Rolex Daytona vs Omega Speedmaster: which to buy pre-loved?
Both are motorsport-era chronographs with tachymeter scales. The Daytona is automatic, water-resistant to 100 m and one of the hardest Rolexes to buy new; the Speedmaster Moonwatch is hand-wound with a space-flight history and is far easier to find. Choose the Daytona for prestige, the Speedmaster for history and value.
Reviewed by the Nuvinty editorial team · Fact-checked
Facts checked against brand sites, auction houses and specialist dealers.
| Rolex Daytona | Omega Speedmaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1963 | 1957 |
| Movement | Automatic | Hand-wound (Moonwatch Professional) |
| Case | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Water resistance | 100 m | 50 m |
| Bezel | Tachymeter (steel, ceramic or gold) | Tachymeter |
| Claim to fame | Paul Newman's watch | The first watch worn on the Moon |
| Median asking price | £28,450 (59 listings) | £5,780 (32 listings) |
Asking prices across live listings from the partner retailers we index, updated 11 Oct 2026. Asking prices, not sold prices.
Choose the Rolex Daytona if…
- •You want an automatic chronograph
- •You want the Rolex name
- •You want more water resistance
Choose the Omega Speedmaster if…
- •You love the space history
- •You enjoy a hand-wound watch
- •You want a chronograph for much less money
Prices are sellers' asking prices. Nuvinty may earn a commission if you buy through a link. How we earn
Pre-loved Rolex Daytona listings
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Rolex Daytona 116520 2011 Black Dial Full Set£16,850.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Dial - 116520£18,500.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Daytona Black Ceramic Dial 116500LN 2019 Full Set 40mm£18,836.70 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
2006 ROLEX DAYTONA 116520 - FULL BOX, PAPERS & £21K VALUATION PLUS RECENT VALET£15,486.70 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Pre-loved Omega Speedmaster listings
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OMEGA Speedmaster Racing Red Dial 326.30.40.50.11.001 2019£3,500.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Omega Speedmaster 324.30.38.50.01.001 38 mm Black Dial Steel 2024 Box & Papers£4,195.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50th Anniversary - 2026 - Boxed & Papers£12,499.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
2022 Omega Speedmaster Racing Grey 326.30.40.50.06.001 Box Serviced Excellent£2,934.10 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Daytona vs Omega Speedmaster: questions
Why is the Daytona hard to buy?
Demand far exceeds Rolex's supply at retail, which is why most buyers look at the pre-owned market.
Is the Speedmaster a Daytona alternative?
It's the most common alternative chronograph at a much lower price, though it's hand-wound and less water-resistant.
What should I check on a pre-owned chronograph?
That the chronograph starts, stops and resets cleanly, plus service history and matching serials.
Buying guides and more comparisons
Nuvinty compares listings from resale marketplaces and retailers and may earn a commission when you buy through our links. We don't sell or authenticate items; buy from sellers who offer an authentication guarantee.