Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Vs. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

It’s Sunday morning, and also you all know what which means. It’s time for an additional Sunday Morning Showdown. This week, we paired two legendary chronographs as a result of we discovered that we hadn’t pitted these explicit variations towards one another. It’s been roughly a yr since Omega launched the white-dial Moonwatch, but it surely feels prefer it was for much longer in the past, highlighting the unbelievable tempo at which manufacturers launch new watches. The white-dial Speedy will go up towards the white-dial Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. The present model got here out in 2023, but it surely feels prefer it has been right here perpetually. It’s time to search out out which of those two well-known chronographs will take the crown on this week’s Sunday Morning Showdown.

When the present white-dial Moonwatch got here out, we put it up towards its black-dial counterpart. To our shock, although, we by no means pitted it towards the white-dial Daytona. Because of this, this battle is all concerning the white-dial variations of each watches. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 was met with lots of reward when it debuted final yr. It’s at the moment out there for €9,000 on the chrome steel bracelet. Remarkably, that’s the identical worth as at its introduction final yr. The white-dial Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126500LN was unveiled throughout Watches and Wonders 2023 together with its black-dial counterpart. At present, the worth is €16,100, making it considerably costlier than the Omega. Nonetheless, one thing tells us the worth isn’t the deciding issue for most individuals. Let’s discover out!

Final week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

Earlier than we do, let’s take a fast have a look at final week’s battle. In final Sunday’s showdown, the Nomos Membership Sport Neomatik Worldtimer crushed the Frederique Fixed Highlife Worldtimer. The Nomos ended up taking 71% of the votes, leaving simply 29% for the Frederique Fixed. Whereas a win for the Membership Sport Neomatik Worldtimer was not essentially a shock, the margin was possibly barely greater than we had anticipated. The feedback confirmed a barely extra balanced end result based mostly on the Nomos’s sensible shortcomings, resembling not having a date and never being a real worldtimer. In the long run, although, the numbers don’t lie; the favored new Nomos comfortably took the win. We anticipate a a lot nearer consequence this week, so now it’s over to Jorg and Mike to make their instances.

Jorg: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001

Let’s hold this good and brief, Mike, as a result of most individuals could have determined already. Let me begin by saying that I can’t use my standard “I favor black dials over white dials” argument. In a battle of white dials, it must be about one thing else.

Relating to Speedmasters, that’s really not that tough for me. As I defined in our earlier showdown that includes each of the present Moonwatches, white-dial Speedmasters are way more thrilling to see than the black-dial ones.

The 2008 Omega Speedmaster Alaska Challenge LE

By way of appears to be like, my favourite Speedmaster is the 2008 limited-edition Speedmaster Alaska Challenge with its absolutely white dial. One other favourite is the much-desired Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award from 2015, which I like. They present that the visible brilliance of a white-dial Speedy is genuinely thrilling. Lastly, there was additionally the Speedmaster “Albino” for the Italian market to rejoice the fortieth anniversary of the Speedmaster. It reveals the good visible potential for white-dial Speedmasters, so it solely made sense {that a} comparable model of the present Moonwatch would look nice.

Not only a plain white dial for the Moonwatch

However Omega ensured that the Moonwatch’s white dial wouldn’t be a medical, overly simplistic one. As a substitute, the model selected to equip the watch with a white varnished and lacquered dial that appears tremendous crisp. Moreover, the dial has a pleasant depth and loads of element because of the step all the way down to the minute monitor and the concentric graining within the sub-dials. These particulars immediately make the white dial look higher than the fairly soulless white dial of the Rolex Daytona.

Within the subsequent step, the Omega designers opted to distinction the white lacquered dial with diamond-polished black PVD-coated arms and markers handled with white Tremendous-LumiNova. These black particulars match the black bezel insert properly, guaranteeing a balanced and well-thought-out look. As compared, the white dial of the Daytona appears to be like fairly busy, particularly with the abundance of textual content on the higher half.

On prime of that, there may be all the time the problem of the 2 chronograph counters sitting barely larger than the middle pinion. It’s one in every of these “what has been seen can’t be unseen” components that all the time stands out instantly. In the long run, I a lot favor the Speedmaster’s dial for an inventory of causes.

However that’s not the place it ends. Along with my points with the Daytona’s white dial, there may be additionally the plain drawback of the Daytona’s screw-down pushers. They make utilizing the chronograph impractical and, as soon as unscrewed, make the watch look bizarre.

As everyone knows, there isn’t a sensible motive to maintain utilizing this model of pushers. On prime of that, the mix of the pushers, the crown, and the crown guards creates a complete visible unit on the correct aspect of the watch. Let’s say it’s an acquired style and one which I don’t favor over the Speedy.

The worth distinction between the Moonwatch and the Daytona is tough to disregard

That brings me to my last level — the worth distinction between the 2 watches. At present, the checklist worth of the white-dial Moonwatch is €9,000, whereas the retail worth of the white-dial Daytona is €16,100.

