It was in the 1950s when Rolex released the chronograph watch that will be the precursor to the Daytona model we know today.
It was the reference 6238 specifically that became a hit in the market with the label ‘Chronograph’ on its dial.
When Sir Malcolm Campbell set the world land speed record, he was wearing a Rolex watch.
He then thanked the company for the amazing durability of his watch.
This led to Rolex serving as the official timekeeper for the prestigious Daytona auto race.
After this event, Rolex designed a timepiece especially made for racecar drivers by including a chronograph function and infusing a tachymeter scale on its bezel.
Adam Levine, Miley Cyrus, and Ed Sheeran are some of the most popular celebrities who love their Daytonas.
Not everyone, though, can afford the prestige associated with the timepiece.
With this, several watchmakers developed timepiece collections that pay respect to the Rolex Daytona series.
Similar Watches to Rolex Daytona Reviews
Here are the most popular alternative and homage watches for the Rolex Daytona.
Invicta Speedway 9211
The 39.5mm Speedway 9211 features a tachymeter bezel, Tritnite luminous hands, Japanese quartz movement, a mineral crystal, and a stainless steel case and bracelet.
It also has 3 subdials that feature 24-hour, 60-minute, and 60-second functions.
Pros:
- Looks great for its price
- You’ll mistake it for a Daytona due to their similarities
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Band feels cheap and may easily break
- Movement ticks rather than sweep
Stuhrling Concorso Raceway
The Concorso Raceway is a 42mm watch that features Swiss quartz movement, a tachymeter bezel, Krysterna crystal window, a stainless steel case, luminous markers and hands, and 3 subdials.
Pros:
- Has a nice finish that makes it look expensive
- Good clasp quality
- Water-resistant up to 50m
Cons:
- Hands on the subdials may easily fall off
Henry Jay Specialty Aquamaster
The unique color combination of this 44mm watch closely resembles the variants seen on the modern Daytona models.
Its aqua blue dial allows easier time reading and its metallic umber bezel adds stylishness to the watch.
The Specialty Aquamaster also has 3 subdials, a tachymeter bezel, and an exclusive Miyota quartz movement.
Pros:
- Color combination makes the watch look a lot more expensive than its price
- Good quality and durability
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Water leakage and fogging may occur when submerged in water for prolonged times
Rotary GS00600/04
The GS00600/04 is a 42mm watch with quartz movement that features almost similar design and functions seen on the Rolex Daytona.
It has a date function, luminous hands and markers, and a black dial where 3 subdials are displayed.
Pros:
- Clean design makes it look good on either casual or formal wear
- Very comfortable to wear
- Water-resistant up to 50m
Cons:
- Luminous hands and markers aren’t that bright at night
Seiko SSB025PC
This 40mm watch is similar to the SSB033 model except for the white dial and the blue accents on it.
Other than these, the SSB025PC features the same tachymeter bezel, chronograph, quartz movement, stainless steel case, date window, and subdials at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
Pros:
- Luminous hands and markers make it easy to tell time even in low light conditions
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Markers aren’t aligned with the second hand movements
- Clinking noise due to hollow end links
Seiko SSB033
The SSB033 shows a striking resemblance with the Daytona.
This sporty-looking 40mm watch has a tachymeter bezel, a chronograph, a quartz movement, a Hardlex crystal, and subdials at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
Pros:
- Functional chronograph and subdials
- Classy design at a reasonable price
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Bracelet and clasps feel cheap and flimsy
Orient NEO 70’s Solar Panda
The Solar Panda is a 42mm solar-powered quartz watch that resembles the first models of the Rolex Daytona in the 1960s.
True to its name, the Neo 70 features 3 black subdials on a white-faced dial which makes it look like a panda’s face.
Pros:
- Looks stylish and fun to wear due to its design
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Bracelet is flimsy
Tissot Quickster
The Quickster is a 42mm classic-looking watch with a modern accent that gives it a unique design slightly different from the Daytona.
Still, you can see that the tachymeter bezel, the chronograph, and the positioning of the 3 subdials are similar to that of the Daytona.
Pros:
- Simple but elegant design that’s suitable for either casual or formal wear
- Large markers and overall size makes it easy to read time
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Band seems too narrow for the size of the watch
Tissot T-Sport PRS516
The T-Sport PRS516 is a 42mm watch that features color combinations and dial patterns reminiscent of its motorsports origin.
