The next best thing to a daytona?

[HiBoost]

Internet Jeff is inclined to say anybody who doesn't own a hesalite Speedy Pro just doesn't like chronos, or maybe even watches. Real life Jeff might tone that down slightly, but you get the point. And neither Jeff can handle the new Zenith chrono. The 3 different color subdials conjure up feelings of comparing paint sample cards at Sherwin Williams. I've perhaps never seen anything that off-putting on an otherwise great watch. To end on a positive note, I will say it is almost certainly the best made Daytona homage out there :)

[gt0279a]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Internet Jeff is inclined to say anybody who doesn't own a hesalite Speedy Pro just doesn't like chronos, or maybe even watches. Real life Jeff might tone that down slightly, but you get the point. And neither Jeff can handle the new Zenith chrono. The 3 different color subdials conjure up feelings of comparing paint sample cards at Sherwin Williams. I've perhaps never seen anything that off-putting on an otherwise great watch. To end on a positive note, I will say it is almost certainly the best made Daytona homage out there :)

I agree the Speedmaster is a great watch, probably the most legible and symmetrically balanced chronograph.

The Tri-Color is a Classic Zenith design and respectfully disagree with your assessment. It is quite subtle and beautiful in person.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by zengineer

I have the blue 2020 Tokyo Olympics Speedmaster but really want one of these white/Panda versions. Unfortunately they are trading at a $5000 premium over the other colors. The ceramic Daytona does nothing for me, even at MSRP.

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Agree 100%

[TswaneNguni]

The next best thing next to a Daytona,is the other one.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

The Tri-Color is a Classic Zenith design and respectfully disagree with your assessment. It is quite subtle and beautiful in person.

No need to be respectful when I'm being an ass haha. I do like the look of your Zenith more than the latest ones. It looks like its subdials are larger and that works more for me somehow. What year is that one?

[bp1000]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

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This.

By an absolute country mile.

Perfect everything when it comes to Chronograph’s. Still waiting for mine. Long time coming.

[Calborn]

Zenith El Primero or Omega Speedmaster

- Zenith used to make movements for the Daytona
- Omega's Speedmaster heritage is that of the legendary chronograph that went to the moon

[Golfbone]

The modern Daytonas are popular because they are gorgeous, elegant, versatile, robust, and present a wide range of choices in colors, materials and band options. They are not at all useful as actual chronometers and even telling time is reminder of your presbyopic shortcomings but they have a magic, a mystique and are gorgeous enough to help you get past any issues with functionality. If you had to own one watch IMO a Sub would be a much better choice over a Daytona but if you own both you'll spend 90% or your time wearing the Daytona.

[RealMadrid1988]

Originally Posted by OrangeSport

Ha!

If I wanted one I would’ve bought one when it wasn’t that hard to find them, but there is nothing I like about them.

Modern versions also have one thing that makes me cringe, I just can’t un-see it. The sub dial at 9 o’clock has the 6 flipped to read from outside the dial when all the other numbers read from within the dial. I get why they did it but it’s so unbalanced it hurts. Should’ve just gone 4 8 12 in keeping with the rest of the watch so all the numbers faced the same way.

Horrible to look at.

So the Daytona’s imbalance bothers you to the point it hurts, but the fact that the Submariner has minute hash markings on only one quarter of the bezel is just fine?

Originally Posted by rlj676

Curious how many folks have nothing but negative to say about the Daytona. Is it just to reduce the frustration due to lack of availability? Sorta like the fat guy talking about a hot chicks pointy elbows…

Bingo.

[JohnGingerwood]

El Primero or Speedy. Actually They may be comparable to the Daytona imo.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'd argue that the Daytona is the next best thing to a Speedmaster

Great option! Beautiful watch

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

Wrote a blog post a while back for the best Daytona alternatives.

• Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph
• Omega Speedmaster
• Zenith El Primero
• Tudor Black Bay Chronograph

Great article, very well written, thanks for the link

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by dr35mm

Hey Guys,

I'm not a chrono guy but as of lately I've been lusting for one. White or Black Daytona for me it's the real deal but I don't comfortable as of now paying that price (investments and other business are my priority right now) so I was wondering, is the Black Bay chrono the next best thing to a Daytona? Obviously they're worlds apart but I'm refering to wearability, versatility and durability. I've fallen in love with Tudor and maybe this is my next move.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks!

I am lusting after the new sport el primero zenith and sincerely hope that they issue it without the quirky multicolored sub dials. I can’t figure why they haven’t issued a white/black version. It’d be a massive hit.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by dr35mm

Hey Guys,



I'm not a chrono guy but as of lately I've been lusting for one. White or Black Daytona for me it's the real deal but I don't comfortable as of now paying that price (investments and other business are my priority right now) so I was wondering, is the Black Bay chrono the next best thing to a Daytona? Obviously they're worlds apart but I'm refering to wearability, versatility and durability. I've fallen in love with Tudor and maybe this is my next move.



