panda chronograph

Best Panda Chronograph Watches Affordable and Luxury

Ever since Paul Newman wore that Rolex Daytona panda vintage, the popularity of panda dial chronographs exploded to mythical proportions.

Watchmakers all over the world, from the inexpensive to the luxury spectrum, started making their versions of the watch, with some even creating reverse panda chronograph models.

It’s fair to say that the panda dial became a cult classic that’s still much coveted up to this day.

Since there are countless panda dial Chrono watches out there, it can be a hassle to dissect each one and identify which of them are worth your money.

To save you the trouble, we’ve made an extensive list of panda dial Chrono watches considered to be the cream of the crop.

List of Affordable Panda Dial Chronograph Watches

Here’s an extensive list of affordable and luxury panda dial chrono watches to add to your collection First, we go through the list of panda chronographs under $500 that will definitely fit your budget.

Seiko Chronograph SNDF93

The 42.5mm SNDF93 has a stainless steel case, a solid case back, a black leather strap, a fixed silver-tone bezel, a push-pull crown, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a tachymeter scale on the outer rim, a date window, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a Japanese quartz movement.

The three chronograph subdials on this Seiko panda dial have 1/20th-second, 60-second, and 60-minute scales.
Not many panda dial chronographs use yellow accents like the SNDF93.

The simple and straightforward design of the dial goes well with the yellow-colored second’s hand, giving the SNDF93 a distinctive, vintage look.

Pros:

  • An affordable timepiece with a vintage design
  • Thin and lightweight which make the watch comfortable to wear
  • Durable and sturdy build
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Poor strap quality
  • Tiny date window
  • Crown pushers can get a bit loose

Parnis ‘Panda’ Daytona

The 40mm Panda Daytona from Parnis is a straight homage to the Rolex Daytona.

It has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a mineral crystal, a fixed ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a hybrid Japanese mechanical quartz movement.

The three subdials feature 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour scales.

Parnis offers a wide variety of panda dials.

They also have a reverse panda chronograph for those who want a more accented timepiece.
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a Rolex Daytona, this is the watch to purchase.

Pros:

  • Sweeping seconds hand
  • Seconds hacking is possible
  • Available in a wide variety of colors
  • Power reserve of up to 4 years
  • Water-resistant

Cons:

  • Hard to replace the strap
  • Clasp isn’t that reliable
  • Weak lume brightness
  • No date window

 

Alpha Daytona Paul Newman

The 39mm Alpha Daytona has a 316L stainless steel case and bracelet, a domed acrylic crystal, an exhibition case back, a stainless steel bezel with a black insert where a tachymeter scale can be found, a screw-down crown, an ivory-colored dial with index hour markers, minute markers on the outer dial, luminescent hands, and a 20-jewel Seagull SG2903 mechanical movement.

This panda dial Chrono has three subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

The Alpha Daytona Paul Newman is arguably one of the best homages to the Rolex Paul Newman.

Without a closer inspection, one can easily mistake this for a Paul Newman original.

Pros:

  • Looks just like a Rolex original
  • Legible watch face
  • Classy and elegant look
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 30m

Cons:

  • It’s quite thick
  • Little lume applied on hands
  • Some misses in the polishing

Seiko Core Chronograph SSC446

The 43.5mm SSC446 has a stainless steel case and band, a yellow-gold tone bezel with minute markers, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a white dial with gold-tone index hour markers and minute markers on the outer rim, luminescent hands and markers, and a Seiko Caliber V175 solar quartz movement.

Its three chronograph subdials have 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour scales.

This Seiko panda chronograph is one of the most affordable in the market today.

Not many panda dial Daytona can be used in surfing and other water sports like the SSC446, further adding value to this practical timepiece.

Pros:

  • Versatile Seiko panda dial that can be worn on any occasion
  • Power reserve of up to 6 months
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Tiny date window
  • It’s thick and a bit heavy
  • Weak lume brightness

Certina DS Podium C0016392705700

The Podium was launched by Certina to mark their partnership with the F1 team Sauber Petronas.

Its combination of brushed and polished styling adds to the sportiness of the timepiece.

