Rolex Daytona Alternatives For Every Budget

Not only is the Rolex Daytona one of history’s most famous chronographs (arguably in the top three—maybe top two depending on who you ask), but it’s notoriously difficult to get a hold of. So, we’ve rounded up some choice Rolex Daytona alternatives here, for every budget. After all, even if you manage that elusive opportunity to simply buy an actual Daytona, there’s that entry-level $15,000 price tag. And that’s if you’re unbelievably lucky. Chalk it up to low production numbers and the watch’s complicated, well, complications.

We’ve got a range of options and priorities too. Just looking for a cheap watch with a similar vibe? Check. On the search for another Swiss chronograph with just as much heritage? Checkmate.

Under $20,000

Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph

The Girard Perregaux Laureato Chronograph stands apart in the luxury watch world as a true masterpiece of timekeeping elegance. Available in 18K pink gold (as well as more “ordinary” 904L steel), this watch features a satin-brushed finish that’s smooth to the touch and gorgeous to behold. Exceptionally resistant to corrosion and damage, with industry-leading accuracy and a reliable power reserve, it’ll serve you well on the track and off. It’s one of the toughest chronographs out there and an excellent alternative to the Daytona. 

• Price: $18,600
• Case Diameter: 42 mm
• Movement: Calibre GP03300 
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100m

Under $15,000

Zenith Chronomaster Sport

Equal in esteem to the Daytona, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport is a combination of best practices from the brand’s past chronograph legends. It runs on a historical El Primero movement, which old Daytonas actually ran on before Rolex went fully in-house. With its tri-color face, each subdial as silky as the one next to it, pump style pushers, and forever-vibrant ceramic bezel, the Chronomaster Sport boasts a premium Swiss construction. Plus, with Rolex’s history using the El Primero, some might even consider Zenith chronographs a Daytona predecessor.

• Price: $11,000
• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Movement: Zenith El Primero
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Grand Seiko SBGC223

The SBGC223 follows Grand Seiko’s tradition of using a classic design template, then fully making it its own. The two-material construction, fade-proof ceramic and high-intensity titanium, starts at the case and moves into the bracelet for a truly unique aesthetic. This also makes it as strong as stainless steel but almost half as light. That one of the subdials is a half-racetrack is another noteworthy remix. Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movement is a horological innovation. It uses a mechanical mainspring for power, which means your wrist movement fuels it, but a high-precision spring drive too. This gives you the torque of a high-end automatic, with quartz accuracy. Did we mention the GMT hand?

• Price: $14,800
• Case Diameter: 46.4mm
• Movement: Grand Seiko 9R86 Spring Drive
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Under $10,000

Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph

With its two-subdial design, thin baton indices, and close-to-body crown, the Breitling Premier B01 is an aesthetically leaner, cleaner chronograph. Still, it’s as function-heavy as any Swiss hard-hitter, running on a COSC-certified Chronometer movement that can handle everything from shock to extreme temperatures. It’s based on an original Willy Breitling design from the 1940s, so this versatile watch is also important to the brand. The slightly less busy look lends itself to different constructions and bracelets. You can get the case in stainless steel or red gold, and choose from different bracelets, including alligator or calfskin leather.

• Price: $9,100
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Movement: Breitling Caliber 01 Mechanical
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Tudor Black Bay Chrono

Rolex and Tudor being brothers, the Black Bay Chrono does exactly what an effective younger sibling does: He takes what he’s learned from his kin, and dresses it up with Tudor-specific features, for a completely unique vibe. First of all, it comes in colorways reminiscent of the Daytona panda dial variation, which is even more elusive than the already-rare standard Daytona. From there, the round indices and signature Snowflake hands make the watch look more modern, and an unmistakable Tudor timepiece. Like the Daytona, it runs on a COSC-certified movement. It’s more amphibious than its Rolex relative though, offering double the water resistance.

• Price: $5,550
• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5813 (COSC)
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 200 Meters

Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Chronograph

As a watch line, the Speedy leans hard into its moonwatch heritage, which is both right and well-deserved. Still, this often overshadows its autosports roots. This Omega Speedmaster Racing Chronograph goes back to its ancestry on the racetrack. The orange accents, expressed via the Tachymetre appellate, the interior of the perforated racer strap, and the varnished hands, make this guy pop more than the standard Speedmaster. Meanwhile, the 18k white gold indices, ceramic bezel ring, and overall Omega-level finishing combine upscale Swissness with unabashed gearhead aesthetics. 

