Five Of Our Favorite Day-Date Watches That Aren’t Rolex

The day-date feature is incredibly handy. You’ve got the time, the date, and the day – what else could you need?!

It’s also one of the best-value complications out there. Rolex is of course well-known for its take on the Day-Date, AKA the watch of presidents, but they famously only produce the watch in precious metal. That means there’s plenty of value to be had from companies like OMEGA, IWC, Tudor, and TAG Heuer.

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite day-date watches currently available on Crown & Caliber in this article, but don’t forget to check out our complete selection of day-date models right here.

OMEGA Speedmaster Day-Date Ref. 3220.50.00

The Speedmaster Day-Date is an odd ball. Built on the Speedmaster Reduced platform, this model adds in a triple-calendar complication to the mix. As a physical object, the watch is a bit funky at first glance, but it continues to amaze as you peer deeper and admire further. Knowing where the Speedmaster’s comfort zone is, the Day-Date is so far outside of that while feeling cohesive at the same time. Plus, you would be extremely hard pressed to find an automatic chronograph with a date feature, let alone a triple date, in a case that measures 40mm in diameter and doesn’t take over your whole wrist.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Ref. CV2A1R

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Chronograph Ref. IW3910-08

IWC’s very-first Portofino, the ref. 5251, was a very large watch due to its movement. It was powered by a pocket watch caliber, which IWC turned 90 degrees and equipped with a moon-phase display. It really was more of a pocketwatch retrofitted for the wrist, than a wristwatch through and through. The modern Portofino Chronograph ref. IW3910-08, however, is charming on the wrist, with its excellent use of negative space, nonexistent bezel, pump pushers, and day-date display at three o’clock. Best of all, IWC is able to fit the entire package into a 42mm polished stainless steel case. The attractive mesh bracelet is just the icing on this Italian cake. (Get it? Because Portofino? Ok, forget about it.)

Tudor Glamour Day-Date Ref. 56000

Tudor has remained in the shadow of big brother Rolex for decades, but that’s not true anymore. With the international success of its Black Bay collection in the 2010s, it shows the Swiss brand hasn’t forgotten its vintage roots. From the Submariner with the snowflake hand and the “Big Block” chronograph, Tudor has always separated itself from Rolex by being a bit more funky and adventurous compared to the largely conservative Crown. However, Tudor has never compromised its quality, and the watches – both vintage and contemporary – all look great in their own right. It’s what makes Tudor a great alternative to a more well-known Rolex model, and the Glamour Day-Date is the perfect example. It’s particularly appealing since the Day-Date models produced under Rolex are all cased in precious metals, which gives the watches a dressier quality. This Tudor version is in stainless steel and has a laid-back vibe perfect for a more casual affair.

TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. WAR201A-1

In one of its simpler forms, the modern Carrera has taken the form of a classic day-date watch, with a number of references to the original Carrera from 1963. Take, for example, the subtle stacked texture that reverberates out from the watch’s central axis. This detail alludes to the milling found on the totalizers of the original Carrera ref. 2447 N from 58 years ago. Just as legible as Jack Heuer intended, the non-chronograph Carrera has been adapted for today’s world with sensible proportions of 39mm, an automatic movement, 100 meters of water resistance, and a sapphire crystal double treated with anti-reflective material.

Explore our complete collection of day-date watches right here.