Tone Diver (Rolex Submariner Homage)
Dive Watch Homage · RTL (Likely a defunct or 'private label' fashion brand). These brands often sourced white-label watches from East Asian manufacturers to sell as affordable accessories.
Period: Modern Era (Late 20th to Early 21st Century) - This watch follows the 'Submariner' aesthetic popularized in the 1980s and 1990s as a lifestyle accessory.
Type
Dive Watch Homage
Brand
RTL (Likely a defunct or 'private label' fashion brand). These brands often sourced white-label watches from East Asian manufacturers to sell as affordable accessories.
Movement
Probable quartz or low-cost automatic movement (likely Chinese or Japanese origin). Lack of specific depth ratings or movement text on the dial suggests a budget-oriented mechanical or battery-powered engine.
Dimensions
40mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 48mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. This is the standard sizing for Submariner-style homage watches.
Description
This RTL diver is a classic example of a 'Submariner Homage' from the turn of the millennium. It takes the iconic two-tone 'Bluesy' or 'Serti' look and translates it into a matte black dial configuration. It is designed for aesthetic appeal rather than professional diving, serving as an accessible entry into the 'tool-watch' look for general consumers.
Key Features
Mercedes hands, cyclops date magnifier, gold-plated center links, and the specific 'RTL' branding on a sterile-style dial.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'RTL' logo. It features applied circular and rectangular indices with faux-gold surrounds and a triangular marker at 12. Mercedes-style hands with a date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Base metal or low-grade 316L stainless steel with gold-toned plating. The plating shows signs of wear and oxidation, revealing the underlying material.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass or acrylic. It includes a 'Cyclops' magnification lens over the date window, though the magnification appears low compared to luxury standards.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating diver's bezel with a black aluminum insert. Gold-toned markings with a 60-minute scale and a luminous pip at the zero marker.
Crown & Pushers
Gold-toned screw-down style crown (non-branded). Shouldered by integrated crown guards typical of the oyster-case design.
Bracelet or Strap
Two-tone 'Oyster' style bracelet with brushed steel outer links and polished gold-toned center links. Triple-link construction with a folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Likely a solid, screw-down stainless steel case back. Typically these watches lack detailed engravings or exhibition windows.
Movement Type
Probable quartz or low-cost automatic movement (likely Chinese or Japanese origin). Lack of specific depth ratings or movement text on the dial suggests a budget-oriented mechanical or battery-powered engine.
Water Resistance
Rated for 30m-50m (Splash resistant). Not recommended for actual diving or swimming due to age and production quality.
Origin & Provenance
Likely manufactured in China or Hong Kong. It is an 'homage' watch, meaning it replicates the design of a famous luxury watch (Rolex) using more affordable materials.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2010. The design elements and weathering of the plating suggest a watch that is at least 15-20 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the massive market for 'affordable luxury' looks that emerged as the Rolex Submariner became a global status symbol.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Significant gold plating wear on the bracelet and crown. Scratching visible on the bezel insert and case. Dial indices appear intact, but lume may be degraded.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD. Value is driven by utility rather than collectibility. The wear on the plating significantly impacts the market value.
Care & Maintenance
If quartz, replace battery every 2 years. If mechanical, avoid magnetism. Clean with a soft cloth; avoid water immersion as gaskets in older budget watches often fail.
Similar Watches
Invicta Pro Diver 8928OB, Steinhart Ocean One, Seiko 5 Sport (two-tone), and the Rolex Submariner 16613 (the original design inspiration).
Interesting Facts
RTL was a brand associated with various electronics and promotional goods in Europe; occasionally these brands produced watches for corporate gifts or budget retail.