Watch collectors have coined the term “Panda Watches” to describe chronograph watch faces with a white, silver, or cream-colored dial and three black dials that resemble a Panda on the front of the timepiece. This is due to the white face and black eyes and mouth of the furry, lovable creature, which are mirrored in the design of these watches. Collectors seek them out because of their unique design and exceptional features, making them the best panda watches on the market. The article contains a list of the best panda dial chronographs on the market.
The Best Panda Watches
The Paul Newman 1968 Daytona is probably the most well-known watch especially since it broke all records and fetched over $17 million at auction. Not bad for a manual winding and well-worn Rolex Daytona. Clearly, it is one of the rarest Panda timepieces on the planet, worn by Newman for years, and gifted to him with an inscription by Newman’s famous wife Joanne Woodward on the back: “Drive Carefully Me.”
However, the watch itself, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6239 is considered the “Holy Grail” of timepieces. It is ultra-rare and highly sought after – driving up both prices and the increased likelihood of fakes appearing.
The Daytona reference 6239 was launched in 1960 and took a while to become popular. However, the Daytona with its distinctive face is the hottest timepiece on the market today, fetching well and above its MSRP price – typically well over $30,000 for a new timepiece, and over a quarter-million if you are looking to own the reference 6239.
The Paul Newman dial became extremely popular for its Minutes subdial at the 3 o’clock position, hours subdial at the 6 o’clock position, and seconds at the 9 o’clock position. These early timepieces were not automatic and had to be wound by hand daily to keep time. It was powered by a caliber Valjoux 722-1 with 17 jewels and beats at 18,000 Hz. It has a 48-hour power reserve. The Daytona lettering appeared on the dial after Rolex started sponsoring the Daytona race in Daytona Beach, Florida, which is often considered the home of car racing.
1- The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Panda
The first watch on the list is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Panda, which has a ceramic bezel and a black and white subdial. This watch is highly sought after by watch enthusiasts due to its unique design and exceptional functionality. At Baselworld 2016, the Ceramic Cosmograph Daytona Ref 116500LN was clearly the most popular model introduced. There are several reasons why Rolex fans were drawn to this configuration. Because of its ceramic bezel insert and stainless steel combination, the Ceramic Cosmograph Daytona Ref 116500LN is without a doubt one of Rolex’s most popular models. Rolex’s in-house developed Cerachrom bezel insert is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, making it an ideal addition for those who wear their watch on a daily basis. Read more
2- AP Royal Oak Chrono Panda, 26331ST
First, let’s talk about the watch’s design. The Royal Oak Chrono Panda features a 41mm stainless steel case and a silver-toned dial. The dial has three subdials that show the chronograph function of the watch. The classic “panda” design is created by the black subdials and the main white dial, giving the watch a timeless and elegant appearance. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which adds to the watch’s durability. Read More
3- Tudor Black Bay Chrono Panda
The article “About the Tudor Black Bay Chrono M79360N” from Rubber B’s blog provides a detailed overview of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono M79360N, its features, and its history. The article includes information on the watch’s design, movement, materials, and durability, as well as its suitability for diving and other water activities. The article also explores the history and evolution of Tudor watches, providing context for the Black Bay Chrono’s place within the Tudor lineup. Overall, the article offers a comprehensive look at the Tudor Black Bay Chrono M79360N and its significance within the world of luxury watches.
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Black with Red Strap for Tudor Black Bay 41mm$250.00
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Black with Blue Strap for Tudor Black Bay 41mm$250.00
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Black with White Strap for Tudor Black Bay 41mm$250.00
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Black with Sahara Tan Strap for Tudor Black Bay 41mm$250.00
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Green Strap for Tudor Black Bay 41mm – VulChromatic$250.00
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Brown Strap for Tudor Black Bay 41mm – VulChromatic$250.00
4- The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Panda
For more than a half-century, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts. Among the many Speedmaster variations, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Panda stands out for its timeless elegance and classic style. The Panda, with its striking black and white dial, has become a favorite among collectors and Speedmaster fans alike. In this article, we’ll look at the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Panda in greater detail, delving into its history, features, and enduring appeal.
