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Best Pepsi Watches from affordable to luxury

20 Best Pepsi Watches You Can Buy (From Affordable To Luxury)

Posted on July 20, 2023July 25, 2023 by Andras Cseh

The unique appeal of Pepsi timepieces helps them stand out from the sea of other watches on the market. These watches have come to be associated with style, elegance, and a dash of vintage flare because of their recognizable red and blue bezels, modeled by the unique colors of the Pepsi-Cola logo.

But these timepieces are more complex than first appears. They have a fascinating past closely related to aviation and oceanic exploration. This article serves as a guide to the world of Pepsi watches.

Whether you’re looking to start your collection with something special, want a cool statement piece, or are trying to make a good investment, a Pepsi watch is the way to go. However, if you’re unsure if they are for you, you’re guaranteed to find out by the end of this article.

A Brief Guide to Pepsi Watches

The history of Pepsi watches, which are distinguished by their recognizable red and blue bezels, dates back to the middle of the 20th century. “Pepsi” describes a color scheme resembling the iconic soft drink’s logo.

The Rolex GMT-Master, released in 1955 as a tool watch for pilots and foreign travelers, was the first timepiece to include a Pepsi bezel. Since then, the Pepsi bezel has come to be associated with all watches sporting a distinctive color scheme, making these timepieces one of the watch industry’s most well-liked fads.

Why Are They So Popular?

For a number of reasons, Pepsi watches are extremely well-liked among watch aficionados. The red and blue bezel design is aesthetic, arresting, and readily identifiable. It also makes a strong fashion statement when worn on the wrist. The color scheme embodies the spirit of travel and inspires a sense of exploration.

The Pepsi bezel has also evolved into a symbol of nostalgia and tradition. Watches with this recognizable bezel frequently have historical importance or ties to famous manufacturers like Rolex and Tudor. The rich history and tradition connected to these watches are what’s most appealing to enthusiasts.

Should You Buy a Pepsi Watch?

Pepsi watches are for unique people who are daring but not reckless. They are often diver’s watches and GMTs, perfect for travelers, athletes, and hobby divers. You might think they are exclusively for collectors, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Nowadays, Pepsi watches have become so popular that brands at every price point are participating in the trend. Ultimately, if you seek a statement timepiece, want a definite conversation starter, or want to make an investment, you are guaranteed to find a great match in the following list.

The Best Pepsi Watches

Orient Mako II Pepsi Bezel (ref. FAA02009D9)

The Mako II was originally introduced as an upgrade to the popular Mako line with several notable improvements. The Orient Caliber F6922 grants reliable and accurate timekeeping, all for 40 hours straight. Its stainless steel case measures 41.5mm in diameter, making it just about suitable for smaller-sized wrists too.

The iconic bezel rotates in one direction only, although it takes more effort than an average diving watch bezel. Being a diver’s watch, the Mako II’s water resistance will keep up with your occasional underwater adventures. The Orient Mako II Pepsi Bezel is a great entry point to the world of Pepsi watches.

Price: $150

Timex Q GMT (ref. TW2V38000VQ)

The vintage appeal doesn’t have to go without contemporary functionality. Timex, a renowned American watch brand with a rich history dating back to 1854, pays homage to vintage timepieces from the ’70s with the Q GMT’s retro-inspired design.

The watch has a 38mm polished and brushed stainless steel casing with the Pepsi bezel rotating in both directions. It’s a fully functional GMT, with the 4th hand being responsible for tracking a secondary timezone. The quartz movement isn’t a huge let-down considering the price point. This watch is really hard to hate for any true enthusiast. Its affordability and versatile design make it a popular choice overall.

Price: $229

Citizen Promaster (ref. NY0086-83L)

Designed for adventure seekers, the Citizen Promaster NY0086-83L is a tough and sporty Pepsi watch. This Promaster model draws inspiration from Citizen’s rich heritage in professional diving watches. It’s equipped with a water resistance of up to 200 meters (660 feet), leaving the door open for deeper-than-average aquatic adventures.

