The Rolex Submariner has the stronger documented dive-watch history and an early James Bond connection; the Tissot PR-516 is the less familiar watch reported on Roger Moore in Live and Let Die (1973). But the film does not conclusively establish the Tissot’s exact reference, and the available evidence does not show it replacing the Submariner prop. They make an intriguing screen comparison, not a like-for-like contest between equivalent watches.
How the Submariner and PR-516 became Bond watches
The Submariner’s established Bond history
Rolex’s official history says a Submariner appeared on Sean Connery’s wrist in the first James Bond film. That gives the model a well-documented place in the franchise’s early screen history, alongside its identity as a purpose-built dive watch. Rolex’s Submariner history describes the line as part of the brand’s connection to underwater exploration; that is Rolex’s own characterization.
The PR-516 in Live and Let Die
Bond Lifestyle identifies Roger Moore wearing a Tissot PR-516 Date in the 1973 film, including the airport and speedboat-chase scenes. The watch does not receive a clear close-up that settles its exact reference. The suggestion that it may have been Moore’s personal watch or a temporary substitute is speculation, not a confirmed production explanation. Bond Lifestyle’s film-watch account presents the identification with that uncertainty.
Collector Tomas Rosputinsky’s account at Fratello distinguishes three watches in the film context: a Hamilton Pulsar, a modified Rolex Submariner 5513 prop, and a Tissot PR-516 associated with Louisiana-location scenes. Rosputinsky believes the PR-516 may be reference 44622 based on visual comparison, but this is a collector identification, not an official production record. The evidence does not establish that the Tissot was a confirmed replacement for the Rolex prop. Fratello’s comparison explains the basis and limits of that identification.
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- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
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- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
What the watches are built to do
Rolex Submariner: a documented dive-watch lineage
Rolex says the Submariner launched in 1953 with water resistance of 100 metres (330 feet). In 1954, its guaranteed depth increased to 200 metres (660 feet); the Submariner Date arrived in 1969. The current Submariner is rated to 300 metres (1,000 feet). These milestones describe different generations, not a single unchanged specification. Rolex’s historical overview covers the early ratings and date model.
Current Rolex product information lists a 41 mm case, a unidirectional 60-minute Cerachrom bezel, and 300-metre water resistance. The Submariner uses calibre 3230; the Submariner Date uses calibre 3235. Both are listed with approximately 70 hours of power reserve. In 2026, Rolex says its Superlative Chronometer certification expanded to seven criteria, including resistance to magnetism, reliability, and sustainability, with a cased-watch precision target of −2/+2 seconds per day. These are current Rolex specifications and certification claims, not measurements of the vintage film prop. Rolex’s current Submariner page provides the product details.
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Tissot PR-516: vintage details depend on the individual reference
The PR-516 name covers vintage variants, so a detail from one example should not be treated as a universal specification. Fratello reports that the author’s reference 44622 example measures 36 mm across and has an automatic movement marked 786-4. The same article cites a Tissot brochure from 1969/1970 declaring 100-metre water resistance. Those figures concern the reported example and period brochure; they do not establish the specification of every PR-516, or conclusively identify the film watch. Fratello’s article discusses the example and brochure.