Its nostalgic design includes a polished tachymeter bezel, date display, chronograph, and 3 subdials in a 2-6-10 position.
Pros:
- Excellent craftsmanship and quality for its price
- Anti-reflective surface makes it easier to read time even in direct sunlight
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Minute and hour hands blend with the background in some variants
Tissot V8 Chronograph
The V8 is a 43mm sporty-looking timepiece that has a tachymeter bezel, Swiss quartz movement, stainless steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and 3 large subdials.
It’s available in different color variants and strap types.
Pros:
- Overall finish make it look sophisticated and expensive
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Hollow end links produce a rattling sound
Hamilton Jazzmaster Lord Hamilton
The Jazzmaster Lord Hamilton is a 47mm automatic watch that features a tachymeter bezel, a chronograph, a day and date window, a sapphire crystal, a stainless steel case, Swiss movement, and luminous hands and markers.
Its greatest design difference from the Daytona is the 6-9-12 positioning of the 3 subdials.
Pros:
- Impeccable quality and luxurious design on par with the Daytona
- Power reserve of up to 42 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Might be too big for some users
Victorinox AirBoss Mach 4
Although it gives a military-like feel instead of a motorsports vibe, you can still tell that the massive 45mm AirBoss Mach 6 from Victorinox takes its design inspiration from the Rolex Daytona.
The Mach 6 features luminous hands, a chronograph, a tachymeter bezel, a date window, an anti-reflective sapphire, an automatic movement, and 3 subdials.
Pros:
- Power reserve of up to 46 hours
- Excellent quality and functionality
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Expensive compared to watches with similar features
Hamilton Pan Europ Auto Chrono
The 45mm Pan Europ is an automatic chronograph that features a date window, luminescent hands and markers, a stainless steel case, a driver’s style bezel, and a leather strap.
The timepiece only has 2 subdials at the 3 and 9 o’clock position compared to the Daytona which has 3.
Pros:
- Power reserve of up to 60 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- The design makes the dial look too busy
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16
The Formula 1 is a 44mm automatic chronograph that features a stainless steel case and band, a tachymeter bezel, luminous markers and hands, a date window at the 3 o’clock position, and 3 subdials in a 6-9-12 position.
Pros:
- Excellent for surface water sports
- Power reserve of up to 42 hours
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Watch is a bit heavy
TAG Heuer Carrera Panamericana Special Edition
The Panamericana resembles the Daytona in how its design is inspired by motor racing.
The 43mm quartz chronograph Panamericana features a black dial with luminescent markers and hands, a date window, a tachymeter bezel, an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and 3 subdials.
Pros:
- Accurate time measurement
- Its attractive, classy, and sporty design makes it versatile to wear
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Would have been better for some if the movement was automatic
Omega Speedmaster Racing Chronograph
The 40mm Racing Chronograph is Omega’s modern version of the Speedmaster collection with its sporty looking design and quirky color combination.
It features a similar 3-subdial setup seen on the Daytona, a tachymeter bezel, a scratch-resistant crystal, luminescent markers and hands, and a self-winding Swiss movement.
Pros:
- Available in different color variants and bracelet types
- Power reserve of up to 52 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- More expensive than other Daytona alternatives
Tudor Fastrider
The 42mm Fastrider sports a unique look with its variety of black, yellow, red, and green dial colors.
Aside from its contemporary design, it also features a tachymeter bezel, a self-winding automatic movement, a chronograph, luminous hands, a date window, and 3 subdials in a 3-6-9 position.
Pros:
- Can suit a variety of band types
- Water-resistant up to 150m
Cons:
- Dial colors may not suit everybody’s taste
Tudor Black Bay Chrono
The 41mm Black Bay Chrono looks like a mix of the Daytona and the Submariner.
It features a Calibre MT5813 self-winding mechanical movement, a tachymeter bezel, luminous markers and hands, a day and date window, a domed sapphire crystal, a steel bracelet and clasp, and 2 subdials.
Pros:
- Vintage and modern look in one
- Power reserve of up to 70 hours
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- A little small to contain all its features
Special Mention: Paul Newman Daytona
The Paul Newman Daytona is probably one of the most sought-after Rolex model in history.
It has an exotic design that features 3 black subdials on an ivory white dial, engraved tachymeter markers on the bezel, and red accents for the chronograph.
