Omega Speedmaster Alternatives: Chronographs From 12 Other Top Brands
The Omega Speedmaster enjoys the rare status of being both a mainstream cultural icon, and also highly respected among hardcore collectors. There are countless variations of Omega Speedmaster models now, but the classic and reliable 42mm Omega Speedmaster Professional in particular is beloved by watch enthusiasts worldwide. There’s a reason “get a Speedmaster” is such a common recommendation for fledgling watch enthusiasts looking for a first proper luxury watch. But the world of luxury chronographs is vast, and maybe there’s an Omega Speedmaster alternative from another brand that might suit you better. We’re not talking about cheaper alternatives; for a cheap Speedmaster look you can always get a MoonSwatch, and for something in the $2,000 ballpark you can grab a Seiko SRQ035 and call it a day. But here we’ll show you a dozen truly worthy Omega Speedmaster alternatives that should give you a good picture of the chronograph landscape.
JLC Deep Sea Chronograph 42mm
Jaeger-LeCoultre is best known for classy dress watches like the Reverso, and is often called “the watchmaker’s watchmaker.” They’ve even supplied movements for famous top-tier brands like Audemars Piguet. And yet, their sports watches seem to be chronically underappreciated. The Deep Sea Chronograph ref. Q2068570, a sporty but classic-looking 42mm dive watch, is an underrated gem only produced from 2012-2018. There is also a 40.5mm Deep Sea Chronograph, but it’s an entirely different watch with a two-register layout, tan accents (“faux patina” as some would call it), and a fixed bezel.
The 42mm Deep Sea Chronograph has a dive bezel, and it’s powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 758. The most interesting aspect of this movement is its chronograph status indicator: the circle at the top of the dial is white when the chronograph is resting at 0, half-white/half-red while the chrono is running, and red when the chrono is stopped. For $10,000, you should be able to pick one of these up secondhand. Not a bad choice if you want a low-key Omega Speedmaster alternative with some horological flair.
JLC Deep Sea Chronograph 42mm Specs
| Model | Deep Sea Chronograph |
| Reference | Q2068570 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 14mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 758 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, chronograph running indicator |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Black leather strap with “tropic” pattern |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $10,000 |
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling is a brand widely known for their unapologetically masculine sports watches, like the Navitimer and Avenger, usually equipped with shiny steel bracelets or thick leather straps. They still offer plenty of watches like that, to be sure, but since Georges Kern became Breitling’s CEO in 2017, they’ve been making some outstanding watches on the classy/subtle side of the spectrum as well. The Premier B01 line is a perfect example of that.
Handwound Premier models are 40mm, while automatic ones are 42mm. Various colors are offered, but it’s hard to beat the discontinued panda dial on the B01 Chronograph 42.
Breitling Premier B01 42 Specs
| Model | Premier B01 Chronograph 42 |
| Reference | AB0118221G1P1 (Panda dial with brown strap, discontinued) (Various other dial/strap options also start with AB01) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.6mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | B01 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet or leather strap |
| Last MSRP (Mar. 2024) | $9,100 (Strap) $9,500 (Bracelet) |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $4,750 (Strap) $4,900 (Bracelet) |
Vacheron Constantin Overseas 5500V
In recent years, there has been much hubbub about the Rolex waiting list, and how hard it is to get a Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus, or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for retail price. The Overseas, the definitive sports watch from “the world’s oldest watch brand,” Vacheron Constantin, also quietly joined the “very hard to buy at retail” club in 2021-2022, but the market has backed off a bit.
The current Overseas Chronograph (ref. 5520V, released in 2024) sells well at its $35,600 list price. But the previous model (ref. 5500V, made from 2016-2023) is an appealing choice in the under-$30,000 ballpark now. Sure, it costs about 4x what an Omega Speedmaster costs, but if you’re looking for a luxury sports chrono of the highest order, a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chrono can easily be a one-watch collection. Older models (like ref. 49150) have a bit of a dated 2000’s TAG Heuer vibe, so I’d recommend sticking with 2016 and newer.
VC Overseas Chrono 5500V Specs
| Model | Overseas Chronograph |
| Reference | 5500V |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42.5mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.7mm |
| Water Resistance | 150m |
| Movement | Calibre 5200 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 52 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Integrated stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap |
| Last MSRP (2023) | $32,400 |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $28,000 (Strap) $29,500 (Bracelet) |
Parmigiani Tonda GT Chrono
For many watch enthusiasts, two things come to mind when you mention Parmigiani Fleurier: great-looking dials, and poor resale value. If you ever need to trade in a Parmigiani Fleurier, well, don’t expect to get anything close to MSRP. But, the positive side of that is that for buyers, there are some great secondhand values to be had from PF.
The Tonda GT Chronograph (formerly known as “Tondagraph GT”) should be attainable for $15,000–less than the price of an Omega Speedmaster Ed White. And it certainly has more horological intrigue: it features an annual calendar with a big date, not to mention an attractive textured guilloche dial. This model (PFC906) was only offered from 2020-2023. Although there are a sea of Tonda options available now, the PFC906 stands out to me. Although it’s on the pricey side for an Omega Speedmaster alternative, it still offers world-class dial and movement finishing for far less than any steel Patek Philippe.
