Chronographology: Panda Dials PT2

Part Uno was iconic Panda Dial watches, now Part Dos will introduce to you some of the more affordable and easier to find Panda Dials. While in Part Tres I will compile noteworthy Semi-Panda and Reverse Panda watches.

Starting a watch collection doesn't require you to turn over seven-digits a year. And since Panda Dial watches deserve a place in every serious collector's collection, here are some affordable and easy to find Panda Dial watches.

1. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph

Images via Steinhart.de

An obvious homage to the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, the Steinhart Ocean One Chronograph comes in two dial configurations so you can choose the style that you like best. An ETA 2824-2 movement ticks the watch and the Dubois Depraz DD 2020 chronograph module takes care of the chronograph complication. The use of a non-chrono movement with a piggyback chronograph is what makes the dial arrangement that is true to the Daytona possible. However, this makes for a very thick watch. Coming in at a staggering 18mm thick and 42mm diameter, it is no small watch, This is alot thicker than the original Daytona. 

Image via Steinhart.de

As can be seen, much of the thickness is due to the domed sapphire crystal that protrudes out a mm or two. The domed crystal arguable isn't need but since the watch is under Steinhart's Ocean One Vintage line of watches, it is there for that 'vintage' vibe. In my opinion, Steinhart should not put this watch under the Ocean One line as it is an homage of a race chronograph, drop the domed crystal and the 10ATM water resistance rating in order to slim it up. Even if it was slimmed down to 16mm in height it would make a huge difference for someone with smaller wrists or perhaps when wearing a dress shirt with cuffs. Nevertheless, this is one of the higher quality and better looking Daytona Paul Newman Homages out in the market today and you can expect to pay around $1200 including shipping straight from Steinhart's website.

2. Hamilton X-Patrol H76566351

Although not a true Panda Dial watch, this piece still deserves a shout out. Featuring the all reliable, trustworthy ETA 7750 chronograph movement along with day/date complication and a Pilot's slide rule on the inner bezel, this is an attractive everyday sporty watch from the American owned Swiss brand Hamilton.

Image via Hamilton

Expect to pay around $1000 give or take a few depending where you purchase it from. A place where you can buy this watch is walmart's website (yes walmart).

3. Seiko/Citizen Modern Pandas

Seiko/Citizen has produced a bunch of Panda Dial or Semi-Panda watches recently and although some of them don't truly carry the heritage of the racing chronographs mentioned in PT1 of this series, they nevertheless are 'close enough'.
Here are a few references that you can search for:

SBPY085
SSB003P1
SSC446
SSC569
AV0031-59A


There just aren't that many true Panda Dial watches floating around right now and in the affordable category. If you have a lower budget, your best bet is to scour eBay for vintage Seiko or Citizen pieces or save up for a more expensive Speedmaster Racing Panda Dial. I will continue to add to this list in order to help all of you achieve your quest of owning a Panda Dial timepiece!

Last Edited: 6/23/17