Rolex Submariner vs. Tissot PR-516 at a glance
| Comparison | Rolex Submariner | Tissot PR-516 |
|---|---|---|
| Bond connection | Rolex’s official history says a Submariner appeared on Sean Connery in the first Bond film. | Reported by Bond Lifestyle on Roger Moore in Live and Let Die (1973); exact screen reference is not conclusive. |
| Evidence for film identification | Official Rolex history supports the early Bond appearance. The Louisiana-scene 5513 prop is described by Fratello. | Bond Lifestyle identifies a PR-516 Date; Fratello suggests reference 44622 based on visual comparison, not production documentation. |
| Water resistance | 100 m at the 1953 launch; 200 m guaranteed in 1954; current model rated to 300 m, according to Rolex. | A 1969/1970 Tissot brochure cited by Fratello declares 100 m; the rating should not be generalized to every variant. |
| Case size | Current model: 41 mm, per Rolex product information accessed in 2026. | 36 mm for Fratello’s author’s reference 44622 example; not a universal PR-516 dimension. |
| Movement and reserve | Current Submariner calibre 3230 or Date calibre 3235; approximately 70 hours’ reserve, per Rolex. | Fratello reports an automatic movement marked 786-4 in its reference 44622 example; a power-reserve figure is not stated there. |
| Vintage condition considerations | The current product specifications do not describe the condition of vintage Submariner film props. | Variant markings and bezel materials differ; Fratello notes bakelite bezels can break and replacements can be difficult to find. |
Which watch is the more compelling choice?
For dive-watch heritage and documented specifications
The Submariner is the clearer choice if the comparison is about a documented dive-watch lineage. Rolex provides a history from its 1953 launch and current product specifications for the modern model. Its later 300-metre rating belongs to today’s Submariner, not to every vintage version or the 5513 screen prop.
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- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106B is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH SCREW-LOCK CROWN & CASEBACK — The MDV-106B features a stainless steel case and a reliable screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance protection. Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback work together to keep the movement sealed and secure during water activities — a construction standard found on dive watches far above this price range.
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For an unexpected Bond-film connection
The PR-516 has the more unusual story: it is reported in scenes from Live and Let Die, even though the precise reference and the reason for its use remain unsettled. That makes it an interesting companion to the better-known Bond Submariner, rather than proof of a handover from one watch to the other.
What to check before buying a vintage PR-516
A PR-516’s appeal is inseparable from its age and variation. Before buying, assess the specific watch rather than relying on the model name or film association alone.
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- Waterproof: Water resistant up to 20 ATM / 200 meters / 655 feetWaterproof: Water resistant up to 20 ATM / 200 meters / 655 feet
- Luminous: Luminescent hands and hour markers, excellent night brightness
- Features: Japanese quartz movement, no need hand winding, unidirectional rotating bezel, premium 316L stainless steel, mineral crystal glass with protruding magnifying glass, screw-in crown, double safety buckle
- Size: 41 mm case diameter, 48 mm lugs to lugs length, 13 mm thickness, 20 mm lug width, 163g weight. Fits wrists up to 8.5 inches, great fit for a variety of wearing needs
- Usage Care: Keep 3+ inches from phones, speakers, microwaves – strong magnetic fields disrupt movement. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Prevent hard impacts/vibrations
- Confirm the reference and markings. Similar-looking PR-516 and Visodate versions can differ; compare the watch’s markings with reliable reference information.
- Inspect the bezel carefully. Fratello notes that bakelite bezels can break and replacements may be difficult to find. Ask whether the bezel is original and check for cracks, damage, or replacement parts.
- Ask for service documentation. A vintage watch’s operating condition depends on the individual movement and its service history, not simply the model name.
- Do not assume it is the screen watch. The film association does not prove that a particular listing is the watch worn by Moore, or that it matches the proposed reference 44622.
- Verify price and availability independently. No current market price or listing availability is established here; condition, originality, and documentation need to be evaluated for each example.
Verdict: two different kinds of Bond-watch appeal
The Submariner wins on documented dive-watch history and officially supported specifications. The PR-516 earns its place through a less familiar, collector-reported connection to Roger Moore’s Live and Let Die. Their Bond associations are not equivalent evidence, and their vintage specifications are not a fair head-to-head test against a current Submariner. The most accurate comparison is between an iconic dive-watch lineage and a fascinating, but less conclusively identified, film watch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stainless steel case 43mm diameter x 12mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, PC32 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR626SW battery included; Watch weight: 170 grams
- Stainless steel band, 185mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Flame Fusion crystal; Screw down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 100 meter water resistant: Suitable for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and water sports. Not suitable for diving
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