PFC906-1020001-400181 Specs
| Model | Tonda GT Chronograph |
| Reference | PFC906-0000140-B00182 (Panda dial, bracelet) PFC906-0000140-X01482 (Panda dial, black strap) PFC906-1020002-400181 (White/maroon dial, maroon strap) PFC906-1020001-400181 (White/grey dial, grey strap) PFC906-0000210-B00182 (Black dial and strap) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.7mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | PF043 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, annual calendar with month and big date display |
| Bracelet/Strap | Steel bracelet or rubber strap |
| Last MSRP (2023) | $24,200 (Strap) $25,300 (Bracelet) |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $14,500 (Strap) $16,000 (Bracelet) |
Tudor Black Bay Chrono
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono first appeared in 2017 with a steel bezel and an all-black dial, along with a case almost 15mm thick. It was well-received, but the second-generation BB Chrono unveiled in 2021 really took off. Ref. 79360N, available with either panda or reverse-panda dials, features a black aluminum bezel insert and a more manageable 14.4mm case height. A special Black Bay Chrono Pink was announced in March 2024 as well.
The “Baytona” lineup, as some collectors call it, evokes Rolex Daytona vibes while maintaining its own aesthetic as well. The excellent Breitling B01-based movement has been modified by Tudor to count up to 45 minutes instead of 30. It’s a great-looking watch that’s hard not to mention in any discussion of under-$10,000 luxury chronographs.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono ref. 79360N Specs
| Model | Black Bay Chrono |
| Reference | 79360N |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.4mm |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Movement | MT5813 (Breitling B01 base, automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph minutes, chronograph seconds |
| Bracelet/Strap | Steel Oyster bracelet with faux rivets, fabric strap, or leather bund strap |
| MSRP (Mar. 2024) | $5,225 (Strap) $5,550 (Oyster bracelet) $5,675 (Jubilee bracelet, pink dial only) |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $4,150 (Panda or reverse panda dial) $18,000 (Pink dial, estimated) |
More on the Tudor Black Bay:
Tudor Black Bay 54 vs 58
Tudor Black Bay Collector’s Guide
Panerai PAM288
Panerai makes a lot of watches that look very similar. The vast majority of them have cushion cases, 42mm-47mm diameters, and black dials with large lumed numbers. But there are lots of small differences that collectors nerd out about. Personally I love the large, slanted tachymeter rehaut on the PAM 288 model.
It’s a no-nonsense two-register Radiomir Chronograph model with a 45mm case, made from 2007-2011. It’s everything I want from a Panerai. If you’re looking for an Omega Speedmaster alternative in the $5,000 ballpark, and you like large watches, a PAM 288 is worth considering.
Panerai PAM 288 Specs
| Model | Radiomir Chronograph |
| Reference | PAM0288 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 45mm |
| Case Thickness | 17mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | Panerai OP XII (ETA Valjoux 7753 base, automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
| Bracelet/Strap | Leather strap with tang buckle |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $5,000 |
Zenith Chronomaster Original 38mm
Zenith’s “El Primero” movement got its name for being the first automatic integrated chronograph movement in the world in 1969. “Integrated” in this context means it wasn’t just a regular movement with a chronograph module added on. Ever since then, Zenith has been known for their chronograph watches, and they’ve made their successful Chronomaster Sport and Chronomaster Original chronographs in many colorways. But to go head-to-head with a classic Speedmaster, it’s hard to beat the 38mm Chronomaster Original with a “reverse panda” dial, ref. 03.3200.3600/21.C903. The skeletonized rotor allows for a good look at the El Primero 3600 movement through the exhibition caseback.
The El Primero 3600 is notable for its chrono seconds hand that rotates around the dial every ten seconds, allowing for a clear reading of elapsed time down to the tenths of a second. It has two chapter rings, one that reads the seconds and one that reads the tenths. So the outer chapter ring is basically the same as the inner one but with a decimal in the middle. Seems a little redundant, but whatever, it looks cool! If you don’t mind some vintage-inspired tan accents (a.k.a. “fauxtina”), the 03.3200.3600/21.C903 is a worthy Omega Speedmaster alternative. (For a more in-depth guide to Zenith shopping, you can see my Zenith price guide.)
Zenith Chronomaster Original 38mm Reverse Panda Specs
| Model | Chronomaster Original |
| Reference | 03.3200.3600/21.C903 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 38mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.6mm |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Movement | El Primero 3600 (Automatic, 10 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph with 1/10th-second function |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Brown leather strap with tang buckle |
| MSRP (Mar. 2024) | $9,800 |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $6,500 |
Bulgari Octo Velocissimo 102116
This next watch is also powered by a Zenith El Primero movement. For something that makes a bit more of a “statement,” a Bulgari Octo Velocissimo might be an Omega Speedmaster alternative worth considering. The ultra-thin Bulgari Octo Finissimo line has stolen a bit of thunder from the normal-thickness Octo models. But, that means there are some great values to be had with secondhand Octo models like the now-discontinued Velocissimo. (For a deeper dive on Bulgari, see my Bulgari watch price guide.)
