Sunday Morning Showdown: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Reverse Panda” Vs. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Le Mans”
It’s Sunday, which means it’s time to wake up with a nice cup of coffee and another Sunday Morning Showdown. This week, Mike and Jorg will go up against each other in a matchup that you could see coming a mile away. They picked two gold heavy hitters and natural rivals from Omega and Rolex. Jorg chose the Moonshine Gold Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Reverse Panda” that debuted earlier this week. Mike’s pick is the yellow gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Le Mans.” We have matched up the Speedy and the Daytona multiple times before, but which of these specific variants will claim the victory today? Let’s find out!
Both of this week’s contestants are luxurious gold versions of legendary stainless steel chronographs. They also both feature a reverse-panda dial, which gives them a similar presence. While that alone leads to debate among fans of both watches, we like to think there is more to it. But we will leave it up to Mike and Jorg to expand on that. Pricewise, the watches are also in the same ballpark. The list price of the Daytona was US$50,400 last year, and the new Speedy retails for US$49,300. We all know that the chances of getting the Daytona for its MSRP are slim, but it sets the stage for this matchup perfectly.
Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…
Before we let Mike and Jorg make their cases, let’s quickly look back at last week’s Sunday Morning Showdown. In that battle, Daan’s Certina DS Action Diver Titanium took an easy win over Thomas’s Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium. The Certina ended up with 67% of the votes, while the Baltic earned only 33%. That result was backed up by the comments, which showed a clear preference for the 38mm titanium version of the DS Action Diver. It seems this victory was already in the books from the get-go, but the margin surprised us somewhat. Let’s see if this week’s showdown will also yield a clear winner. Over to Mike and Jorg!
Jorg: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Reverse Panda”
Here we are again, Mike — another Speedmaster-versus-Daytona battle. Let’s see if I can repeat a win like last year’s battle between the black-dial steel Daytona and the Speedmaster 321 “Ed White.” However, I must admit that today’s battle feels different for me. While the stainless steel Daytona generally leaves me cold, with the gold Daytonas, it’s a very different story. As some of our readers might also know, one of my favorite watches of 2025 was the yellow gold Rolex Daytona with the turquoise dial. I adore that watch for all it is, despite it being far more extravagant than my usual preferences.
The Daytona “Le Mans” in yellow gold is another model that looks superb. While I don’t like it as much as the turquoise-dial version, it’s still among the best. Additionally, it is an interesting design exercise by the Rolex designers. Usually, a gold Daytona with a black ceramic bezel receives an Oysterflex bracelet instead of a full-gold Oyster. The “Le Mans” on the latter, though, looks pretty spectacular in that configuration. So why wouldn’t I opt for that watch instead of the new Moonshine Gold Moonwatch “Reverse Panda”?
The preference is in the details
The answer to that question is in the details. We all know some of the standard ones that make people pick the Moonwatch over the Daytona. Most notably, the impracticality of the Daytona’s screw-down pushers is always mentioned when discussing the two watches. I most definitely agree with this, even though I understand that those pushers have become one of the defining features of the modern Daytona.
I also used to dislike the visual “misalignment” of the center pinion and the pinions of the two chronograph counters to the left and the right of it. While I have nothing against the principle of the latter (my love for the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph and Datograph is proof), the execution made the dial of the Rolex look slightly off. But with the current-generation Daytona models, Rolex fixed that issue.
No, what makes me prefer the new Speedmaster is predominantly how Omega didn’t go overboard with visual references to the Moonwatch’s story. Both the Daytona and Speedmaster are long-established icons, and the brands rightfully use the history behind these watches in their marketing efforts. However, as I have stated in multiple articles on Fratello, I don’t want the watch itself to display those marketing tactics.
This Speedmaster is the better, more subtle storyteller than the Daytona “Le Mans”
You know where this is going by now. Sure, it’s a purist’s approach, but I don’t want any hint of that story on the front of the watch. And the Daytona falls for that trap in celebrating its connection to the famous 24 hours of Le Mans race. As most of you will know, the watch celebrates 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it does so subtly. However, it is there, marked with the red “100” on the bezel’s tachymeter scale. To many, it’s a nice and colorful little detail. To me, though, it still feels like marketing efforts on display.
I can already imagine people rushing to the comments section to mention the case back of the Speedy. Sure, you can just as easily say that the text “the first watch worn on the Moon” is a marketing effort, but you can also simply see it as a statement of fact. Additionally, it doesn’t affect the watch’s appearance on the wrist, and that’s my point. Sure, I understand that the Daytona’s red “100” is subtle and that, to many, that little hint of color makes the watch that much more special. But I will also happily admit that the story of the Moon landing also resonates with me much more than the Le Mans racing story.