Let me begin by saying that I wasn’t a fan of the steep worth hikes that Omega launched within the brief interval after the introduction of the black-dial Moonwatch. However seeing that Omega hasn’t raised the watch’s worth previously 12 months was a pleasant shock. The worth of the Daytona, alternatively, has gone up from €14,850 at introduction to €16,100 at this level.

Whereas worth will increase aren’t in the least shocking anymore on the earth of watches, to be trustworthy, the €7K worth distinction between at present’s contenders did shock me considerably, Mike. That’s steep and positively an element that performs a component in my choice to vote for the Omega each single time. And that’s not even mentioning that the individuals who need a Daytona are comfortable to pay €16,100 for one as a result of, in actuality, most would even pay way more on the secondary/parallel market. However let’s follow the checklist costs to conclude that it’s the ultimate consider an inventory of the reason why I’d decide the Speedmaster each time. However let me know why you’d select the Daytona, Mike.

Mike: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126500LN

Maybe the battle between the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch appears lopsided. I don’t imply that when it comes to voting. There’s an enormous pricing hole. But, right here we’re as a result of these are two of probably the most recognizable chronographs available on the market. One, the Daytona, is the poster baby for abhorrent wait lists and markups. The opposite, the white-dial Moonwatch, is virtually model new and seemingly the reply to years of requests from followers. So, with that disparaging intro, why have I chosen the Daytona?

A troublesome selection, however the Daytona continues to be my decide

I’m on the report in a number of podcasts and articles for requesting a metal white-dial Moonwatch. When it got here, although, I used to be a tad underwhelmed. I used to be on the lookout for one with a matte dial and printed indexes. As a substitute, Omega delivered a premium watch with utilized indexes, a shiny dial, and a speck of crimson writing. In actuality, the model delivered a watch extra in step with — you guessed it — the Daytona.

Whereas the white-dial Moonwatch is admittedly far nicer in individual than in images and renders, the Daytona continues to be my decide. If we have been reprising a battle of the black-dial fashions, I’d be on Crew Omega, however the order is reversed when the dial shade disappears. There’s simply one thing concerning the steadiness of this watch and its thick ceramic bezel. I’m no fanboy of recent Rolex, however I’d fortunately put on this mannequin.

Rattling enticing, regardless of all of the writing

I usually favor a manual-winding watch, and, within the Speedy’s case, it even ends in much less writing on the dial. The Daytona has lots of textual content under the coronet brand, but it surely one way or the other works. Maybe it’s develop into so recognizable that it’s acceptable. I additionally couldn’t care much less concerning the sub-dial placement simply above the central pinion. The black rings across the registers create a balanced look, and, all advised, the watch appears to be like extra compact than the Speedmaster. After all, at 40mm, it’s smaller by a wholesome 2mm. Concerning the screw-down pushers, I like them. Certain, it impedes utilization in the event that they aren’t unscrewed, however the watch appears to be like strong and, oddly, extra like a instrument due to the protectors.

A candy computerized in-house motion

Rolex equips the Daytona with its in-house computerized caliber 4131, and, by most accounts, it’s a candy one. With a 72-hour energy reserve, a chronometer certification, and a median accuracy of ±2 seconds per day, there’s little to dislike. After all, if a manual-winding motion is a should, there’s nothing to persuade you of this caliber’s deserves. I’m often on that wavelength, however I’ve discovered to understand this motion and its contribution, or lack thereof, to the watch’s general thickness. Sure, the Daytona, with out a micro-rotor, is simply 11.9mm thick in comparison with the Moonwatch at 13.2mm.

The intangibles

Each of those watches have improbable bracelets. I take problem with every for polished hyperlinks, however they’re certainly bona fide luxurious items. As meals for thought, I give Rolex credit score for its easy, one-screw hyperlinks. Then, there’s the “every day use” argument. The Daytona is certainly an consideration magnet, and that may spell hassle in some locations. Nevertheless, if security isn’t a priority, then the Daytona is extra versatile. With options like a screw-down crown and a 100m water resistance score, it may deal with nearly every thing.

The elephant within the room — pricing and availability

Sure, the Daytona is just about inconceivable to purchase from an AD with out a buy historical past and a prolonged wait. It has been this manner since 2011 (not less than within the USA) and doubtless will keep that manner for eternity. That’s a rattling disgrace as a result of, even for €16,100, it’s a pleasant watch. It’s practically double the worth of the Omega, however there’s a great likelihood of regaining one’s preliminary outlay if a sale is critical. We are saying resale doesn’t matter, however when a watch prices this way more, it’s good to know that it holds worth.

Time to vote!

We’ve been right here earlier than with these two giants of the sports-chronograph market. It’s the primary time we’ve put the white-dial variations face to face, although. Each are nice watches with totally different specs, sizes, and motion types. The query, as all the time, is how you’ll vote and why. Tell us within the feedback part under.