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The Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster are chronograph models that are popular around the world. As the face of their respective brands, various models bearing their names have been released, all of which are highly popular, and anyone interested in luxury watches has probably dreamed of owning one at least once. However, there are also voices asking, "Which one should I choose?" and "What are the differences?"

So this time,

" Daytona " and " Speedmaster "

I would like to compare these two models from multiple perspectives and explain what their respective features are. I hope that those who are considering purchasing one, as well as those who already own one, will read this article and develop an even greater attachment to it. Please read to the end.

history

[Rolex] "Daytona"

The Daytona was born in 1963 with a distinctive tachymeter on the bezel for car racers. All of the generations have been highly popular, from the first to third generations that are highly popular in the vintage market, to the fourth generation equipped with Zenith's El Primero movement, which is also considered a masterpiece, to the fifth generation equipped with Rolex's long-awaited in-house chronograph movement Cal. 4130, and the sixth generation, which has a design that is highly regarded as the best of all time, and each generation has its own unique features.

And now in 2023 , the latest model "Ref. 126500LN " has been announced to mark the 60th anniversary of the birth of "Daytona". Always at the center of attention in the luxury watch industry, it continues to attract attention, and its momentum is likely to accelerate even more in the future.

[Omega] "Speedmaster"

Since being adopted as an official NASA equipment in 1965 , the Speedmaster has been used in various space missions. In 1969 , it was carried during the first manned moon landing, and quickly became widely known as the Moonwatch. Since then, it has continued to be recognized as an indispensable model for OMEGA, winning NASA 's highest award, the Snoopy Award, for saving the Apollo 13 mission from a difficult situation.

Functionality

Let's consider functionality based on a model with the same specifications.

Object model
[Rolex] "Daytona" ⇒ "Ref. 116500LN"
[Omega] "Speedmaster Caliber 321" ⇒ "Ref.311.30.40.30.01.001"

❶Tachymeter

Tachymeter scale

Daytona 400km
Speedmaster 500km

The tachymeter for measuring speed is capable of measuring up to 400km/h on the Daytona, while it is capable of measuring up to 500km/h on the Speedmaster. Of course, most people will never reach these speeds, so both watches are sufficient in terms of functionality.

❷ Movement

Drive system

Daytona Automatic
Speedmaster hand-rolled

Power reserve

Daytona Approximately 72 hours
Speedmaster Approximately 55 hours

The Daytona is equipped with an automatic movement with a power reserve of about 72 hours, while the Speedmaster is equipped with a manual movement with a power reserve of about 50 hours, so in terms of ease of use, the Daytona wins.

❸Waterproof

Waterproof

Daytona 100m
Speedmaster 50m

The Daytona boasts a water resistance of 100m because the crown and pushers are screwed in. The Speedmaster, on the other hand, is not screwed in, so it is only water resistant to 50m, so the Daytona also wins. However, it has almost no effect on everyday use, and both are sufficiently water resistant.

Design

[Rolex] "Daytona"

The three subdials on the dial and the tachymeter on the bezel are timeless designs that have been passed down for generations. The bezel, which is one of the elements that determines the look of the watch, has traditionally been made of plastic or stainless steel, but the sixth -generation Daytona has adopted ceramic, giving it a bold look and evolving into a design that is loved by more people. Another attractive feature is the wide variety of dials available, from simple coloring to gorgeous designs adorned with jewels.

[Omega] "Speedmaster"

The core models have evolved while following the original design, incorporating many of the latest technologies in small details, but when comparing the designs alone, there doesn't seem to be a big change between past models and the latest models. However, the Speedmaster has a wider range of designs than the Daytona, as there are various collaboration models with the movie "007," the anime "Snoopy," and "Ultraman."

Asset value

In terms of asset value, let's consider it based on the selling price of a model with the same specifications.

Object model
[Rolex] "Daytona" ⇒ "Ref. 116500LN"
[Omega] "Speedmaster Caliber 321" ⇒ "Ref.311.30.40.30.01.001"

❶List price

List price

Daytona Ref.116500LN Black Dial 1,757,800 yen
Speedmaster Calibre Ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001 2,376,000 yen

❷Secondary distribution price *As of October 15th

Secondary distribution price

Daytona Ref.116500LN Black Dial Approximately 4,400,000 yen
Speedmaster Calibre 321, ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001 Approximately 2,700,000 yen

Among luxury watch brands, Rolex tends to have a high resale value, but the Daytona is by far the most expensive model. Therefore, in terms of asset value, the Daytona will win. The Speedmaster is very popular and well-known, but compared to the Daytona, its resale value seems more stable.

Cost performance

Although the Daytona boasts overwhelming asset value, it is also true that it is quite out of reach, and although there will be temporary drops in the future, given its popularity, it is expected that the price will continue to rise rather than fall. Considering the functionality of the watch purely, it is hard to say that it is good value for money.

On the other hand, the Speedmaster, which has been recognized by NASA and is also known as the "Moonwatch," has a stable price on the secondary market and is highly functional, so it can be said to be excellent in terms of cost performance.

summary

We compared the Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster. What do you think?

The highly valuable "Daytona" and the excellent cost performance "Speedmaster" each have their own unique appeal. Therefore, it is a good idea to think again about what you want from a watch before making your choice.

Once again, I hope that this article will pique your interest in luxury watches!

see you!

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