The 42mm Podium C0016392705700 has a stainless steel case, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a black rubber strap, a fixed tachymeter bezel with black PVD coating, a date window, Arabic numeral and index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and an ETA Caliber G10.961 Swiss quartz movement.

The three chronograph subdials have 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Very affordable for its features and quality
  • Durable build
  • The strap is comfortable to wear
  • Sporty look with high attention to design details
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Busy watch face
  • Small date window
  • Has some weight to it

 

Dan Henry 1964 ‘Gran Turismo’ Panda Chronograph

The 38mm Gran Turismo has a 316L stainless steel case, a screw-back case with an Aston Martin DB5 design, a beads-of-rice stainless steel bracelet, an inner bezel with a tachymeter scale, a double-domed mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating, a silver dial with luminescent index hour markers, a blue steeled seconds hand, luminescent hour and minute hands, and a Seiko (Japan) caliber VK63 meca-quartz movement.

The Gran Turismo has three black subdials with 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour scales.

This Panda Chronograph’s silver and grey color scheme gives it a vintage appeal.

The Gran Turismo is also offered in a variety of colors, including a reverse panda scheme.

This, plus the overall features of the watch, make the Gran Turismo one of the best panda chronographs under $500.

Pros:

  • Additional straps and a watch roll included in the package
  • Vintage, classy look
  • Good timekeeping function
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Limited to 1964 pieces only
  • Metal strap clinks
  • Leather strap is too thin

 

Orient Neo70’s WV0041TX

The 42mm Neo70’s WV0041TX has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a polished steel bezel, a date window, minute markers on the outer dial, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and an Orient solar-powered movement.

The Orient panda chronograph has three subdials with 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour scales.
The Neo70’s lack of tachymeter scale helps it stand out among other panda dial chrono watches in the market.

It’s one of the most affordable Daytona homages you can find online.

Pros:

  • Very affordable solar-powered Orient panda dial watch
  • Sweeping seconds hand
  • Power reserve of up to 6 months
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Poor quality bracelet
  • Small date window
  • Hard to find
  • Lacks good color contrast between the hands and the dial, making it hard to read the time

 

Straton Syncro

The Straton Syncro combines a 70s-inspired design with the aesthetics of a racing chronograph watch and the functionality of a diver timepiece.

With this, expect to get a different take on the Paul Newman watch from the manufacturer.

The Straton Syncro has a 316L stainless steel case, a domed sapphire crystal, a unidirectional rotating bezel with Arabic numeral minute markers, a screw-down crown, a tachymeter scale on the outer dial, a date window, index hour markers, and luminescent hands and markers.

The two chronograph subdials feature 60-minute and 24-hour scales.
This panda dial chrono watch is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.

It’s also available in two types of movements: a Seiko VK64 meca-quartz hybrid movement and a Seiko mechanical NE88 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • A wide array of color combinations and strap styles
  • Affordable panda dial chrono watch
  • Legible watch face
  • Excellent lume brightness
  • Versatile use because of its several features
  • Water-resistant up to 200m

Cons:

  • It’s a bit thick
  • Oversized crown
  • Hard to find nowadays

Seagull 1963 Panda

The 42mm Seagull 1963 Panda has a stainless steel case, an exhibition case back, a polished bezel, a mineral crystal, a NATO strap in red and black stripes, a white dial with minute markers on the outer portion, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and a 21-jewel Seagull No.

ST19 mechanical movement.

It features two subdials with 60-second and 30-minute scales.
This panda dial chrono is a remake of the 1963 Chinese Airforce chronograph, making this a coveted timepiece by collectors.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Keeps time accurately
  • Power reserve of up to 45 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 30m

Cons:

  • Poor lume brightness
  • No date window
  • The chronograph isn’t that accurate

 

Alpina Startimer AL-372BS4S6

Alpina is a manufacturer of pilot watches.

They create easy-to-read timepieces using bold and legible dial designs, and the Startimer model isn’t an exception.

The 44mm Startimer AL-372BS4S6 has a stainless steel case, a solid case back, a fixed silver-tone bezel, a calfskin leather strap with a tang clasp, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a date window, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and an Alpina Calibre AL-372 Swiss quartz movement.
This panda dial chrono features three subdials with 1/10th-second, 60-second, and 60-minute scales.

