I'm gearing up to buy a Daytona before Christmas as a keeper to mark our first baby. At that kind of price point , circa 6.5k what else should I consider .
Must be a classic design and something that will stand the test of time, as per my signature I already have a sub and an iwc Portuguese
I think the most natural, if not equal priced, alternatives to the Daytona are the Speedy Pro and some version of Navitimer. Those three are IMO by far the most iconic chronographs available. With that said, the list of in house movement chronographs that can be purchased for $10,000 isn't very long. I'm sure someone will come in and mention the TAG chronograph as an example, but I wouldn't consider it.
I'd hunt for the best priced VC Oversea's, standard or chrono. Most versatile (read easy to keep) high end watch I ever owned.
This!
Personally, I'd be strongly tempted to just go for the Daytona. It's a classic piece and won't age too much IMO.
However, the Zenith El Primero range is worth considering, and as mentioned the Navitimer also has a timeless appeal.
See you already have a jlc mcc but how about a reverso?
Assuming your budget was £ and not € – then something from this lot.
Both Jocke and learningtofly have a model each that's within the list.
And whilst it may be deemed a bit left-field in the company of the brands being mentioned and their price points, how about the elegant and beautiful Grand Seiko Snowflake?
Used AP royal oak chrono is what I went for. Cracking watch and timeless design IMO but does scratch quite easily so if it's for daily wear I would choose something else.
Just put mine in for a service and can't wait for it to come back!
Have a wtb up so if anyone comes across one fs let me know
One recently for sale here:-
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...light=vacheron
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
There is no alternative! If it is a Daytona you fancy, go with it. Nothing else will measure up. Best of luck
I can't get over how pretty, balanced and downright perfect this one is and its still in stock at Silvermans.
If i won the lottery there still isn't another chronograph i'd choose over it.
Interested in this thread as my Daytona will be going up for sale and I want to replace it with probably another stainless steel 'sports' chrono.
VC Overseas was what I came up with as well. It's either that or the a Royal Oak but that feels a little bit clichéd. Is there a 'Hublot' feeling about the ROO on the forum..? How are they thought of/perceived? Yes it matters :)
Had a Striking 10th and didn't get on.
Other recommendations to the the OP would be Blanpain Fifty Fathoms chrono (I paid 6.7) and a Breguet Type XXI; both are fantastic and although I have them on straps they can be had on bracelets.
Other options seemed too leftfield for my tastes...
[edit: 2 minutes too late - great minds etc...]
How about a tudor chronograph.. either the older 7750 varient which shares a similar case to daytona, or the newer homeplate models.
Try on a royal oak chrono, they are lovely pieces. The detail etc and finishing is awesome. They feel more special in my opinion. BUT they are not as tough. They scratch ALOT due to brushed finish.
The VC is arguably even rarer, I have only ever seen one in the flesh. Tried one on the other day and although lovely I just don't like the bracelet design (aesthetically) on a strap though they look superb.
I think the fifty fathoms comes under a different category. I know it's a chrono but the design is too different I reckon.
Get the daytona. Best mechanical chrono movement in the world and it will be serviceable for many decades to come. Possibly centuries?
The VC chrono is a watch that looks great in pics but falls completely flat on its face live imho. Movement nothing special either.
You could always "outsmart a millionaire" and save yourself the very best part of 6.5k with a Stauer Corso.
...I jest of course
Breguet Type XXI is a cracking choice. Otherwise just get the Daytona. The dial on the Type XXI is stunning btw. I have also owned a Daytona and really liked it (although a tad small). The Type XXI and the Daytona are my favourite chronos that I have owned. The Breguet does feel higher end though in the metal primarily due to the extraordinary dial.
As suggested already, the JLC master chronograph. It is has a classic look and is one of the best value chronos out there at the moment.
Marked as sold now.
JLC make some awesome chronographs if that's what you're after then look no further than this. Superior value to a Daytona.
http://www.watchcollectinglifestyle....n-martins-logo
I have just agreed to buy a Zenith 18ct chronomaster moonphase. B&P complete and recent service for less that your 6.5 budget... that is what i'd recommend. But the Daytona is money in the bank if you ever need to sell...
Daytona alternative?
Depends on how much you really want a Daytona, there are comparable watches such as the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronogrpah for example, although these would have to be second hand to meet the budget, but there is nothing like a Daytona IMHO.
I had the same itch 5 years back, and bought both of the alternatives mentioned above instead. And all with a cool head, they are better made, they have better finishing, they are from higher end manufacturers, both white face with date etc. etc.
Well, 3 years ago I flipped them for what I paid for them and used the cash for a Daytona, a lower league watch, no date, blah, blah, blah, but very happy I did, and it's a keeper
- - - Updated - - -
Also the newer 42mm version
Last edited by rob-vicar; 21st January 2014 at 11:21.
You were right the first time around, buy the Daytona. It's a lovely classic, timeless watch
You'll never lose a penny either
AP ROC or VCO for a few quid more.
I found the Daytona a tad small. Not sure what size watches you normally wear but just be careful as you will be the one wearing it for a good few years.
I think the closer were these Zenith, but it is not an easy hunt,
A classic and an Icon. One of the best made and finished watch cases aver created. One of the most readable dials. A free sprung balance column wheel integrated Chrono movement with 72 hours power reserve. One of the most bomb proof and reliable watches ever made. The added bonus of bullet proof residuals. Available in a huge number of detail finishes and dials.
Seriously, there is no alternative. There are other watches which make a valiant attempt to do a similar job. The Zenith Rainbow IMHO was probably the best attempt, and before the 4130 movement was probably better.
I agree. Not just about the Daytona but any particular watch that you have coveted. The alternatives may be better but they are not what you coveted in the first place.
Buy a Daytona. With all the different models, metals, bracelets / strap the decision to buy a Daytona is only the start of the search. happy hunting.