This Rolex Daytona Alternative Is A Fraction Of The Price And Nearly Identical

If you appreciate the look, feel, and quality of the timeless Rolex — and appreciate how this status symbol suggests that you meet income levels needed for a Rolex — you may still decide that it's out of the budget. After all, Watchfinder showed a pricing range of $17,390-$461,870 in November 2025 for preowned Rolex Daytona watches. Some people believe that Rolex deliberately limits the number of watches produced to drive up demand and the price that people are willing to pay. If so, the strategy is apparently working. The Rolex Daytona is so popular that CHRONO Hunter, in January 2025, reported on a minimum five-year wait to get one — or as long as 10 years or more. In fact, reporting stated that, if a person didn't already have a healthy record of spending on Rolex products, their wait time to get a new Daytona may be as long as ... forever. Thus, a robust second-hand market for Rolex Daytona watches exists.

If looking for another option, TAG Heuer Autavia's classic design may serve as a good alternative, with Watchfinder showing a price range of $2,400-$6,670 for preowned watches. Both watch brands and styles have roots in motor racing, with the Rolex Daytona's design gaining inspiration from the Cosmograph Daytona track, and Autavia sporting the design of a vehicle's dashboard. Fans of the Autavia appreciate its large size, readability, and durability — it's ideal if flying a plane, diving into the deep seas, or otherwise going on an adventure.

From 1962 through 1983, more than 80 varieties of the Autavia were crafted. First generation watches featured a screw-back case and the most streamlined design. In 1968-1969, the watch had square edges and a compressor case. Then, four varieties of a third generation of watch styles each had a C-shaped case. After that, no design changes occurred. If the TAG Heuer Autavia sounds appealing, and you don't mind having a used watch, then this may be a good alternative to the Rolex Daytona. If the desire is to have a new watch that's more affordable than the Daytona, then you may need to look elsewhere. Although the company has remained silent on the issue, fans of this watch are speculating that production is finished. Another cheaper alternative to the Rolex Daytona is the Baltic Tricompax. This French watch brand, first produced in 2016 with Swiss watchmaking and motor sports inspiration, released a new version in 2024, going green. Although Watchfinder doesn't share pricing for the Baltic Tricompax, Coveted does. In November 2025, they show a typical range as being between $1,594 and above $1,907.

If, after looking at the TAG Heuer Autavia and Baltic Tricompax, you realize that you really want a Rolex, the cheapest Rolex watch can be the Oysterdate 6694. At the high end of secondhand choices, Chrono24 shows a watch at $27,680 in November 2025, and pricing starts at $1,739 — a far cheaper alternative for the Rolex Daytona.