Pros:

  • Highly legible watch face
  • Good lume brightness
  • Affordable panda dial chrono watch
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Strap quality isn’t that good
  • Oversized crown
  • Large profile may not be suitable to those with thin wrists

 

Nezumi Voiture Ref. VQ2.101

Nezumi Voiture is a manufacturer known for modernizing vintage watches.

They use classic designs and infuse them with a modern flavor to give their watches a unique style and sophistication.

The 40mm Ref.

VQ2.101 has a 316L stainless steel case, a fixed bezel with a black insert filled with a tachymeter scale, a double domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a solid case back, a vegetable-tanned leather strap, a push-down crown, an off-white dial with minute markings on the outer portion, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a Seiko SK V63 hybrid mechanical quartz movement.

This Seiko panda chronograph has three subdials with 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Wide variety of strap and color options
  • Legible subdials
  • Thin and lightweight, making the watch comfortable to wear
  • Vintage look with a modern appeal
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Little lume applied on hands
  • Weak lume brightness
  • Flimsy strap quality

 

Mercer Lexington EMG DL53

The Mercer Watch Co.

was established in 2014 and they’ve been producing exquisite timepieces since then.

The EMG DL53 is one of their bestselling panda chronographs under $500 that evokes a classic 60s vibe.

The 39mm EMG DL53 has a stainless steel case, a fixed bezel, a domed mineral crystal, a leather rally strap, an exhibition case back, a tachymeter scale on the inner bezel, silver index hour markers, luminescent hands, and a 19-jewel Seagull ST1901 manual movement.

Its two chronograph subdials with 60-second and 30-minute scales.

The watch is powered by a Seagull ST1901 movement which has been known to have better accuracy compared to other Chinese movements.

Pros:

  • Elegant look that you’ll mistake it for a luxury watch
  • Legible watch face
  • Available in white silver, white ash, and indigo silver color combinations
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

Cons:

No date window
Hands on the subdials are hard to see
Cheap strap quality

 

Victorinox Swiss Army Chronopro 241187

The Chronopro was launched in 2004 and received various upgrades from Victorinox’s previous chronograph models.

Fonts were made larger and colors were revised to give the new model a more distinctive look while retaining the classic elements it exhibits.
The 42mm Chronopro 241187 is a reverse panda chronograph with a stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a leather strap, a fixed bezel, a tachymeter scale on the inner bezel, a black dial with Arabic numeral hour markers, a date window, luminescent hands, and a 25-jewel Swiss automatic movement.
The Chronopro has three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Good value for its features and quality
  • Solid and durable build
  • Power reserve of up to 46 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Oversized crown
  • It’s a bit thick
  • Flimsy leather strap

 

Luxury Panda Style Watches

Here are our luxury picks for the best Paul Newman watches made by high-end brands.

Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chronograph Racer AV0079-01A

To commemorate the brand’s 100-year anniversary, they released a bullhead Citizen panda chronograph which was inspired by an older 1970s model they made.

It features several functions all made possible by the Eco-drive engine that Citizen has perfected throughout the years.

The 45mm Tsuno Chronograph has a silver-tone stainless steel case and bezel, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a leather strap, an inner bezel with a tachymeter scale, a dial with index hour markers, a date window, a power reserve indicator, a date window, an alarm function, luminescent hands and markers, and a caliber E210 Eco-drive movement.

The three chronograph subdials feature 1/5th-second, 60-second, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Available in a wide variety of dial colors and strap styles
  • Has a flyback feature
  • Power reserve of up to 8 months
  • Water-resistant up to 200m

Cons:

  • Limited edition that’s hard to find
  • Awkward crown position
  • Large and thick

 

Rado HyperChrome Chronograph

Inspired by vintage timepieces, Rado released the sporty-looking panda dial chrono HyperChrome in 2012.

With its design and functions, it’s a versatile watch that can be used for sports, casual, and formal events.

The 45mm HyperChrome Chronograph has a stainless steel case injected with ceramic, a leather strap, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a rose-gold tone bezel with a tachymeter scale, a silver dial with a date window, luminescent hands and markers, and a Rado calibre 312 quartz movement.