While you’re down in the deep, the unidirectional rotating bezel helps you not to overestimate your remaining oxygen supply. Using Citizen’s renowned Eco-Drive technology, the Promaster harnesses the energy of light to fuel its quartz movement. It’s an excellent choice for hobby divers looking to stay unique during their diving sessions.

Price: $250

Seiko SKX009

Radiating the love of enthusiasts, the Seiko SKX009 is an affordable favorite among Pepsi diver’s watches. Born from the rich heritage of Seiko, the SKX009 doesn’t fail the test of quality and reliability. The watch was originally introduced in the 1990s as part of Seiko’s popular Diver’s Watch series.

It’s now discontinued since 2019, and getting your hands on a used example holds a great challenge due to the increasing demand and limited supply. It features a rugged stainless steel case with a screw-down crown, and it’s powered by the trusty 7S26 automatic movement. It might just be me, but I haven’t seen anyone wearing it without a smile on their face… The Seiko SKX009 became an essential for lovers of Pepsi watches with its timeless style and great value.

Price: $495

Mathey-Tissot GMT Pepsi Bezel

As you’re conquering the world, you need a reliable and classy wrist companion that lives up to the image of the person wearing it. That’s what the Mathey-Tissot GMT is about. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet offer surprising durability with a small touch of sophistication.

The design is, of course, deeply rooted in the origins of all Pepsi watches; the Mathey-Tissot GMT borrows many elements of its charm from the Rolex GMT Master II. But I guess there aren’t many Swiss-made Pepsi bezel GMTs on the market for this price after all… The watch is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable option for a fair price.

Price: $450

Seiko Prospex “Turtle” SRP779K1

A touch of retro charm. The SRP779K1 pays homage to the iconic Seiko 6309 from the 1970s. Its adventure-suited stainless steel case features a unique hefty design referred to as the “Turtle” with a diameter of 45mm.

The watch is powered by Seiko’s reliable 4R36 automatic movement, which keeps accurate time throughout your diving adventures. The SRP779K1 keeps you stylish and unique up to water depths of 200m. The watch merges the spirit of the original diver’s watch with modern technology, resulting in a refreshing touch to horological heritage.

Price: $500

Citizen Promaster Marine Aqualand (ref. BN2038-01L)

A diving watch with a ton of features built for exploring the ocean below. The 46mm stainless steel case is attached to your wrist via a sturdy polyurethane strap. The watch features a depth sensor for accurate diving readings and great water resistance of 200 meters.

The watch is equipped with the Citizen Eco-Drive E168 movement, which uses the power of light to fuel itself. The Citizen Promaster Marine Aqualand is a fantastic option for serious divers looking to show off and impress sharks, octopi, and starfish.

Price: $650

Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT (ref. 103-1062)

A watch that blends elegance and toughness. Similarly to the Mathey-Tissot GMT, the Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT takes inspiration from the Rolex GMT-Master II. It’s powered by a Swiss-made automatic ETA movement in a 39mm stainless steel case.

The 300-meter water resistance coupled with the unidirectional rotating bezel suggests there is more to this watch than what meets the eye. It’s a great GMT that you can drag along to your aquatic adventures. Adventurous travelers might find this watch a perfect wrist companion for their journeys.

Price:$600

Lorier Hyperion Series II

A Pepsi watch with a modern twist that’s been largely influenced by historical designs. Lorier is famous for applying a modern touch to its vintage-inspired watches. Since entering the market in the Spring of 2018, Lorier has met critical acclaim in prestigious outlets for producing handsome, rugged, and affordable timepieces.

These watches are specifically designed to be versatile, romantic, and durable. The Hyperion Series II comes in a small case with a diameter of 39mm, has water resistance up to 200 meters, and it’s powered by the Swiss SW200-1 automatic movement. This watch might easily be an attractive option for watch enthusiasts because of its traditional design features and modern aesthetics.

Price: $800

Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT “Pepsi”

Vintage-inspired again, but this time it’s a British-made GMT. The 41mm watch has a Swiss Made Sellita SW330-1 automatic movement and a water resistance of 150 meters. The iconic bezel is made out of aluminum this time, with bidirectional rotation.

