9 Affordable Rolex Daytona Alternatives [Best Alternatives to Rolex Daytona]
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most iconic and distinct timepieces in the world. And for good reasons. The Cosmograph Daytona has a long and rich history leading up to the huge popularity it has today. Rolex as a company did not focus much on chronographs in the first half of the 20th century and was certainly not known for them, unlike other brands such as Breitling.
If you like the style of the Rolex Daytona but do not want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a watch, don’t worry. In this article, we are taking a closer look at the best and most popular affordable alternatives to the Rolex Daytona.
In this list, we will focus on chronograph watches that have a similar style as the Daytona, and naturally are chronographs. Like the Daytona, all of them feature a tachymeter scale, as a nod to the racing theme of the Daytona.
Further on, we’ll also look at the history of the Rolex Daytona to get some context of this iconic model, as well as look closely at what you should consider when making your pick.
Best Affordable alternatives to Rolex Daytona
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Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono H38416711
First off, we have the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono reference H38416711. In many ways, this watch is reminiscent of the iconic Rolex Daytona reference 6239 which has come to be known as the ”Paul Newman”. The watch has a ”panda” dial, with a white dial contrasted by black chronograph sub-dials. The tachymeter scale is not positioned on the bezel, but on the outer part of the dial, which has also been made black to create contrast against the white dial.
The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case just like the Daytona and has a thickness of 14.45mm. The case design is however simple and classic in its design with a thin polished bezel and slim rectangular lugs for a classic and vintage-inspired look. The water resistance of this timepiece is 100m/330 feet which is the standard depth rating for many chronographs, including the latest Rolex Daytona. On top of the case sits a sapphire crystal.
One thing that is appreciated by watch enthusiasts is the fact that it is powered by an automatic movement.
All in all, this is a great watch with the impressive build quality and a beautiful design that reminds of the classic Rolex Daytona in many ways. With a price of just over 1500 USD, it is not an extremely affordable watch, but it is considerably more affordable than a Daytona, and considering what you are getting, it still offers great value for money.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 14.45mm
- Movement: Automatic
Fossil Decker Quartz Chronograph
Now to a more affordable alternative to the Rolex Daytona, the Fossil Decker chronograph. In many ways, it reminds of the Rolex Daytona and has a classic, simple, and sporty design.
The watch has a relatively large case with a diameter of 44mm with a large crown at 3 o’clock protected by crown guards. On top of the case sits a mineral crystal, and for the bezel, Fossil uses a black aluminum bezel insert with a tachymeter scale on top. The dial is black and has three sub-dials placed on the dial. At 4 o’clock, it also has a date window integrated. What stands out is its large rectangular minutes and hour hands which are white, thus providing a great contrast, resulting in excellent legibility.
For a sporty, Daytona-inspired look, it is presented on a stainless steel three-link Oyster-style bracelet. This also helps make it versatile and suitable for everyday wear. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.
All in all, this is a nice and sporty chronograph with a stylish design that gives a nod to the iconic Rolex Daytona. With a price of around 100 USD, it is really a no-brainer and a given choice for those who appreciate the history of racing chronographs and want a versatile everyday watch.
Specifications
- Crystal: mineral
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Invicta Speedway Chronograph 9211
The Invicta Speedway Chronograph 9211 is one of the watches that are most similar to the Rolex Daytona in design. It’s obvious that the designers peeked a lot at the Daytona when designing this watch, hence why it has so many iconic design elements integrated.
First and foremost, it has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39.5mm which is essentially the same as the Daytona. The crown is of course protected by crown guards, and the lugs are brushed on top with polished sides. Since the Daytona reference 16520 is the last Rolex to feature brushed lugs, the Invicta looks more similar to this version of the Daytona than the later iterations, giving it more of a classic and iconic look. The thickness of the case is 14mm, Of course, the watch has a fixed stainless steel polished bezel with a tachymeter scale on top. The water resistance, however, is quite impressive at 200m/660 feet which is actually better than the Daytona and impressive due to the fact that the watch costs less than 100 dollars. On top of the case, it has a mineral crystal
The Invicta Speedway is powered by the quartz caliber VD53B-14 and is fitted on a three-link stainless steel bracelet which looks a lot like the Rolex Oyster bracelet.