What will make the difference in today’s battle?
Having said that, many people will not change their minds after reading this, Mike. As we both know, most readers will have formed their opinions upon seeing the pictures. It’s often that simple. However, I will also spend a few words on the Speedmaster rather than just criticizing the Daytona. At first glance, a reverse-panda version of the Speedy might feel like something you have seen before, especially on Fratello. That’s because the first Speedy Tuesday Limited Edition has such a dial. But when these new Speedmasters landed in the Fratello office, they didn’t feel like that at all.
The glossy black dials and ceramic bezel inserts give these watches a markedly different feel. This look impressed me on both the stainless steel and the Moonshine Gold versions. In particular, the combination of the glossy black dial and the gold indexes looks lovely.
Additionally, as Robert-Jan explained in his article, the depth of the new dial is instead striking. The construction consists of two plates, with the top one in polished black and featuring a varnished and lacquered finish to create a sheen. The second is the white base layer for the sub-dials, which also has a varnished and lacquered finish. With a total of 20 layers of lacquer, it’s nothing short of impressive.
Some final thoughts on the Speedmaster Moonwatch “Reverse Panda” in gold
I have tried on the Daytona “Le Mans,” and in all honesty, the new Moonshine Gold Speedmaster Moonwatch “Reverse Panda” spoke to me much more. It made me feel like it was a majestic, luxurious version of the Moonwatch, but the Daytona didn’t evoke the same emotion in me. That’s why I would pick the Speedmaster in this Sunday Morning Showdown. But let the people know why you would choose the Daytona, Mike.
Mike: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Le Mans”
My favorite punching bag, aka Jorg, is back in the ring with me in a very pricey shootout. I jest about Jorg being a pushover, though, because he’s brought some real hardware to the fight. Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch “Reverse Panda” is less than a week old, while my fighter, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Le Mans” was quietly released in April 2024. The battle isn’t exactly fair because the Rolex isn’t even listed on the website, while the Omega will likely be far easier to source. Oh well!
The Rolex is a smooth operator
As the owner of a gold Speedmaster Professional, I find it very hard to disparage this latest release. If anything, my complaint is about its price. Sure, the 3861 is a METAS-certified Master Chronometer, and there’s plenty of gold to feast your eyes upon within the case and bracelet. However, I think most people would be surprised that it only costs roughly €1,000 less than the Daytona “Le Mans.” That’s not a knock on Omega, but it’s probably fair to say that the general watch-buying populace sees the Omega as a slight underdog, so it should offer a bit more of a value proposition. After all, neither of these companies is setting its prices based strictly on gold values; there simply aren’t enough grams in either to justify the end price. No, this is about desirability, and while the Omega is lovely, the Rolex Daytona has the it factor. When it comes to the Le Mans edition, that sentiment is amplified due to its rarity and nearly universal recognition as a lust-worthy item.
That’s not to say that the Rolex is worthy of plaudits based solely on its name. I won’t kid you; I’ve rarely liked the Daytona outside of the stainless models. The rest feel garish and forgettable. With the Le Mans pieces, Rolex brought in a more straightforward look with the reverse-panda dial. If we think back to the pre-automatic days, these watches channel the look of the more tool-like Valjoux 72-based pieces. Frankly, I like that.
No slouch in the movement department
The Le Mans uses the brand’s 4132 chronometer-certified automatic movement. This differs from the normal Daytona by offering a 24-hour totalizer instead of the typical 12-hour one. A relative oddball in the lineup, it also features a display case back. That’s a nice feature because it shows that Rolex actually knows a thing or two about finishing. With a 72-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency, it’s arguably the more modern runner in this contest.
Lovely on the wrist
If I can pull off a 42mm Speedmaster, anyone can. They fit beautifully, and the updated bracelet brings world-class comfort. However, the Daytona comes in at a “Goldilocks” 40mm and is 1.4mm thinner than the Omega, at just 12.2mm overall. If I have to moan about anything, it’s the polished center links, but I suppose they’re expected on a full-gold model.
Time to vote
We’ve got a tough fight on our hands this weekend. This is Camaro versus Mustang, Ohio State versus Michigan, or the Yankees against the Red Sox. There’s no right or wrong answer. Yet, the watches are similar in appearance and price. Granted, one is all but impossible to source, while the other offers instant satisfaction and isn’t lacking in quality. Which are you choosing and why? Cast your vote, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