The LumiNova Grade X1 GL C1 ensures visibility of the dial and the hands, even in low-light conditions. The watch has a very competitive price among mechanical GMTs, making it a great option for someone who’s looking for a travel companion with great craftsmanship.

Price: $1,100

Raymond Weil Tango 300 GMT (ref. 8280-ST3-20001)

A stylish and sporty GMT powered by a Swiss automatic movement. It all started in 1976, in the middle of a watch industry crisis, when Mr. Raymond Weil decided to found his own company. Mr. Weil’s creations were immediately praised by watch enthusiasts – amateurs and connoisseurs alike.

The Tango 300 GMT is a 42mm travelers timepiece with water resistance up to 300 meters. The ETA 2893-2 automatic movement inside is known for its reliability and accuracy. The asking price of the Pepsi model is a bit higher than the standard GMT, but the added style is worth the extra.

Price: $1,800

Yema Superman 500 GMT Pepsi Bezel (ref. YGMT22B39-AMS1)

The Yema Superman 500 GMT Pepsi Bezel is a modern interpretation of Yema’s iconic Superman dive watch. It features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 13mm. The watch is powered by the Swiss Made Sellita SW330-1 automatic movement with a standard GMT function. It has a stunning water resistance of 500 meters.

The most unique part of this watch is Yema’s unique bezel-locking mechanism that adds security to the unidirectional rotating bezel. Although there are better value options at its price point, the Yema Superman 500 GMT offers fair value for the money, making it a viable option for frequent travelers.

Price: $1,500

Davosa Ternos Professional TT GMT Pepsi Bezel (ref. 161.571.06)

A Swiss-made watch developed for Aquaman. It has a blue dial, a rotating ceramic bezel, and a stainless steel case. It is perfectly suited for underwater activities, but professional diving is no problem either since it has an outstanding 500-meter water resistance.

It has a Swiss Made ETA 2893-2 automatic movement, and the Super-LumiNova BGW9 luminescent helps tell the time even in deep underwater conditions. Versatile functionality and a dash of elegance are combined in the Davosa Ternos Professional TT GMT.

Price: $1,600

Zodiac Sea Wolf GMT ‘Crystal’ Topper Edition (ref. ZO9408)

The Zodiac Sea Wolf GMT ‘Crystal’ Topper Edition is a limited-edition timepiece that pays homage to the iconic Sea Wolf model from the 1960s. It features a stainless steel case, a coveted ‘Crystal’ sunburst dial, and the iconic bi-color rotating bezel.

The watch has a truly unique design language, with the round dial being accentuated by the case shape. The Zodiac Sea Wolf GMT ‘Crystal’ Topper Edition captures the spirit of adventure and nostalgia, thus being a prized possession for watch collectors.

Price: $1,800

Monta Skyquest Black Gilt

This Swiss-made tool watch kills it with its unique design language. It has a stainless steel case, a ceramic bezel, and a black dial with gilt accents. There is a limited edition model with an opaline silver dial that looks like something from heaven… Its GMT feature makes the watch ideal for world conquerors, although the 150m water resistance won’t let you too far into the ocean. The watch is a great example of Swiss engineering and performance.

Price: $2,435

Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT (ref. DG3030B-SCJ-BK)

For professionals, the Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT is a reliable and high-functioning timepiece. When Standard Time was adopted in 1883, Webster Clay Ball was the first jeweler to use time signals, bringing accurate time to Cleveland. Today, BALL Watch is one of the most respected and established watch brands in the United States.

The Roadmaster Marine GMT is a 40mm travelers’ watch with many quirks and features. It has Ball’s ground-breaking Amortiser shock absorption mechanism for increased longevity, while its dial incorporates micro gas tubes for superior luminosity. The watch remains a favorite for its uniqueness, toughness, and style.

Price: $3,500

TAG Heuer Aquaracer GMT (ref. WAY201F.BA0927)

Look no further for a luxury sports watch designed for hobby swimmers and divers. This 43mm watch is powered by the outstandingly precise TAG Heuer Caliber 7 automatic movement and features a water resistance of 300 meters.