The watch has a white dial with a textured finish and three chronograph sub-dials with black frames to create a contrast and give it a panda look, similar to that of the iconic original Rolex Daytona (and several others to follow, such as the Daytona 16520). The chronograph sub-dials present 60min, 60sec, and 24 hours. Even the applied hour markers on the dial have the hands the same shape and design as the Rolex Daytona.
All in all, this Invicta Chronograph is a great choice if you’re a fan of the Daytona but don’t want to spend tens of thousands on a watch. It features so many of Daytona’s iconic design elements and may even to the untrained eye even ”trick” some people.
Specifications
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Thickness: 14mm
- Crystal: mineral
Seiko Chronograph SSB331
Another popular racing-inspired affordable chronograph is the Seiko SSB331. This watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.7mm and elegantly finished lugs with brushed upper sides and beveled, polished edges. The bezel is thin and has a black finish, but because the bezel is thin, it leaves room for the dial. And you could say that instead of placing the tachymeter scale on the bezel (and using a larger bezel), Seiko has placed it on the rehaut, at the very edge around the dial instead. To match the black accents and to give it a sportier look, the crown and chronograph pushers have a black finish. Unlike the Rolex Daytona, this watch does not feature crown guards.
The dial is well-executed with a black/grey background with beautiful finishing and pattern which provides depth and makes the watch more vibrant. The center of the dial is recessed and parts like the sub-dials and hour markers are raised to create a nice contrast that stands out. The hands are large and filled with luminescent material which gives excellent legibility. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, it also has a date window which can always be convenient to have.
This Daytona alternative is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has, in traditional Chronograph fashion, water resistance of 100m/330 feet.
All in all, this stylish chronograph works great for everyday wear and is a given choice for those who want a versatile and stylish watch with a touch of sportiness.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42.7mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal. Hardlex
Invicta Speedway Chronograph 9223 Rolex Daytona inspired
We have already looked at the Invicta Speedway chronograph with a white dial, so we don’t need to get into the nitty-gritty of this watch, but this is a great alternative if you prefer a Daytona-inspired watch with a black dial instead of a white. And Invicta’s decision to make it available with both a black and a white dial makes sense considering the fact that Rolex’s Daytona has been available with these two dial configurations for a long time.
Classic design, reasonable size, a design that reminds a lot about the Daytona, and an overall look that works exceptionally well for everyday wear and both casual and formal occasions. And of course a very reasonable price. You really cannot go wrong with this watch, can you?
Specifications
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Thickness: 14mm
- Crystal: mineral
Seiko Neo Sports Chronograph SSB355
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Rolex Daytona and enjoy slightly sportier designs, the Seiko Neo Sports Chronograph SSB355 is a watch worth considering.
This watch has a relatively large case of 45mm and a thickness of 14mm which gives it a sporty appearance and makes it popular amongst those with large wrists. The case has a thin stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale engraved on it and the text ”tachymeter” made in red for a sporty touch of color. Because the bezel is so thin, the result is a rather large dial. The lugs have a rectangular shape and combine brushed elements with polished beveled edges. The case does not have a crown guard. On top of the case sits a curved Hardlex crystal.
Powering this chronograph is a quartz movement and the water resistance is the classic 100m/330 feet. Like the Daytona, it is presented on a three-link stainless steel bracelet for a versatile and robust feel and looks.
To give the watch a more racing-inspired, masculine design, the dial consists of carbon fiber which goes well with its racing-inspired purpose. It is mostly black but has large hands filled with luminescence which provides great legibility. The dial also has subtle red accents. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, we find a date window, and of course three chronograph sub-dials.
For the price, you really cannot go wrong with this timepiece. It punches well above its own weight in all areas, from the level of detail to the build quality, and its versatile functionality.
Specifications
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 14mm
- Crystal: curved Hardlex
- Movement: Quartz
Orient NEO 70’s Solar panda Chronograph WV0041TX
The Orient Neo 70s Solar Panda WV0041TX chronograph is a watch that reminds of the Rolex Daytona in many ways, thus making it a great affordable alternative. And as the name suggests, it takes its inspiration from 1970s watches and incorporates things like the iconic ”panda” or ”Paul Newman” dial. A downside to this watch from a Daytona perspective, however, is the fact that it doesn’t have a tachymeter scale. But if this function isn’t crucial for you, it’s something that can be overlooked considering its really nice design.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm, a lug-to-lug of 48mm, and a thickness of 11.8mm. It has an elegantly curved case shape with a thin bezel and no crown guards. It is presented on the iconic three-link Oyster-style bracelet which goes well with its design and naturally reminds of the Rolex Daytona.
