High-End Alternatives to the Daytona
Following up on yesterday's post about Explorer alternatives, here's one about the Rolex Daytona.
The word "alternative" shouldn't be taken literally -- obviously these watches are perfectly perfect to stand on their own without any comparisons to Rolex's chronograph. If you prefer: adjacent, similar, comparable, on par, etc etc. Conversely, if you're hell-bent on getting a Daytona, then nothing will scratch the itch like getting an actual Daytona!
This is more of a fun exercise (for me, at least) and an overview of general themes across luxury chronographs. Okay, enough blabbering, here's the official blabbering:
https://www.luxurybazaar.com/grey-market/rolex-daytona-alternatives/
As always, would love to know what you'd add to the list.
I've worked in different areas of the watch industry over the last 15 years. Now, I'm a freelance luxury watch writer. Instagram @luxwatchwriter. Champion of #ladieswhocrunch.
For me the PF Tonda Sport is a good alternative. It has a nice panda style and is quite high end :)
For me the Chronomaster Sport is a 1:1 alternative. A tad bigger but absolutely stunning. Both feels very contemporary in their design.
Chronograph alternative...
But, I would actually choose this...
But, actually, I really don't understand the craze over the ceramic Daytona! For less than what you'd pay for the ceramic, you could get the two-tone instead!
@Pascal nailed it. The PF Tonda Sport feels amazing on wrist and is the real luxury alternative.
I'd probably add the Tag Heuer Carrera Glass Box to your list. In house, fully automatic chronograph by a true chronograph specialist. Absolutely amazing sizing (39mm x 13.9mm, most of which is domed crystal). I think it might be the best watch Tag has made in decades.
I like Rolex but I'm not a fan of the Daytona. So I went for the Speedmaster the First Omega in Space as my first Chronograph.
For me the PF Tonda Sport is a good alternative. It has a nice panda style and is quite high end :)
YES! Great choice
Chronograph alternative...
But, I would actually choose this...
But, actually, I really don't understand the craze over the ceramic Daytona! For less than what you'd pay for the ceramic, you could get the two-tone instead!
The two-tone Daytona is secretly my fave because I'm obsessed with TT
Chopard is criminally overlooked
@Pascal nailed it. The PF Tonda Sport feels amazing on wrist and is the real luxury alternative.
I'd probably add the Tag Heuer Carrera Glass Box to your list. In house, fully automatic chronograph by a true chronograph specialist. Absolutely amazing sizing (39mm x 13.9mm, most of which is domed crystal). I think it might be the best watch Tag has made in decades.
Such a beauty! The details are 👌
I like Rolex but I'm not a fan of the Daytona. So I went for the Speedmaster the First Omega in Space as my first Chronograph.
The Fantastic FOiS - love it 🥳
Perhaps not high end, but the Omega Speedmaster Racing has some Daytona vibes, at least with the white dial version.
IMO a comparison has to match, i4 exceed, the movement, build quality and specs od the Daytona. Omega, Grand Seiko and Zenith all exceed the Daytona in one or more areas. Who can argue with the Coaxial, El Primero or Grand Seiko movements? Fit and finish are on par or exceed Rolex. Titanium options are a giant upgrade. Here's a few examples
The two-tone Daytona is secretly my fave because I'm obsessed with TT
Chopard is criminally overlooked
I'm planning on getting a TT Daytona in the next year or so, so that I can be twinsies with @Edge168n! It's top of the short-list at the moment!
I'm planning on getting a TT Daytona in the next year or so, so that I can be twinsies with @Edge168n! It's top of the short-list at the moment!
I need to get one too then so we can be tripsies 🤣
I need to get one too then so we can be tripsies 🤣
@Mr.Dee.Bater if you both get one, I will fly to SoCal to be Daytona Triplets with you both. Drinks on me!
Here's my alternative.
Zenith Chronomaster Original
Do I need to say anymore. Has the caliber history of chronographs.
Here's my alternative.
Zenith Chronomaster Original
Do I need to say anymore. Has the caliber history of chronographs.
Such a beautiful piece - those tri-color counters 😍
Such a beautiful piece - those tri-color counters 😍
Love to own one someday ❤️
You do know your watches and appreciate always your insight in the world of horology.
Best
John
I need to get one too then so we can be tripsies 🤣
When I had to pick a TT, was I wrong for opting for the Bluesy? I could have got the black and gold dial Daytona, but it was almost too similar to the regular one, which I already had.
When I had to pick a TT, was I wrong for opting for the Bluesy? I could have got the black and gold dial Daytona, but it was almost too similar to the regular one, which I already had.
A Bluesy is never wrong.
A Bluesy is never wrong.
If you would have asked me ten years ago if I ever would own one, it would have been a firm “No, that’s a Miami realtor or high end car salesman watch.” But the newest version really is awesome.
If you would have asked me ten years ago if I ever would own one, it would have been a firm “No, that’s a Miami realtor or high end car salesman watch.” But the newest version really is awesome.
I would have said that about most TT Rolex watches, but my tastes have certainly changed over the decade! I guess it happens after the big 4 - 0.
I would have said that about most TT Rolex watches, but my tastes have certainly changed over the decade! I guess it happens after the big 4 - 0.
Exactly. As I aged, I had a greater appreciation for TT, specifically when I hit 45.
For me the PF Tonda Sport is a good alternative. It has a nice panda style and is quite high end :)
Comes with Royal approval. It’s KCIII’s go to watch (in a yellow gold version). Gloriously good movement inside etc.
Personally would go for an 18ct gold cased Longines with a 13ZN flyback movement. Beautiful and serviceable today. Great sizing too.
Now were talking!!! As the Daytona prices went through the roof..something like the Gold Omegas just look so 'reasonable' LOL...I have the Daytona already so while I was at my AD last weekend she showed me some beautiful Speedy's. Green, red, gold. And to me they seem like a bargain if i was looking to buy a Daytona.. JMO
I'm thinking the gold Speedy...works for me..