The Pepsi-colored GMT bezel on the Aquaracer rotates in one direction. As its name suggests, the watch is ideal for aquatic sports. Overall this GMT is a great choice for frequent travelers and athletes who want a touch of uniqueness.

Price: $3,900

Tudor Black Bay GMT Pepsi Bezel (ref. M79830RB-0001)

This chic and functional Pepsi watch blends contemporary design with historical appeal. It draws inspiration from Tudor’s rich diving heritage. It comes in a 41mm case, is powered by Tudor’s in-house Caliber MT5652 automatic movement, and has a water resistance of up to 200 meters.

This watch offers so tremendous value compared to its price, and it’s widely respected among watch enthusiasts. The Tudor Black Bay GMT is an outstanding example of the brand’s history.

Price: $4,620

The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M “Pyeongchang 2018” (ref. 522.32.44.21.03.001)

This timepiece is a limited-edition watch created to commemorate the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games. It features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43.5mm and a thickness of 16.04mm. With its outstanding water resistance of 600 meters, you can bring it to the Atlantic whale party and show it off.

The watch is powered by the Omega Co-Axial Caliber 8900 automatic movement, known for its precision and anti-magnetic properties. It’s a truly high-functioning watch for the price of one of the biggest brands in the history of watchmaking.

Price: $8,600

Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi (ref. 126710BLRO)

The avalanche starter. The original Pepsi watch. This is an iconic and highly coveted watch from Rolex. Powered by the Rolex Caliber 3285 automatic movement, offering exceptional accuracy among mechanical GMTs.

Crafted from Rolex’s signature 904L stainless steel, the case of the GMT-Master II Pepsi measures 40mm in diameter. The watch features the iconic Rolex Oyster bracelet, known for its great comfort. The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi represents the pinnacle of luxury travel watches. Demand for this watch keeps rising, and getting your hands on one is becoming very difficult.

Price: $10,900

Conclusion

Pepsi watches had a great impact on the watch industry. True watch enthusiasts will always turn their heads when they see the distinctive colorway on someone’s wrist. A Pepsi on your wrist is guaranteed to start a conversation with anyone who has a trained eye for watches. And the best part is that they are available for every budget.

Whether you’re a businessman trying to keep track of multiple timezones or a hobby diver wanting to show unique style to all the fish around you, there is a Pepsi watch for you. But most importantly, if you have a burning desire to make a statement, these watches are geared to your personality.

All about the Rolex Zenith Daytona Watches

All About Rolex Zenith Daytona Watches (And How to Spot Them)

Posted on July 7, 2023July 26, 2023 by Andras Cseh

Some models rise above the rest in the horological world to achieve iconic status. Born from an unlikely collaboration between Rolex and Zenith, the Zenith-powered Daytona 165xx series is a legendary branch in the Daytona family that marked a significant evolution in the model’s history.

Its commercial success is partly due to its development into a “brand within a brand”. Dedicated Daytona collectors often set themselves apart from the broader group of Rolex enthusiasts. A ridiculous example of this phenomenon was demonstrated by the record-setting sale of Paul Newman’s own Rolex Daytona to an anonymous bidder for over $17 million.

But that watch was from the first generation of Daytonas. Soon after, the brand was completely reformed by the Zenith-powered second generation, which brought many significant upgrades besides its movement. The rarity of the short production run and the iconic characteristics described within this article made the Rolex Zenith Daytona the ultimate racing icon.

About the Rolex Zenith Daytona

This particular model marks a significant turning point in the history of the Daytona series. It marks the first Rolex Daytona model that featured an automatic movement instead of the original hand-winding one. And this movement was the famous Zenith El-Primero movement.

This caliber wasn’t made in-house by Rolex; however, it had heavy modifications that distinguished it from the original construction. Over the Zenith Daytona’s limited production run, a stainless steel, an 18k yellow gold version, and a combination of both were also featured.