As for the dial, there are few dials that are as iconic and appreciated as the panda dial when it comes to chronographs. The outer part of the dial is black, whereas the center of the dial is white, contrasted by black sub-dials. The dial has applied hour markers as well as skeletonized hands to not cover the sub-dials and make it easier to read. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, Orient has also discreetly integrated a date window. The water resistance is, unsurprisingly, 100m.
From a technology standpoint, what stands out about this watch is that it is powered by a solar quartz movement. This means that you won’t have to replace the battery as it is charged by solar and ambient light.
All in all, it’s easy to see why this watch is so immensely popular with its design that so clearly takes inspiration from vintage chronographs. Whilst it is not a homage to the Rolex Daytona by any means, it does have iconic and distinct elements that work as a nod to this iconic Rolex model.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm including the crown
- Lug width: 22mm
- Lug to lug: 48mm
- Thickness: 11.8mm
- Water resistance: 100m/10ATM/330 feet
- Power-reserve: 6 months
Seiko SND367PC Chronograph
The Seiko SND367PC is a popular tachymeter racing chronograph with a simple and versatile design. This is the type of watch that works for virtually any occasion and has a perfect balance between sportiness and elegance.
First and foremost, it has a smaller case size of 38mm which makes it popular amongst those who have smaller wrists or simply have a preference for smaller watches. It has a fixed stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale engraved – Daytona style – and crown guards protecting the crown. On top of the case sits a Hardlex crystal. Despite its very affordable price, it has beautifully beveled lugs which is a nice touch.
The water resistance is as expected 100m/300 feet.
The dial of this watch is refined, simple, and clean. It features three chronograph sub-dials, has classic sword-shaped hands, and applied rectangular hour markers filled with luminescent material. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it also has a date window. All in all, its dial design does not stand out from the ordinary and looks very well-balanced.
For a versatile feel and look, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 10mm
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Seiko quartz caliber 7T92
- Lug width: 20mm
- Batter-life/power reserve: 3 years
Citizen CA0648-09L Eco-Drive Chronograph
Last but not least, we have the Citizen CA0648-09L.
Whilst this watch does not look exactly like a Rolex Daytona, it does feature multiple design elements and features that are iconic for racing watches, including the Daytona. It has a classic, vintage-inspired design which makes it a great choice for the racing enthusiast.
It is presented with a steel case with a diameter of 44mm with a rather funky and retro-inspired design where the actual case isn’t really visible, and where the only things that stand out are straight, rectangular lugs as well the crown and chronograph pushers. The watch has a tachymeter scale for the bezel with a black aluminum insert.
Powering this watch is a Japanese quartz movement for accuracy and reliability. This is also an Eco-Drive movement that gets energy from ambient and solar light.
The water resistance of this timepiece is 100m/330 feet. Even the dial design of this watch has a bit of a retro feel to it, but still remains classic and clean. It has a matte black dial with large white markers as well as three chronograph sub-dials. The hands are large and filled with luminescence, providing excellent legibility. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it also has a small date window. As for the chronograph functions, it has a 60-minute counter, 1/5 of a second counter, and a central 60-second chronograph hand.
To go with the racing-inspired theme, it is presented on a black perforated black leather strap.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
History of the Rolex Daytona
In the 1950s, Rolex developed the chronograph reference 6234, but at the time, it wasn’t very successful and Rolex did not sell more than a few hundred pieces per year.
But whilst sales weren’t surging for Rolex’s chronograph, it did receive positive feedback from racing drivers due to its accuracy and ability to time laps. As a matter of fact, the first automobile races were held at Daytona Beach in Florida. Sir Malcolm Campbell of Great Britain was one of the most successful race car drivers and wore Rolex watches on and off the racetrack in the 1930s. In fact, he even wore a Rolex when we broke the world land speed record, and in 1931 he wrote a thank-you letter to Rolex 1931.
It was at that time Rolex started pulling more towards a racing chronograph, and in 1963, Rolex released the reference 6239 which is an extremely important watch both for the history of Rolex and also for the history of the Daytona model. This watch was revolutionary due to the fact that it features a tachymeter scale on the bezel, making it even more suitable for racing thanks to the ability to measure average speed. Furthermore, reference 6239 was redesigned with a motorsport-inspired design with black sub-dials, white background, and red accents. It was a watch made specifically for race car drivers. It was also at this time that the name ”Cosmograph” came about. And if you’re wondering what that means, it is essentially Rolex’s way of saying chronograph, but with inspiration from the space race and the race to the moon.