Due to its popularity, it was able to fetch a price of more than $17 million in an auction – the highest recorded in history for a single timepiece.
Even the wealthiest and most hardcore collectors will have trouble getting their hands on this piece due to its extravagant price tag.
Because of this, manufacturers developed homage watches to match the high demand for the Paul Newman model.
Here are some Paul Newman homage and alternative watches you can consider adding to your collection:
Gigandet G5
The Gigandet G5 is a 40mm sports chronograph that features a tachymeter bezel, a date window, luminous hands and dot markers, Citizen-Miyota movement, and 3 subdials in the 3-6-9 position similar to that of the Paul Newman.
Pros:
- The design combines retro and contemporary looks which makes it wearable on any occasion
- Water-resistant up to 50m
Cons:
- Leather strap seems unsuitable for water submersion
Gigandet Racetrack Chronograph
The 43mm chronograph watch is an inexpensive homage to the Daytona.
It has a black tachymeter bezel, luminous hands, a date window, a Miyota calibre JS15 movement, scratch-resistant crystal, and 3 subdials in a 6-9-12 position.
Pros:
- Unique sporty bracelet looks nice
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Date may be hard to read
Citizen Brycen CA0649-06X
The Brycen CA0649-06X is a 44mm chronograph watch that features a tachymeter bezel, an ivory dial, luminous hands, a stainless steel case, a date window, and 3 subdials in a 6-9-12 position.
Pros:
- Its color combination of white, black, and orange gives it both a vintage and modern look
- Good quality and tells time accurately
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Date window is almost unreadable
- Leather strap is too small
Alpha Daytona Chronograph
The Alpha Daytona is probably the best homage watch for the Paul Newman model.
It also has 3 black subdials on an ivory white dial with red accent chronograph, a tachymeter bezel, and a stainless steel case.
The only notable difference in the Alpha Daytona is the black bezel and see-through case back.
Pros:
- Looks almost like an authentic Paul Newman Daytona
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- Luminescent material is too thin to create a glowing effect in low light conditions
- Flimsy bracelet
Stuhrling Original Formula i
The 42mm Formula i is obviously inspired by the Paul Newman Daytona with its ivory dial and 3 black subdials.
The Formula i also has a tachymeter bezel, stainless steel case and bracelet, a Krysterna crystal, a date window, Japanese quartz movement, and luminous hands and markers.
Pros:
- Classy appearance, thanks to excellent craftsmanship and high attention to detail
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Weighs a little heavier than other watches
Gevril Tribeca
The original 42mm Gevril Tribeca is a rare find and a collector’s item since it was last released in the late 90s.
There have been several collections that take on the theme of the original Tribeca and they feature quartz movement, a sapphire crystal, a tachymeter bezel, a date window, and 3 subdials.
Pros:
- The new edition is available in different color tones
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- The original is hard to find as it’s been discontinued
Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph
The 42mm Ocean One almost looks like the Paul Newman Daytona with its ivory dial, red accent chronograph, black tachymeter bezel, and 3 black subdials.
The addition of luminous markers and hands, the inclusion of a see-through case back, and the use of a Dubois Dépraz DD 2020 automatic movement make this timepiece a high-end alternative to the Paul Newman.
Pros:
- Flawless craftsmanship and the use of high-quality parts guarantee customer satisfaction
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Luminescent hands and markers are barely visible in low light conditions
Tudor Tiger Prince Date
The 40mm Tiger Prince Date is more of a luxury alternative watch rather than a homage because of its expensive price tag.
The Prince Date features 3 subdials in a 6-9-12 position, a magnified date window, a stainless steel case, a Valjoux 7750 movement, luminous hands and markers, and a bidirectional bezel.
The Prince Date collection is also available in different dial colors and bracelet types.
Pros:
- Date window is highly visible
- Excellent craftsmanship and quality
Cons:
- An expensive alternative to the Paul Newman
My end review on the list of the Rolex Daytona homages
The classic Daytona and the Paul Newman timepieces from Rolex have made their marks in the history of watches for being trailblazers in using chronograph features.
The sporty but classy look of these watches has inspired manufacturers to develop homage and alternative timepieces that are more affordable to the general public.
The homage and alternative watches we’ve listed above bear the closest resemblance to the Daytona and Paul Newman.
You’ll never go wrong in picking one of them.
