Windows vs. Apple, Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola, there are some brands that are doomed to be compared with each other throughout their lifetime and when it comes to watches, there will always be an Omega watches versus Rolex debate . Both of these watches are from respected Swiss manufacturers. Each has its passionate followers but the obvious question is always, which is the better one?

In this article, we compare two steel chronographs that have a similar look. These are the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

Omega versus Rolex

Technical Specifications

OMEGA 311.30.42.30.01.006 ROLEX 116500LN

CASE – Steel, sapphire crystal case back

BEZEL – Steel anonized engraved tachymetric scale

CRYSTAL – Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside

WATER RESISTANCE -Waterproof to 50 meters / 167 feet

MOVEMENT – Manual, winding chronograph movement

CALIBRE – Omega 1863

POWER RESERVE – 48 hours

CERTIFICATION – NASA certified for use on an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) CASE – Oystercase

BEZEL – Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with engraved tachymetric scale

CRYSTAL – Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside

WATER RESISTANCE -Waterproof to 100 meters / 330 feet

MOVEMENT – Perpetual, mechanical chronograph, self-winding

CALIBRE – Rolex 4130

POWER RESERVE – ~ 72 hours

CERTIFICATION – Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

Here are some tidbits on the following components.

Bezel

Rolex for this watch version moved from a stainless steel bezel to a ceramic bezel.

Casing

Omega’s casing is steel and has a sapphire glass back to see the movement.

Rolex’s Perpetual Oystercase makes the watch waterproof allowing for more than just surface water activities.

Movement

One important factor to consider in purchasing a watch is whether one prefers an automatic versus a hand-wound watch.

The Omega must be wound every day while the Rolex is wound through simple arm movement. However, Omega does not have some of the advantages Rolex has, for example, Rolex has a longer reserve of 72 hours while Omega has 48 hours before it needs to be wound.

The Omega 1863 that is available in the 311.30.42.30.01.006 has been upgraded to include Rhodium components. Because the back of the Omega is open, the component finishes on this watch are exquisite. See the video below for a good look.

Rolex, on the other hand, has a COSC-certified movement call the Calibre 4130, patented by Rolex. The 4130 features a Parachrom hairspring, offering greater resistance to shocks and to temperature variations.

Price

Although these two watches are almost similar in function and form, Omega still costs about half of the Rolex. In addition, most Omega watches receive a 30-35% discount off the retail price. However, with Rolex, the prices are mostly fixed with a very small or no discount. Buying a new Omega watch will cost you about $3000 while the cost of a new Rolex ranges from $6,000-$30,000. Diamonds and gold fetch even a higher price.

There are three factors which contribute to the present retail pricing as well as the future pricing of Rolex watches. One, Rolex has a policy of regularly and continuously increasing their retail price. Second, Rolex is very tyrannical when giving a discount and it will not give a discount of more than 10 percent. Lastly, Rolex controls the production in order to make sure that the supply of their watches is not more than the demand. Therefore, there is no need to reduce their prices yet they sell every watch they make.

Actually, the Rolex watch’s price featured in this blog is higher in outlets than on the Rolex website. The Cosmograph is in high demand and there may be a delay of to 18 months for this model.

Rolex also has a higher resale value than Omega watches.

Prestige

Omega is a well-respected and well-known watch both outside and within watch enthusiast circles. Their estimated brand recognition is about 70 percent worldwide. After all, Omega watches have been the official Timekeeper for the Olympics Games since 1932.

The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Chronograph has a unique place in the history of space exploration as the only piece of equipment used in all of NASA’s piloted space missions from Gemini to the current International Space Station program. When Buzz Aldrin stepped on the lunar surface in 1969, he was wearing a Speedmaster Professional, the chronograph that has been known as the Moonwatch ever since. Omega.com

Rolex, on the other hand, is known as the prestige standard on which other watch brands are measured. The marketing efforts of Rolex are unmatched, even people with little or no knowledge of watches know about Rolex and they associate it as being the best brand.

Rolex has the most comfortable bracelet that you will ever come across in watches and it has gained popularity among many people due to its high quality and durability. An amazing thing about Rolex watch is that you can wear it for over 40 years and still pass it down to another person with very little maintenance and it still runs fantastically.

In conclusion, both of these brands are great besides their minor differences, however, when choosing the best watch to buy, you should not be led by other people’s opinions, instead, you should buy what you like and suits your taste and personality.

A closer look at the Moonwatch and Daytona

Omega Moonwatch 311.30.42.30.01.006

Rolex Daytona 16500LN

Shopping for other variations

Check here for a list of watches available on Amazon.