The integrated bracelet looks excellent, as does the unique Octo case. And the 13.1 case height is perfectly fine; not every Octo needs to be a Finissimo.
Bulgari Octo Velocissimo 102116 Specs
| Model | Octo Velocissimo |
| Reference | 102116 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.1mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | 328 Velocissimo (Zenith El Primero base, automatic, 10 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph |
| Bracelet/Strap | Integrated bracelet |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $7,000 |
IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph
IWC has caught some legitimate flak for selling ETA-based watches at bold prices, but they have some solid offerings with legitimate in-house movements as well. IWC first introduced the 89360 caliber in 2007, and it was “the first manufacture chronograph movement to be completely developed in Schaffhausen” according to IWC. It’s a flyback chronograph movement with an impressive 68-hour power reserve, and that’s what powers the discontinued Big Ingenieur ref. IW378401.
IWC makes a wide variety of perfectly pleasant dressy circular chronographs and pilot’s watches, but for a sporty Omega Speedmaster alternative, I think the Big Ingenieur’s angular case is worth a look. Its final MSRP was $13,900, but you should be able to grab a used one for half that.
IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph Specs
| Model | Big Ingenieur |
| Reference | IW378401 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 45.7mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.7mm |
| Water Resistance | 120m |
| Movement | IWC Calibre 89360 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, flyback chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Integrated gator or croc strap |
| Final MSRP | $13,900 |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $7,000 |
Franck Muller 7000 CC
This next watch is a more dressy Omega Speedmaster alternative, from the once-hot brand Franck Muller. These classy 7000 CC models mostly hail from the early 2000’s. Due to their conservative design language, and Franck Muller’s reputation for crazy colorful dials, these are sometimes called “pre-cocaine Franck Mullers.” They can easily be found for under $10,000, and they have well-finished movements with platinum rotors visible through display casebacks. Trusty Valjoux movements are used as a base, but they’re highly modified. Plus, these watches were designed in an era before “in-house movement” was even a buzzword.
Surprisingly, the Franck Muller USA website still lists a rose gold 7000 CC model with a 2024 MSRP of $26,400, although realistically its market value is probably 1/3 of that. (See my Franck Muller Collector’s Guide to learn more about the brand.)
| Model | Classic Round |
| Reference | 7000 CC |
| Case Material | Yellow gold, white gold, or stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 39mm |
| Case Thickness | 13m |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Movement | FM 7003 (Valjoux-based automatic, 8 beats per second, platinum rotor) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Strap with tang buckle |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $6,900 (Steel or yellow gold) $9,000 (White gold or rose gold) |
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms line is certainly in a price tier a notch above the standard Moonwatch. But because Blancpain’s value retention is typically pretty lackluster, on the secondhand market the price gap between a Speedy and a Fifty Fathoms isn’t so big. The Fifty Fathoms is a storied dive watch but there are chronograph variants, too. The Fifty Fathoms Bathyschape Chronographe Flyback is a good horological bang for the buck that can be had for under $10,000 pre-owned. You can get some pretty impressive entry-level Blancpain watches for great values, too.
Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback BL5200 1110 Specs
| Model | Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback |
| Reference | 5200 1110 71S (Bracelet) 5200 1110 B52A (Sailcloth strap) 5200 1110 NABA (NATO strap) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Diameter | 43mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.85mm |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Movement | Caliber F385 (Automatic, 10 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, flyback chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet, NATO strap, or sailcloth strap |
| MSRP (Mar. 2024) | $18,700 (Bracelet) $15,900 (Strap) |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $10,900 (Bracelet) $9,700 (Strap) |
TAG Heuer Monaco CBL2113
Omega Speedmaster references are tough to beat in the $4,000-$5,000 price range secondhand. One of the few equally iconic chronographs that can compete at that price point is the TAG Heuer Monaco. The Monaco, famously worn by actor Steve McQueen in the 1971 classic Le Mans, has been made in many colors and variants over the years, but it has always kept its square shape and 39mm diameter. Keeping with the reverse panda theme, ref. CBL2113 is an attractive colorway that should be available pre-owned for less than $5,000, either on a bracelet or on a gator strap. Its in-house movement has an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
TAG Heuer Monaco CBL2113 Specs
| Model | Monaco |
| Reference | CBL2113.BA0644 (Bracelet) CBL2113.FC6177 (Alligator strap) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Diameter | 39mm |
| Case Thickness | 15.21mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | Calibre HEUER02 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet or black alligator strap |
| MSRP (Mar. 2024) | $7,700 |
| Market Price (Mar. 2024) | $4,500 |
That wraps up our selection of Omega Speedmaster alternatives. Luxury watch buyers have a greater selection of chronographs to choose from than ever, and the Speedy remains one of the top options. But it’s always worth checking out what else is on the market!
More About Speedmasters:
5 Underrated Omega Speedmaster Models
Omega Speedmaster Professional: “Moonwatch in White”
What is the Price of an Omega Speedmaster?
The Omega Snoopy: A Collector’s Guide