This timepiece has a transparent caseback, one thing that Omega does that Rolex doesn’t, that endears it to the horologically curious. Here, you can admire that exquisite co-axial movement.

• Price: $9,200
• Case Diameter: 44.25mm
• Movement: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer 9900
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 50 Meters

Under $5,000

Longines Conquest Chronograph

The design of the Longines Conquest Chronograph continues to be modernized and improved, but never overhauled since its release in 1954. The resulting timepiece retains both its antique elegance while always striving for a newer, cleaner, and better look. 

The 42 mm stainless steel case is complemented by a ceramic bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire glass, and two lugs flanking the screw-in crown. The silvered polished hands stand out nicely against the silver matte dial and black counters, and shine in the dark thanks to the Super LumiNova finish. Thanks to its Caliber L898 self-winding mechanical movements (at 28’800 vibrations per hour) and 59-hour power reserve, it’s guaranteed to deliver precision and accuracy for decades of hard use. With its stainless steel strap and triple safety folding clasp, complete with push-piece opening, it’ll stay securely in place on your wrist through when racing over even the most grueling terrain. 

• Price: $3,650
• Case Diameter: 42 mm
• Movement: Caliber L898
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 meters

Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono

Hamilton’s Intra-Matic Auto Chrono is a classic American design from a classic (formerly) American brand. Contrasting features throughout the watch make for a chronograph that’s both ‘60s retro and timeless. The super simple round case has a vintage feel about it, but it’s flanked by multi-surfaced lugs with sharp turns that give its profile visual intrigue. Also, the clean panda dial is made up of an unblemished face, complemented by wave-textured subdials. Ultimately, this Hamilton is eye-catching, but not loud. Let’s not forget that Swiss automatic movement, with a 60-hour power reserve that’s more than respectable for this price point.

• Price: $2,295
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Movement: Hamilton H-31 Automatic
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Baltic Tricompax Panda

The Baltic Tricompax Panda is designed with both a classic look you’ll love and a sporty build that’ll hold up to hard use. The 316L steel case, double-domed sapphire crystal, and brushed aluminum tachymeter bezel combine to deliver maximum durability, but never at a cost of handsome good looks. Details like the Tricompax Panda dial with its matte beige finish, black guilloche subdials, polished steel dauphine hands, and Super LumiNova markers make it both elegant and ultra-functional. Thanks to its Sellita SW510-M movement (with a 60-hour power reserve), it’s as accurate as it is handsome. And there’s no arguing with that price tag.

• Price: €1,645.00
• Case Diameter: 39.5mm
• Movement: Sellita SW510-M
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 50m

Christopher Ward C60 Chronograph

Leave it to bang-for-buck Christopher Ward to marry a dive watch with a chronograph, without compromising either side’s functionalities. The C60 Chronograph has an easily-operated stopwatch, racetrack subdials, a unidirectional bezel (ceramic, of course), and a whole 600 meters of water resistance. Most high-end Swiss brands will make you fork over four to five times the price of the C60 for this. The yellow accents against the mostly black face give it a racer look. Of course, one of these accents is the second hand that sports the Christopher Ward trident.

• Price: $1,740
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Movement: Sellita SW510
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 600 Meters

Sinn 103 Chronograph

Built for pilots (complete with pilot’s bezel), the Sinn 103 Chronograph combines shock-resistant acrylic glass, a polished stainless steel case, and 20-bar waterproofing and pressure-resistance to ensure it will survive even a plane crash. The watch face is designed to imitate the appearance of airplane instruments, an homage to the timepieces that were initially created to use as mechanical cockpit clocks. The luminous key mark and luminescent coating on the indices and numbers make it easy to see the time even in the dead of night high above the clouds. Available in a wide range of straps—from alligator leather to horsehide to canvas leather to nubuck boar leather—it’s a watch you can easily customize to match your style preferences.  

• Price: $1,880
• Case Diameter: 41 mm
• Movement: Concepto C99001
• Crystal: Acrylic (available in sapphire)
• Water Resistance: 200m

Under $1,000

Seiko Prospex SSC813P1 Chronograph

Seiko’s SSC813P1 from their ever-reliable Prospex line is an honest chronograph, reliable in its operations, design, and price. The movement is Seiko’s in-house V192 caliber, which is an accurate solar-powered chrono quartz with a power reserve indicator. This watch has a slick, disciplined architecture which includes a convenient push-button release clasp and an overcharge prevention function. It’s a stylish quintessential chronograph that’s practical, boasting everything you need and nothing you don’t.

