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Is the Omega speedmaster better value than a Rolex Daytona?

DoctorEvil
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profzhu profzhu
I feel for a newcomer into watches, a speedy is far more accessible and easy to recommend. You can walk into any Omega AD and walk out with a steel speedy. And for vintage hunters, 145.022 is so abundant that it isn't too difficult to find.

The supply and demand gap for a daytona is just so annoying that it makes me sad for the AD business model. And if you're new to watches and do not have a strong existing relationship with your AD you can forget about getting any steel rolex, let alone a daytona. It used to be for fun hunting for a used daytona but today it's just who has the most money to spend.

The ones who I really feel for are those who've worked hard for years and saved up for their dream sports Rolex, only to find that the watch is now unobtainable unless they're wiling to pay a huge premium on the secondary market. The goal posts have basically been shifted on them and that's so unfair.
 
amfalconer
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That's life I'm afraid, but hopefully those people will find out about all the great watches they could get in it's place.

I used to be a Daytona fan, preferring the 116520 to the ceramic bezels, but I'm pleased as punch with my Speedmaster, even if I'd had a Daytona, I wouldn't be selling so value is not a concern to me.
 
guppydriver
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Both nice watches.

Although the Daytona has a better appreciation prognosis, the 10k you save and invest on a speedy can undoubtedly produce a decent rate of return of 7-10% typically. Not in the spirit of the OP, but something to consider when looking at the better investment angle.
 
MTROIS
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Canuck Canuck
I rest my case!

76FECD0E-FF00-4E28-A912-A8CFF2E0E3B3.jpeg
Still don’t understand how you could resolve to sell this beauty… 😕

😉
 
Canuck
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MTROIS MTROIS
Still don’t understand how you could resolve to sell this beauty… 😕

😉

I enjoyed it immensely for 25 years. I decided that there was a danger of my heirs letting it go for a song because they didn’t know what it was. So when the opportunity arose...........!
 
shoppy
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Yes it is; but I would still choose my daytona as my only chorno watch no questions asked.
 
MTROIS
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Going back to the OP’s original question, my answer would be: it depends, but it doesn’t matter (to the passionate).

Why, you may astutely ask?

Well, for one we all have different grading scales for what we define as “value” and, at least for true horological enthusiasts (trying to mentally eliminate the people who are into this solely for the status and bling aspects), I suspect that one doesn’t buy any of these watches for their value, but much more for the emotions they create, for the imaginary world they represent to them.

As stated above, if you are into space exploration and aeronautics, you will likely be more drawn to the Speedmaster.

If your dream is to cross the finishing line of the 24 hours of Daytona or Le Mans in first position (or at all), then I suspect that you will be lusting after the Cosmograph Daytona.

Some still who are into car racing, may still remember that the Speedmaster was indeed developed for gentlemen drivers, and would still go after the trusted Speedy in addition to (or despite!?) all the NASA lore.

So, availability and pricing considerations aside, each person will be able to decide what “value” they see in each model, but much more importantly, what emotions it will generate for them, what “character” they will want to project when wearing the watch and simply what dreams they will be able to fulfill when getting the watch they so much desire.


Of course, these are just my humble thoughts...
 
MTROIS
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Canuck Canuck
I enjoyed it immensely for 25 years. I decided that there was a danger of my heirs letting it go for a song because they didn’t know what it was. So when the opportunity arose...........!
Thank you for sharing @Canuck, it is indeed a beautiful watch.
 
amcclell
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kind of like asking is wayne gretzky better than gordie howe...
 
Nobel Prize
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Depends what you pay for it and depends where you place the value.

All things being equal if bought at retail price then, of course not, because the Daytona will almost double on value once it leaves the shop.

If bought at current aftermarket value.... debatable. Who knows how much more it will appreciate?

if based on what you get as a watch... I’d say yes, the Speedy is better value as a quality time piece versus price. You get a reliable, attractive and historic watch at the quarter of the price of another reliable , attractive and historic watch.
Edited:
 
MTROIS
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shoppy shoppy
Yes it is; but I would still choose my daytona as my only chorno watch no questions asked.
Why? 😉
 
DoctorEvil
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Hands90 Hands90
Article is outdated.
There is a new movement in town - the 3861

Agree. That's why I revived this thread in the first place.
Leaving aside purely emotive reasons for buying a watch and considering what you get for your money when buying at retail price, I feel that the Calibre 3861 now shifts the pendulum firmly back towards the Speedy. This particularly applies if one is buying a watch to keep and use as a daily wearer. Of course, if one is buying a watch as an investment or to make a quick profit then it might be a different story.
 
64Wing
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Davidt Davidt
Hmm. That's got me thinking, which is better a pineapple or an apple?
Depends on the occasion. Is it a dressy event?
 
shoppy
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MTROIS MTROIS
Why? 😉
Simply put it’s an easy watch to wear, slim profile and a pick up and go watch. It’s automatic, has a decent power reserve and level of water resistance as well as being able to use as an every day watch. I love the ceramic insert and find it comfortable to wear with the 1/2 link adjustment when needed. I know I can achieve this with the speedy with a new clasp.

Don’t get me wrong I love my DSOTMs and FOIS and my speedy pro. But I am a bit more conscious when wearing them due to leather straps when I wear it on those, water resistance and having to manually wind. I find this charming mostly, but every now and than not so.
Edited:
 
Alllexandru
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captain_NEMO captain_NEMO
Legibility: Speedmaster, hands down.
Cost: Speedmaster
History: Speedmaster
Iconic Status: Tie (subjective)
Accuracy: N/A
Toughness: Daytona (oyster case)
Movement: Daytona (auto)
If given to me for free: Daytona
Buying using my own money: Speedmaster 😀

Overall, Daytona is an awesome watch in its own right. The busy look just isn't my cup of tea. I'll go Speedmaster all day, everyday.

This exact my feelings too but I love being mechanical (not auto)
+1
 
MTROIS
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shoppy shoppy
Simply put it’s an easy watch to wear, slim profile and a pick up and go watch. It’s automatic, has a decent power reserve and level of water resistance as well as being able to use as an every day watch. I love the ceramic insert and find it comfortable to wear with the 1/2 link adjustment when needed. I know I can achieve this with the speedy with a new clasp.

Don’t get me wrong I love my DSOTMs and FOIS and my speedy pro. But I am a bit more conscious when wearing them due to leather straps when I wear it on those, water resistance and having to manually wind. I find this charming mostly, but every now and than not so.

Thank you for elaborating. You certainly make some valid points, but overall really a question of preference / subjective assessment... and that is ALL GOOD!! 👍

My biggest gripe with the Speedy has certainly been with the lack of adjustment possibilities of the bracelet... especially since we have no longer been able to use the half link from the 2254.50 OR since the new bracelet STILL does not offer micro adjustment options. 🤦
 
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