The three chronograph subdials showcase 1/10th-second, 60-second, and 30-minute scales.

Pros:

  • Available in a wide range of colors
  • Subdued crown and pushers give it a more subtle look
  • A rare find for its affordable price
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Small date window with a background color similar to the dial
  • Hard to find because of its cheap price
  • Crown can be hard to pull out

 

Raymond Weil Freelancer

The blue panda dial chrono from Raymond Weil features a good mix of color contrast that gives the watch a free-spirited and sophisticated look.

It embodies the eccentric personality of the Freelancer collection that fits both men and women users.

The 42mm Freelancer has a stainless steel case, a silver-tone bezel with a blue PVD top-ring showing a tachymeter scale, a leather strap, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, a screw-down crown, a day-date window, minute markers on the outer dial, luminescent index hour markers, luminescent hands, and a caliber RW5000 automatic movement.

It features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Available in a variety of dial and strap styles
  • Highly legible watch face
  • Power reserve of up to 46 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Oversized crown
  • A little thick on the wrist
  • Weaker lume compared to other luxury watches

 

Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HSG5B6

Frederique Constant is a huge name in race car rallies as it is often selected as the official timekeeper for such events.

The Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HSG5B6 pays tribute to the deep connection between the brand and the world of rally cars.
The 42mm Vintage Rally Healey has a polished stainless steel case, a grey leather strap, a convex sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, a silver dial with index and Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a 25-jewel FC-397 automatic chronograph movement.

Pros:

  • Available in other dial and strap colors
  • Perfect as dress watches
  • Power reserve of up to 46 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Limited edition timepiece that’s hard to find
  • No date window
  • Crown pushers protrude too much

 

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph

The Aikon is a vertical panda dial chrono that looks different from the typical Paul Newman watch.

This one overflows with masculinity, probably due to the all-stainless-steel build and the integrated case with lug-less design.

The 44mm Aikon Chronograph has a stainless steel case and strap, a stainless steel bezel with a claw design, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, a dial with small silver squares, a day-date window, minute markers on the outer dial, rhodium-plated index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a 25-jewel ML112 automatic movement.

It features three chronograph subdials with a 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Included in the package is an extra leather strap.

Pros:

  • Available in a variety of dial and strap styles
  • Very comfortable to wear
  • Power reserve of up to 48 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 200m

Cons:

  • Bezel gets easily scratched
  • Oversized crown and pushers
  • You can’t fit ready-made straps from other brands

 

Longines Heritage 1973

The cushion-shaped case of the Heritage 1973 is reminiscent of an older model from the same brand.

The upgraded model has received a larger case size, a more accurate movement, and a wider color selection.

The 40mm Heritage 1973 has a stainless steel case and bezel, a sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, an alligator leather strap, a tachymeter scale on the outer dial, a date window, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a caliber L688.2 manual movement.

The three black subdials feature 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.
Aside from the usual white dial with black subdials, a reverse panda chronograph variant is also available for this model.

Pros:

  • Distinctive shape that’s easy to recognize
  • Subtle third subdial
  • Affordable Paul Newman watch
  • Water-resistant

Cons:

  • Easy to get smudged with fingerprints
  • Busy watch face
  • Little lume applied

 

Breitling Superocean Heritage II B01 AB0162121G1S1

During Baselworld 2018, Breitling introduced several Superocean Heritage II watches, including the model ref.

AB0162121G1S1 which features the classic Daytona Paul Newman watch design.

Aside from the standard panda dial chrono, the Superocean Heritage II is offered in steel-blackeye blue, steel-blue, and steel-black color combinations.

The 44mm Superocean Heritage II B01 has a stainless steel case, a unidirectional ratcheted bezel with matching index hour markers, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, an exhibition case back, a black rubber strap with fold-over clasp, a date window, a dial with minute markers on the outer rim, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a 47-jewel Breitling calibre 01 automatic movement.

The panda dial chrono watch features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Available in 3 other colors, including a reverse panda chronograph style
  • Soft strap that’s comfortable to wear
  • Legible watch face
  • Excellent lume brightness
  • Power reserve of up to 70 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 200m

Cons:

  • It’s thick and a bit heavy
  • Poor color contrast on the date and the dial
  • Oversized crown and pushers

 

Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph

Montblanc’s version of the panda dial Daytona was introduced at SIHH 2018 with the help of the Swiss watchmaker Minerva.