• Price: $500+
• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Movement: Seiko Caliber V192 Solar
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Lorier Gemini

Watch microbrand Lorier accomplishes the impossible by serving up a genuinely minimalist chronograph with the Gemini watch. The subdials are small and symmetrically placed, leaving a lot of unblemished negative space on the stark white dial. However, the considerable contrast, aided by the texturing in the subdials, ensures that the legibility isn’t affected. Even the lugs are smooth, creating an almost uninterrupted silhouette. The mechanical, hand-winding movement provides a physical and hands-on experience when operating the watch. So while the Gemini is modern and clean-looking, wearing it doesn’t feel sterile or lifeless.

• Price: $499
• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Movement: Seagull ST19 mechanical
• Crystal: Hesalite
• Water Resistance: 50 Meters

Yema Rallygraf Panda

Of all the mecaquartz timepieces in the watch world, the Yema Rallygraf Panda is definitely one of top timepieces in the pecking order. And why not? Its smooth-edged trapezoidal subdials look like psychedelic squares. The rally flags are a fun and recognizable icon that hat-tips the sport of racing. And the soldered bars between the lugs give it a solid look, not to mention how easy they make it to go from the lightplay-heavy steel mesh bracelet to the rugged calfskin. 

Functionally, the Seiko hybrid mechanical quartz maximizes efficiency and cost, with minimal compromise on horological coolness. It’s a chronograph movement that uses quartz technology for the timekeeping, but a mechanical operator for the stopwatch, so you don’t lose out on the tactility we all love about chronographs.

• Price: $369
• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Movement: Seiko VK64 Mechanical-Quartz Hybrid
• Crystal: Mineral
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Under $300

Q Timex Chronograph

Don’t let the low price tag deceive you: the Q Timex Chronograph is as sturdy and reliable as any $1,000+ watch, just without the ultra-fancy bells and whistles. At its core, it’s a simple, cleanly designed timepiece, with the black tachymeter bezel and highly precise chronograph of classic racing watches, and the iconic look to match.

The brushed stainless steel case can withstand serious abuse without scratching, rusting, or breaking, and the stainless steel bracelet is perfectly suited to even the most high-impact sports. Modeled after the gorgeous 1970s Q Timex, it’s a piece of watch history modernized and greatly improved—perfect for daredevils and racers alike.  

• Price: $289
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Movement: Quartz Analog
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Water Resistance: 50m

Dan Henry 1962 Racing Chronograph

If you’re looking for color options, Dan Henry’s 1962 Racing Chronograph offers several colorways between its four dial designs and straps in 18 different shades. You can choose between the contemporary-styled Panda dial, and its color-reverse, Evil Panda. Then there’s the professional-looking blue dial with playful pops of orange, and the antiquey gold variation. The screw-down caseback with a 3D embossed Maserati is also a nice touch. Looks aside, this budget chronograph runs on a smooth-motion mecaquartz movement with instant reset. 

• Price: $260+
• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Movement: Seiko Caliber VK63 Hybrid Mechanical-Quartz
• Crystal: Mineral
• Water Resistance: 50 Meters

Orient WV0041TX Chronograph

The sporty but elegant Orient WV0041TX Chronograph offers a retro look in a modern size and construction. The dial has a lot of depth and sectioning which gives the watch a level of complexity. For example, the outer edge of the dial is a black chapter ring that’s angled, so it slides into the main part of the dial. Then, the flawless high-polish indices travel over both sections of the stepped dial, further highlighting the dimensionality of the watch. The subdials have a beautiful sheerness to them so that light can get into the solar-powered movement. Conveniently, this also means that you’ll never have to replace the battery.

• Price: $155+
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Movement: KSB00 Solar Quartz
• Crystal: Mineral
• Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Invicta Speedway Chronograph 9211

Even in the quartz world, you won’t find a lower priced chronograph that offers the level of functionality that the Invicta Speedway 9211 does. You’ve got the stopwatch hand on the main axle, making the tachymeter and stopwatch easy to use. There’s also the grippy screw-down crown and the 200m of water resistance that beats a lot of watches literally a hundred times its price. And of course you’ve got that arctic aesthetic, with the snowy dial and silver tones throughout. Moreover, the case is a reasonable diameter that suits most, if not all, wrist sizes.

• Price: $70+
• Case Diameter: 39.5mm
• Movement: Quartz
• Crystal: Mineral
• Water Resistance: 200 Meters

Disclosure: Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.