The Best Panda Watches Honorable Mention
Another watch on the list is the Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 18 Panda, which has a white dial with black sub-dials and a vintage design that appeals to watch collectors. The watch is powered by the Tag Heuer Calibre 18 automatic movement, and its case is made of polished stainless steel.
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The A.Lange & Söhne Reference: 405.035 is a reverse Panda design. Rather than having black eyes, it would have a black face and white eyes. A power reserve indicator replaces the mouth. The simplicity of this design is deceiving. It is made from pure Platinum and the dial is crafted from solid silver with solid-gold appliques and hour markers.
The craftsmanship of this timepiece is visible from its underside viewing area. Powered by a caliber L951.6, this Datograph Up/Down, introduced in 2012, does not disappoint. The pushers are simply added but it has a reset button added 10 o’clock position. The date aperture doesn’t need a magnifier because it is quite large and highly visible at the 12 o’clock position. At a price tag of over $106,000, this timepiece might be on the upper side of your chronograph budget.
Here is an homage timepiece that looks almost exactly like the Paul Newman Daytona. The Omega Anniversary Series Speedmaster “CK2998” Limited Edition 311.32.40.30.02.001 comes with a tachy scale that goes only to 240 mph, which harkens back to a slower time. The Speedmaster lettering in red comes very close to matching the style of the red Daytona lettering you would see on a Rolex.
The more sporty leather strap gives it a sophisticated look even though the creme dial and panda face look like the historical Rolex 6239. The original Omega CK 2998 was released in 1959. This historical replica timepiece includes a similar manual-winding caliber – the Omega 1861, with a power reserve of 48 hours. This timepiece was released in a limited quantity of only 2998 pieces. However, at a price of only $6500, this timepiece allows you to have the historical look with a new problem-free timepiece at a fraction of the price.
Panerai has a beautiful reverse Panda chronograph which was a special edition in 2003. This Radiomir Chrono split-seconds reference PAM00158 is made from pure platinum. It has a 42mm case and features a wire loop strap attachment system. This timepiece is made from only 185 parts with 20 jewels and has the Incabloc anti-shock system inside. Only 10 units were ever produced, making this a very unique Panerai timepiece.
Although Breitling does have a more traditional Panda with a white face, this Ice Blue dial with black Panda eyes is so eye-catching that it is hard to resist. The Chronomat B01 42 Reference PB0134101C1S1 mixes both stainless steel and platinum in a sizable 42 mm case. It is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 with a 70-hour power reserve and 47 jewels. It has 660 feet of water resistance and comes with a water-resistant rubber band. This model was developed in 1983 and is based on the Frecce Tricolori chronograph which collaborated with the famous Italian aerial squadron.
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A384 Reference 03.A384.400/21.M384 is a true Panda watch. It uses the high-frequency El Primero movement beating at a speedy 36,000 mph, and a power reserve of 50 hours. It has 278 components. The case size is a smallish 37 mm which is closer to the standard size of timepieces of the 1960s. Priced at only $8400, it gets you a true Panda Chrono with a date aperture at the 4.5 o’clock position.
All of these watches feature a panda dial, making them one-of-a-kind and highly sought after by collectors. They are also powered by exceptional movements and have exceptional features, making them among the best panda watches available.
No matter what timepiece you own, Rubber B has a perfect band that can complement its design, coloring, and style. Rubber B has an extensive selection of Swiss-made vulcanized rubber straps for chronographs from almost any brand. Rubber B custom designs straps to fit specific timepieces with tight integration. They also have unique bands that fit universally nearly all watch styles around. For more information visit our website at Rubberb.com and select the band style or the brand of timepiece you own.