It has many interesting features, including rhodium plating, horizontal coupling, and stop-seconds function.

The 43mm TimeWalker Manufacture has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale, a sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, a date window, rhodium-coated index and Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a caliber MB 25.10 automatic movement.

This panda dial chrono features three subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Legible watch face
  • Power reserve of up to 46 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • A bit thick at 15mm
  • Small date window
  • Lugs are quite long

 

TAG Heuer Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition

The Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition was developed by TAG in collaboration with Caliber 11 – an online forum dedicated to reviewing TAG watches.

This timepiece was modeled after the Autavia model that the legendary Formula 1 racer Jo Siffert wore during his prime.

The 42mm Autavia Jo Siffert has a stainless steel case, a black calfskin leather strap, an exhibition case back, a unidirectional, rotating, stainless steel bezel with an aluminum insert, a white dial with luminescent index hour markers, a date window, hour and minute markers on the bezel, luminescent hands, and a 33-jewel Caliber Heuer 02 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Aesthetically unique from every other panda dial chrono
  • Power reserve of up to 75 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Very hard to find as it’s limited only to 100 pieces
  • Aluminum bezel should be ceramic at this price point
  • Small date window

 

Omega Speedmaster CK2998 Limited Edition

The Omega Speedmaster CK2998 was launched in 2018 as a revamped version of the 1959 vintage Speedmaster model.

The new CK2998 differentiates its panda dial chrono design from other Paul Newman watches with its pulsometer bezel instead of the usual tachymeter scale.

The 39.7mm CK2998 has a stainless steel case, a perforated leather strap, a black ceramic bezel with a pulsometer scale, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a silver dial with index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and an Omega Calibre 1861 manual-winding movement.

It features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Wide variety of designs and straps available
  • Power reserve of up to 48 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Hard to find as it’s limited only to 2,998 pieces
  • Little lume applied on hands and markers
  • No date window

 

Bremont ALT1-C White-Black Chronograph

The Bremont ALT1-C veers away from the usual three-subdial panda dial chrono watch by presenting only two subdials.

This new model was introduced in the brand’s New York

Townhouse event in 2018, featuring the numerous updates Bremont made to accentuate the watch’s vintage-aviation style.

Compared to the busy dials of other panda dial Daytona watches, this one has a unique, minimalist appeal.

The 43mm ALT1-C has a stainless steel case, bezel, and bracelet, a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, an exhibition case back, a plain white dial with index hour markers, a date window, luminescent hands and markers, and a 25-jewel calibre BE-50AE automatic movement.

The two subdials feature 60-second and 30-minute scales.

Pros:

  • Clean and legible watch face
  • Classy appeal that oozes with elegance and sophistication
  • Available in other color variants and strap styles
  • Sweeping seconds hand
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Hands are thin
  • Small date window
  • It’s 16mm thick

 

Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Bicompax Annual

This semi-panda dial chrono from Carl F.

Bucherer gives a nice retro vibe with a classical appeal.

The Heritage Bicompax is inspired by an older 1956 model from the same brand, and it shows in the layout, feel, and overall design of this new creation.

The 41mm Heritage Bicompax Annual has a stainless steel case, an embossed rubber strap, an exhibition case back, a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a tachymeter scale on the outer dial, Arabic numeral hour markers, month and date windows, luminescent hands, and a 47-jewel caliber CFB 1972 automatic movement.

The two chronograph subdials feature 60-second and 30-minute scales.

Pros:

  • Large date window
  • Available in Highly accurate movement
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 30m

Cons:

  • Hard to find as it’s limited only to 888 pieces
  • Small month window
  • A bit thick

 

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH

The Zenith El Primero is dubbed as “The Return of the Panda” for its fresh take on the classic Paul Newman watch.

By using a different kind of case material and different color combinations, the El Primero easily stands out among other panda dial Daytonas.
The 42mm El Primero has a ceramicized aluminum case and bezel, a brown alligator leather strap, an exhibition case back, a tachymeter scale on the outer dial, a sunray-patterned panda dial with index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a 31-jewel El Primero Calibre 400 B automatic movement.

