Updated
Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary vs Rolex Day-Date 36 "President"
Omega's chronograph meets Rolex's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary ($25,000+) and Rolex Day-Date 36 "President" ($25,000+) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary emphasizes Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre engineering while the Day-Date 36 "President" focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary | Rolex Day-Date 36 "President" |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 42mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 | Automatic Caliber 3055 |
| Caliber Type | Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre | Rolex In-House Automatic, COSC chronometer |
| Power Reserve | About 48 hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) when new; have a vintage piece pressure-tested |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops |
| Case Material | 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) | 18k yellow gold |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Omega's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary features a 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) case at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rolex Day-Date 36 "President" offers 18k yellow gold construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 vs Automatic Caliber 3055
The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary runs the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 (Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre, About 48 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Day-Date 36 "President" uses the Automatic Caliber 3055 (Rolex In-House Automatic, COSC chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
42mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 42mm, the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Day-Date 36 "President" at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM) when new; have a vintage piece pressure-tested.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary sits at $25,000+ and the Rolex Day-Date 36 "President" at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary uses Sapphire Crystal with About 48 hours, against Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Day-Date 36 "President". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM) when new; have a vintage piece pressure-tested
The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Day-Date 36 "President" handles 100m (10 ATM) when new; have a vintage piece pressure-tested. The Day-Date 36 "President" offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Omega
Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Choose the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary if you prioritize Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 with About 48 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Day-Date 36 "President"
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 36 "President" if you value Rolex In-House Automatic, COSC chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Automatic Caliber 3055 with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary and Rolex Day-Date 36 "President" represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Omega bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.