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The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona are both chronographs, but the comparison depends on the exact references. Here, the Omega is the stainless-steel 39.7 mm Speedmaster reference 311.30.40.30.01.001; the Daytona is Rolex reference 126503, a 40 mm Oystersteel-and-yellow-gold model. The Omega is manually wound, while the Daytona is automatic. Their published power reserves are 55 hours and approximately 72 hours, respectively.
Which exact watches are being compared?
“Daytona” names a family, not one specification or price. The technical comparison below uses the two references for which manufacturer details are cited. Rolex also sells Daytona models in other materials and configurations, so the 126503 should not be treated as representative of every Daytona.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Hand Wind Black Dial Men's Watch 310.32.42.50.01.001 | $7,350.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Omega Speedmaster 38 Chronograph Men's Watch 324.30.38.50.01.001 | $5,790.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Omega | $7,600.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 310.30.42.50.01.001 (W221317) [Parallel Import], Bracelet Type](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413XHnz+VDL._SL160_.jpg)
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Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph... | $7,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Specification | Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 | Rolex Cosmograph Daytona |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | 311.30.40.30.01.001 | 126503 |
| Case and material | 39.7 mm; stainless steel | 40 mm; Oystersteel and yellow gold |
| Movement and winding | Calibre 321; manual winding | Calibre 4131; self-winding |
| Published power reserve | 55 hours | Approximately 72 hours |
| Other cited specification | 5 bar (50 m) water resistance | Rolex states −2/+2 seconds per day precision after casing |
| Published dimensions beyond diameter | 48.00 mm lug-to-lug; 13.70 mm thick; 19 mm between lugs | Not stated in the cited US model-page details |
These are manufacturer-published specifications, not results of a direct comparative test. Omega lists a sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective treatment and an approximate total weight of 128 g for the cited Speedmaster. Rolex identifies the 126503 as a Superlative Chronometer. Rolex describes its tachymeter as a means of reading average speed over a measured distance, up to 400 units per hour in kilometres or miles.
See the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 product page and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126503 US model page for the cited manufacturer specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
How do the movements differ?
Omega: manual winding
The cited Calibre 321 must be wound by hand. Omega publishes a 55-hour power reserve. For someone who enjoys the daily ritual of winding a watch, this is a defining part of ownership; someone who prefers a watch that winds itself with wrist movement may find it less convenient.
Rolex: automatic winding
The 126503’s Calibre 4131 is self-winding and has an approximately 72-hour reserve, according to Rolex. Rolex also publishes a precision figure of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing. That is the manufacturer’s stated standard, not an independently measured comparison with the Omega.
The reserve figures are not a verdict on accuracy or overall chronograph performance. The available specifications do not establish that one watch keeps time better in real-world use or that one chronograph is more useful for a particular owner.
Rank #2
- Model 324.30.38.50.01.001
What do the dimensions and materials mean for fit?
The nominal diameters are close: 39.7 mm for the Omega and 40 mm for the Rolex. Diameter alone does not determine how either watch wears. Omega publishes a 48 mm lug-to-lug length and 13.70 mm thickness for its reference; equivalent dimensions are not stated in the cited Rolex details. The Omega is steel, while the chosen Daytona pairs Oystersteel with yellow gold, giving the two watches different material and visual character.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTry the exact references on your wrist before deciding based on fit. The figures available here do not support a confident claim about comparative comfort or wrist presence, and other Daytona materials and configurations will look and wear differently from the 126503.
How should you compare their prices?
The cited Omega Hong Kong page showed HKD 121,500, while Rolex’s US page listed the two-tone 126503 at $24,550 USD. These are listings from different regions and currencies, so they are not a direct price comparison. Rolex’s US all-models page also listed an Oystersteel Daytona at $16,900 USD and platinum examples at prices including $84,600 USD. Those are US list prices observed on the cited pages, not secondary-market values; they show why “the price of a Daytona” is not a single figure.
Rank #3
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.001
For a meaningful comparison, check the exact references in the same country and currency, at the same time. The cited listings do not establish current stock, resale value, wait times, or service costs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why does Calibre 321 matter to the Speedmaster?
Omega says Calibre 321 was the first movement used in the Speedmaster line, which began in 1957. Swatch Group announced the movement’s return to production in 2019. Omega connects the modern movement to the third-generation Speedmaster style worn during America’s first spacewalk in 1965.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIn its account of the 2020 reintroduction, Omega says it used tomography to study the Speedmaster worn by astronaut Eugene “Gene” Cernan while restoring the original Calibre 321 dimensions. The company also says it opened a dedicated Calibre 321 workshop at its Biel, Switzerland, watchmaking site. These are Omega’s descriptions of its own history and production process.
Rank #4
Omega’s model page identifies the cited modern reference, while its historical account and Swatch Group’s announcement provide the company’s background on the movement’s return.
Which one makes more sense for you?
- Choose the Speedmaster Calibre 321 if you want this specific steel, manually wound Speedmaster and value its connection to the early Speedmaster story. Its listed dimensions, 5 bar water resistance and 55-hour reserve are specific to reference 311.30.40.30.01.001.
- Consider the Daytona 126503 if you prefer an automatic chronograph, want the cited two-tone Oystersteel-and-yellow-gold configuration, or place weight on Rolex’s published precision standard and approximately 72-hour reserve.
- Compare alternatives before deciding if “Daytona” to you means a steel, platinum or other configuration. The 126503’s price and materials do not describe the entire Daytona range.
Neither the specifications nor the available price listings settle questions such as comparative comfort, service expense, present availability or secondary-market value. Those require evidence specific to the references, region and date.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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