In the battle of the chronographs, Rolex Daytona vs. Omega Speedmaster is a popular comparison. Both watches have a killer history and a distinctive look, but for watches that seem so similar the differences are staggering.
Rolex Daytona vs. Omega Speedmaster
The Rolex Daytona – A Watch for the Track
Created in 1963, the Daytona was originally created for use at the racetrack by professional drivers. The watch’s chronometer allowed drivers to calculate their speed in real time up to 400 kmh by using the Daytona’s tachymetric scale.
To make more room on the dial, Rolex eventually moved the tachymeter to the bezel and created the iconic look that they Daytona still has today. As time went on the Daytona became a staple in the racing world and is one of the most collectible Rolex models on the market today.
The Omega Speedmaster – “The Moon Watch”
As Rolex built the Daytona’s reputation on the ground, Omega looked to the sky instead. The Speedmaster has a rich history that is rooted in space travel.
Originally created in 1957, the Speedmaster became an important part of Omega’s vision for it’s brand. The watch model’s main claim to fame was it’s use by astronauts on six lunar missions, with the most important being Buzz Aldrin on the first moon landing. As soon as Buzz took his first step on the moon wearing the timepiece, the Speedmaster was dubbed “The Moon Watch” from that point forward.
The Similarities
On a first look of both watches the visual similarities on the dial are striking. Both models feature a fully functional tachymetric scale on the bezel, as well as three time measuring sub-dials at three, six, and nine o’clock of the main dial.
The Daytona and Speedmaster also have similar case styles and are both waterproof (100 meters for the Daytona and 50 meters for the Speedmaster) with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
The Differences
The details are where the Rolex Daytona really starts to set itself apart from the Speedmaster in our opinion. Even on a first glance, it’s noticeable that the Daytona has a much more elegant and intricate dial than the Speedmaster.
Also, the Speedmaster is exclusively stainless steel while the Daytona can be found in all steel, steel and yellow gold, all yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. This also accounts for a potentially large price difference between the two watches!
So in the battle of Rolex Daytona vs. Omega Speedmaster, which watch wins?
Our pick: Rolex Daytona
Be sure to ask about our “Titan Black” watch customizations like the Rolex Daytona above!
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