Would love to hear your thoughts on this.



Thanks!

As most of them have given good alternatives and none Breitling, I'll suggest you to take a look at this model. Looks great in flesh!

[brucethemanlee]

The next best thing to a Daytona?

Having TWO Daytonas !!! :)


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[RTG]

My choice would be the Zenith Defy 21 blue on rubber or bracelet. No picture does this watch justice as images can’t capture the layers of depth you see with your eye. The blue pops. Time display is crystal clear. When checking the time or using the chronograph it is not a busy display at all. When you want to stare at the marvelous movement however, it can entertain you for a long time.

Images stolen from the net:

[Case61]

Another upvote for the Speedy. A great, iconic watch, and the best bang for the buck in the entire Watch Multiverse, IMO.

[doboy007]

Originally Posted by RTG

My choice would be the Zenith Defy 21 blue on rubber or bracelet. No picture does this watch justice as images can’t capture the layers of depth you see with your eye. The blue pops. Time display is crystal clear. When checking the time or using the chronograph it is not a busy display at all. When you want to stare at the marvelous movement however, it can entertain you for a long time.

Images stolen from the net:

Too busy and makes me dizzy. Hey I rhyme.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

This is fascinating. Thank you.

I enjoy seeing the Chronomaster (vulgar name) and Daytona side by side. My three chronographs are APs and I want something a lot less finicky. Sadly, people in my hometown are being bashed for their Rolexes. So Zenith might be the sensible option--especially discounted on the grey market. On the other hand, this picture makes both watches look equally desirable.

It's a first world conundrum.

Originally Posted by mjwalter80

I think there are a few things to think about with regards to your question. You say you are not a chronograph guy but are lusting after a Daytona. What specifically changed your mind to be interested in a Daytona? Three things come to mind for me:

1. Chronograph Functionality: Are you planning on using the timing capabilities of the chronograph? If so, there are several watches that would suit you (Speedmaster, Zenith Chronomaster Sport, Breitling Chronomat, IWC spitfire). Most have been mentioned in this thread already but you really have you choice of look and price point.

2. Looks: The watch that looks the closed to the Daytona is the Zenith Chronomaster Sport (maybe even better then the Rolex). For me, there are a pros and cons to this watch. I love the tri-colored sub dials and the exhibition case back, but the sub dials overlap slightly which can make the chrono tough to read. Also, the date window is just kind of awkwardly thrown on the dial and doesn't do anything for me. Also, I think this watch is slightly bigger then the Daytona at 42 mm.





3. Hype/Investment: As everyone knows, many people covet the Daytona from their AD because of the value getting one MSRP represents. If so, you probably don't need a Daytona....pretty much any Rolex Sub, GMT, SkyD, would do just fine....or of course and sport model from AP, PP.

[MasterBlaster]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'd argue that the Daytona is the next best thing to a Speedmaster

That's a real stunner

[MasterBlaster]

Breitling Premier B01 with the panda color scheme on a black strap. Superior in every way to the Daytona IMHO.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by RTG

My choice would be the Zenith Defy 21 blue on rubber or bracelet. No picture does this watch justice as images can’t capture the layers of depth you see with your eye. The blue pops. Time display is crystal clear. When checking the time or using the chronograph it is not a busy display at all. When you want to stare at the marvelous movement however, it can entertain you for a long time.

Images stolen from the net:

Now I want this thing pretty bad lol. Thanks

[RTG]

Originally Posted by doboy007

Too busy and makes me dizzy. Hey I rhyme.

That’s not the case in person.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by zengineer

I have the blue 2020 Tokyo Olympics Speedmaster but really want one of these white/Panda versions. Unfortunately they are trading at a $5000 premium over the other colors. The ceramic Daytona does nothing for me, even at MSRP.

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I actually like this watch a lot. But I don't want anything to do with Tokyo 2020 so I have to hard pass on it. Otherwise a great watch.

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by absoluteczech

Zenith Chronomaster Sport

That white dial zenith is sweet!

[HideMyWalletPlease]

Duplicate

[HideMyWalletPlease]

Ap roc

[supersam80]

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

Ap roc

Second this, love my panda ROC

[jw72]

If you buy the watch at MSRP and can never sell it? A, B or C. Why?
Me, (A) I choose Daytona. I had one, did not love it (white face) traded. Bought a 2nd one (black face) I like it a lot, not selling. Had a Speedy, flipped it quickly and never wanted a Zenith. All nice watches.
A.Rolex Daytona
B.Omega Speedy Professional
C.Zenith Chronomaster Sport

[zoenatenich]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'd argue that the Daytona is the next best thing to a Speedmaster

I’m a fan of this watch! Nice!