It features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

The watch is available in classic panda dial and reverse panda chronograph styles.

Pros:

  • Overlapping subdials make the El Primero a standout
  • Thin and lightweight profile
  • Excellent lume brightness
  • Power reserve of up to 50 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Design may be too loud to some users
  • Watch face looks busy
  • Small date window

 

IWC Ingenieur Chronograph “76th Members’ Meeting at Goodwood” IW381201

In 2018, the 76th Goodwood Members’ Meeting was held and it’s where the IWC racing team made its debut.

To commemorate this milestone, the brand made a limited edition timepiece that symbolizes IWC as the first watchmaker to have its own race car on a classic car event.

The 44mm Goodwood Chronograph has a titanium case and bezel, a black calfskin strap, an open case back, a sapphire crystal, a tachymeter scale on the outer dial, a silver-plated dial with dot hour markers, a day-date window, Arabic numeral minute markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a 33-jewel caliber 69380 automatic movement.

This luxurious panda dial chrono has three subdials with luminescent hands.

Pros:

  • Excellent lume brightness
  • Power reserve of up to 46 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 120m

Cons:

  • Very limited supply, with only 176 units manufactured
  • It’s a bit thick at 15.30mm
  • Dial looks busy

 

Rolex Cosomograph Daytona

The list wouldn’t be complete without the model inspired by the Rolex Daytona panda vintage popularized by Paul Newman.

This panda dial Daytona was launched in 2016 and features numerous upgrades both in its aesthetics and mechanisms.

The 40mm Cosmograph Daytona has a 904L stainless steel case and band, a Cerachrom tachymeter bezel, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a dial with index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a Caliber 4130 automatic movement.

It features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

Pros:

  • Snuggly fits on your wrists
  • Available in a wide array of strap styles and color combinations
  • Power reserve of up to 72 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Expensive for its basic chronograph features
  • No date window
  • Subdial hands can be hard to see on some variants

 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 81040-11-131-11A

The 38mm Laureato Chronograph has a 904L stainless steel case, an octagonal polished bezel, a stainless steel strap with triple folding buckle, a solid case back, a silver dial with “Clou de Paris” pattern, a date window, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a 45-jewel caliber GP03300-0135 mechanical movement.

It features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour scales.

The octagon shape motif of the Laureato family gives them a distinctive feature among other chronograph watches from Girard-Perregaux.

Aside from the bezel, the crown pushers also have a subtle octagon shape for design consistency.
There’s a larger 42mm variant with an exhibition case back available for this model.

It’s also available in 18k pink gold case material and a variety of dial colors and strap styles.

Pros:

  • Wide variety of choices aside from the usual panda dial chrono color scheme
  • Large date window
  • Legible watch face
  • Accurate timekeeping feature
  • Thin profile makes it a great dress watch
  • Power reserve of up to 46 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Mighty expensive for a panda dial watch
  • Strap can’t be changed
  • Subdial hands are too thin

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26331ST.OO.1220ST.03

AP released new models for their Royal Oak collection last 2017 to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

The 26331ST.OO.1220ST.03 is one of them which features subdials reminiscent of the vintage models developed in the 60s.
The 41mm Royal Oak 26331ST.OO.1220ST.03 has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a silver-tone bezel, a screw-down crown, a dial with a Grand Tapisserie motif, a date window, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 2385 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Solid, durable build
  • Great lume brightness
  • Legible watch face
  • Power reserve of up to 40 hours
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Large profile may not be suitable to those with thin wrists
  • Poor color contrast between the dial and the date window
  • Expensive

 

Final Thoughts

Panda dial chrono watches will always be valued, regardless if they came from a budget watchmaker or a luxury brand.

They’ve become a classic that’s still coveted by watch enthusiasts for years already.

Whether you want a panda dial Daytona for everyday use or as part of your growing watch collection, you can rest assured you’ll have a timepiece that carries a deep history and value.

You’ll never regret buying any of the panda dial chronograph watches we’ve listed here because of their design, functionality, quality, and overall value.

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