- by Wonder Chrono
- 1 December, 2023
- Trends
Walk into your nearest Omega boutique, and you might find yourself leaving with a
Speedmaster gracing your wrist, unlike Rolex’s Daytona, reserved for those willing to pay a
premium for precious metals. Yet, is history set to repeat itself? The Daytona, now a
coveted commodity, wasn’t always in the spotlight, having once been considered less
desirable.
In the era when the Speedmaster existed, and the Daytona did not, Omega made a
significant impact with its 1957 ‘Professional’ collection, featuring the Railmaster,
Seamaster, and Speedmaster. The knockout punch was the Speedmaster, armed with the
groundbreaking 321 movement, showcasing technological advancements that even the
likes of Rolex couldn’t match at the time.
Rolex’s response was the Cosmograph Daytona, but it struggled for attention, especially
with the Speedmaster landing the prestigious NASA gig. While Omega basked in success,
Rolex faced challenges, and even rumors circulated of Daytonas being given away as
incentives for other purchases.
Fast forward to the present, and Omega’s Speedmaster Racing collection draws
inspiration from the Daytona. The similarities are striking, from ceramic bezels to white
dials with black-ringed sub-dials. Both watches, the modern Daytona 116500 LN and the
Speedmaster Racing, stand shoulder to shoulder, each boasting its strengths.
However, the question lingers: why choose the Omega over the Rolex? The answer might
lie in the Omega’s more accessible price, over £3,000 less at £6,320, and its availability, a
factor that gives Omega an edge in the premium watch market. As Omega aims to
outshine Rolex with recent product launches, the Speedmaster stands as a key player in
this retaliation, echoing a historic strategy that may once again reshape the horological
landscape.
If the allure of the Omega Speedmaster has captured your interest, you can explore and
purchase this model at our store, Wonder Chrono.