Rolex became the official timekeeper of the Daytona race in 1962 – the most iconic race track in the world, which was one year before the release of the Cosmograph Reference 6239. Rolex also gave the nickname ”Daytona” to reference 6239 to highlight the collaboration between Rolex and Daytona, and this is a name that has stuck and turned into one of the most recognized and iconic watch models ever made.
Now, since then, a lot has happened, and Rolex has released countless iterations and versions of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. What was originally a model that wasn’t very popular has today become one of the most sought-after models on the market. But at the same tie, Rolex Daytona watches are quite expensive and have a starting price of about 10.000 dollars (which is quickly creeping up). With that said, it is certainly not a watch for everyone.
The good news is that there are plenty of affordable alternatives to the Rolex Daytona – meaning affordable chronograph watches that remind of the Daytona in one way or another – some more than others.
Affordable alternatives to Rolex Daytona – Buyer’s guide
The Rolex Daytona is unarguably one of the most iconic watches ever made. It has defined what a chronograph should be and look like and has affected the chronograph design language for a lot of other watch brands as a result.
There are a number of elements to the Daytona that make it stand out and become instantly recognizable. This is important to keep in mind when looking for an affordable alternative to the Rolex Daytona as it will affect how similar or how different the watch should be. A lot of people don’t want a homage-style watch that is virtually identical to the Daytona, but rather something with its own design that reminds them of the Daytona in one way or another.
Some of the most important elements of the Rolex Daytona include:
- Oyster three-link bracelet
- Tachymeter scale on the bezel
- Three sub-dials positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the dial
- Crown guards protecting the crown
- Chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock (screw-down)
As mentioned, if you’re looking for an alternative to the Rolex Daytona, you decide how many of these boxes it should tick and how similar you want the watch to be.
But regardless of the design, here are some of the most important considerations to make:
Size
The size is always an important aspect of a watch as it will affect how comfortably it wears on your wrist. Some people have smaller wrists and others have larger. Some people also have a preference for larger watches whilst others prefer smaller ones. The Rolex Submariner has remained 40mm for a really long time, but alternatives for the alternatives, you have a large selection of different sizes. Therefore, helping you identify the sizes that work for you the best will allow you to narrow down the options and find the perfect watch for you.
Water resistance
The Rolex Daytona has a water resistance of 100m, meaning you can swim with it, but alternatives are available with all kinds of different water resistance, both more and less, depending on which you choose. The most important part is however to ask yourself whether or not you intend to go swimming with it. If not, then water resistance won’t be as important. But if you do plan to swim with it, you should look for a watch with a water resistance that is at least 100m.
Quartz or automatic?
The Rolex Daytona is automatic and has been so for a very long time. But when it comes to the alternatives, there are those with both quartz and automatic movements. With this said, consider which of these you prefer the most. Both of the options have their pros and cons, but naturally, watch enthusiasts tend to opt for automatic since they are powered by mechanical movements which require a much greater level of craftsmanship.
Dial color
The dial color will naturally affect the look of the watch quite a lot, so it is something that is good to consider. The Rolex Daytona is most known with either a white or a black dial, but Rolex also offers many different dial colors and has made the Daytona with many different dials throughout the years.
The most classic, sporty, and toned-down will be black or white, but if you prefer something more vibrant and interesting, there are other options as well. Even though most will be either white or black.
Strap option
Last but not least, we have the strap (or bracelet) option. The Rolex Daytona has predominantly been made with a three-link Oyster metal bracelet but there have also been other options (and still are today).
But still, the most iconic and classic bracelet option for the Daytona is the Oyster bracelet, so if you want a watch that looks very similar to the Daytona, you should look for one with a three-link bracelet.
But otherwise, there are, as you have seen, other strap options to choose from as well, such as leather, NATO, and so on, so think about which strap option you like the most and find most convenient based on when and how you will wear it.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our top picks for the best affordable Rolex Daytona alternatives. These watches are more or less similar or inspired by the iconic Rolex Daytona but at a considerably more affordable price. You cannot go wrong with any of them, and they all offer great value for money. Which is your favorite?
Main photo courtesy of Keepthetime.com.
