Daytona Alternatives

[WatchNutcase]

I write quite a few blog posts but don't usually link to them here unless they're quite relevant to our shared Rolex passion. Since this one might benefit a bunch of us looking to buy a Daytona but are tired of the AD games, I'll drop the link here: Better Alternatives to the Rolex Daytona.

My first choice happens to be the Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph, which I feel (after countless comparisons) might be a more interesting higher quality alternative to the Daytona. If I had both side by side and ignored resale value, and ignored iconic status - the Laureato Chrono might win for me. GP was founded in 1791 and the history of the brand is quite incredible, the craftsmanship in their watches is on par with Audemars Piguet.

Of course nothing is going to ever replace the Daytona if that's the watch you're dead set on, but no harm in checking out the competition especially in such a one sided market like the one we're currently in.

My other alternative picks were a bit more obvious: Speedmaster Moonwatch, Zenith Chronomaster Sport, Tudor Black Bay Chrono.

Would love to hear some thoughts on this and if you'd be able to accept an alternative to the Daytona or if it's just a watch that cant be replaced.

[arcampado]

The new Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a huge bang for the buck IMO

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by arcampado

The new Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a huge bang for the buck IMO

Agreed, a definite winner.

[Stan Cooper]

Zenith Chronomaster Sport.

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Zenith Chronomaster Sport.

[CKizzy]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Zenith Chronomaster Sport.

^This^ plus it has a date!

[LSUmd]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Zenith Chronomaster Sport.

the daytona is an alternative to the zenith chronomaster and el primero

[Posh Gentleman]

Zenith Chrono sport looks like a fine watch in its own right. never seen one myself in real life, just pics. however, to me it screams too much of a 'Daytona knock off'.

the Daytona alternative I would suggest is ironically not a chrono. It is Rolex GMT BLNR or BLRO.

very handsome, well made watches that I enjoy wearing more than my Daytona. and the 2 Rolex SS pieces that are much easier to source, compared to SS Daytona.

The brutal honesty is - almost nobody uses a chrono function. So it just comes down to getting a great looking watch at a reasonable price point / availability. I wouldn't buy lesser watches / brands just because 1. it is a chrono, 2. it somehow looks similar to a Daytona.

[alas26]

Originally Posted by Posh Gentleman

Zenith Chrono sport looks like a fine watch in its own right. never seen one myself in real life, just pics. however, to me it screams too much of a 'Daytona knock off'.

the Daytona alternative I would suggest is ironically not a chrono. It is Rolex GMT BLNR or BLRO.

very handsome, well made watches that I enjoy wearing more than my Daytona. and the 2 Rolex SS pieces that are much easier to source, compared to SS Daytona.

The brutal honesty is - almost nobody uses a chrono function. So it just comes down to getting a great looking watch at a reasonable price point / availability. I wouldn't buy lesser watches / brands just because 1. it is a chrono, 2. it somehow looks similar to a Daytona.

I would argue that Zenith has the rights to produce such a watch with its history of the automatic chronograph movement and the integration into the Daytona for so many years.

Maybe I’m an exception, but I time so many things (coffee, cooking, breaks, work-related things, etc…) on the daily with my Chronographs- I feel naked without one.

Anyone else obsessed with timing and precision?


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[cgk93]

Really enjoying this thread.

I recently tried on the Zenith Chronomaster Sport and had to restrain myself from owning it right then. As an alternative to Daytona or not, it is a truly compelling watch.

[scottwmitch]

I have been obsessed with the Daytona C since it was introduced in 2016. Just bought the Zenith Chronomaster Sport and I have no desire for the Daytona anymore. It’s a great Chrono.


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[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by scottwmitch

I have been obsessed with the Daytona C since it was introduced in 2016. Just bought the Zenith Chronomaster Sport and I have no desire for the Daytona anymore. It’s a great Chrono.


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Very interesting and nice to hear actually. I hope I can quench my thirst as well at some point lol.

[scottwmitch]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

Very interesting and nice to hear actually. I hope I can quench my thirst as well at some point lol.

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[Ghost410]

Originally Posted by scottwmitch

i have been obsessed with the daytona c since it was introduced in 2016. Just bought the zenith chronomaster sport and i have no desire for the daytona anymore. It’s a great chrono.


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same

[BobtheViking]

No navitimer? After all the Tudor uses a breitling movement

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[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

No navitimer? After all the Tudor uses a breitling movement.

...And the 16520 Daytona used a Zenith movement.

[underpar]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

No navitimer? After all the Tudor uses a breitling movement

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Agree, The Breitling Navitimer has to be on this list.

[Seddyspaghetti]

My daytona alternatives would be speedy or royal oak chrono

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by Seddyspaghetti

My daytona alternatives would be speedy or royal oak chrono

Excellent choices, only problem with the Royal Oak Chrono is price point, unless you're comparing with the Daytona grey price.

[stewester]

Superbly written article.

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by stewester

Superbly written article.

Thanks very much!

[grievor]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

Excellent choices, only problem with the Royal Oak Chrono is price point, unless you're comparing with the Daytona grey price.

if u wanna play the AP boutique game

[SubMillennial]

As mentioned, the new Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Sport is in my mind the best Chronograph out there right now. Too bad there's not a Zenith AD within 500 miles of me...

[Oldwoods]

I’m very drawn by the Breitling Chronomat B01 42mm in silver

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Oldwoods

I’m very drawn by the Breitling Chronomat B01 42mm in silver

I recently picked up one of these. I love it, my first Breitling.

Another good choice is Speedmaster Racing with white dial.

[envuks]

The zenith is very nice (heck they all are). Yet a daytona is the king of chronos. There is no “true” alternative for me


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[1665fan]

Omega speedmaster pro tokyo panda!!!

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Omega speedmaster pro tokyo panda!!!

Yes love this one. One of those special Speedmasters, similar to the 40th anniversary blue dial panda.

[Stealthdriver]

I tried on the Zenith last week, it's amazing.

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[samson66]

Originally Posted by scottwmitch

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Originally Posted by Stealthdriver

I tried on the Zenith last week, it's amazing.

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This and That. I prefer the Zenith over the Daytona. They look amazing and are actually obtainable. I think the tenth second chrono hand is pretty cool too. And don't forget that display caseback and beautiful movement underneath