History of the Rolex Zenith Daytona

Rolex’s Daytona collection, named after the famous Daytona Beach raceway in Florida, was launched in 1963. It quickly gained acclaim for its precision and reliability in motorsport timing.

The first generation of Rolex’s racing line had a hand-winding mechanical movement when it was manufactured until one day, in 1988, the brand released the very first automatic Daytona. It was powered by a modified Zenith El-Primero movement.

Rolex drastically altered the original high-beat El Primero, reducing its frequency from 36,000 vibrations per hour to a more standard 28,800. Together with some additional changes, this collaboration resulted in the Rolex Calibre 4030.

The watch created has started a new avalanche of desirability and popularity for the Daytona collection. The Zenith movements were only featured until 2000, at which point Rolex unveiled its in-house caliber 4130. New Daytona models from then on only featured the caliber 4130.

The Rolex Zenith Daytona Caliber 4030

The Zenith “El Primero” movement was known for its high-beat frequency, date function, and integrated automatic chronograph design. Then Rolex came along and chose to use this movement for the Daytona after making several changes to it:

Beat Rate

As mentioned earlier, Rolex reduced the frequency from 36,000 vibrations per hour to 28,800 vibrations per hour. Thus, they have managed to increase the longevity and reliability of the movement.

Date Function Removal

The Zenith El Primero movement originally included a date function. Rolex removed this feature to keep Daytona’s design clean and focused on the chronograph function.

Chronograph Modification

Rolex completely redesigned the chronograph mechanism. They aimed to increase the durability of the watch while simplifying the user experience with these changes.

The original El Primero used a lateral clutch engagement system for the chronograph function (Imagine two gears sitting side by side on a table. When you want to engage the chronograph, you push one gear into the other, meshing their teeth together. This starts the chronograph mechanism).

In contrast, Rolex modified it to a vertical clutch system (imagine stacking those two gears one on top of the other, so when you engage the chronograph, you’re pressing down the top gear onto the bottom one. This system generally allows for a smoother start without the jump seen in lateral clutches).

This change reduced wear on the mechanism when the chronograph was engaged for extended periods of time and improved its accuracy at the same time.

Balance and Hairspring

Rolex replaced the Zenith’s balance wheel (the wheel that oscillates back and forth, it’s responsible for keeping time in the watch) and hairspring (makes the balance wheel swing back and forth at a consistent rate) with its own, featuring Microstella regulating nuts (adjustable weights on the balance wheel that Rolex uses to fine-tune the accuracy of the watch) and a Breguet overcoil (a specific design of the hairspring, that helps the balance wheel swing more consistently and improves the watch’s accuracy), respectively. This allowed for more accurate adjustments and better resistance to temperature variations and shocks.

Escapement

The escapement in a watch transfers energy to the timekeeping element (the balance wheel) and ensures the timepiece keeps time accurately. It’s the heart of the watch. It involves two main components: the escape wheel (toothed wheel driven by the watch’s mainspring) and the pallet fork (a lever with two jeweled ‘pallets’ that interact with the teeth of the escape wheel).

In the original Zenith El Primero movement, a ‘Swiss lever’ escapement was used. However, Rolex decided to replace this with their own in-house design, known as the ‘Chronergy’ escapement, when they adopted the El Primero movement for the Daytona. The Chronergy escapement is an improved version of the Swiss lever escapement with modifications to the escape wheel and pallet fork that increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Finishing and Decoration

When Rolex acquired the Zenith El Primero movements to use in their Daytona watches, they applied their unique aesthetic standards before putting them into production, such as Engraving, Polishing, and Gold Plating.

These modifications transformed the high-beat El Primero into the Caliber 4030, a movement that matched Rolex’s standards at the time. They’ve managed to improve the precision, reliability, and longevity of the movement before putting it onto the production line. It was these significant changes that helped elevate the Daytona’s status.

Caliber 4030 vs Caliber 4130: What Changes Did Rolex Make For Its In-House Movement?

The Caliber 4130 is the first movement entirely developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex, which replaced the Zenith-based Caliber 4030. It features a longer power reserve of 72 hours. It also has a similar vertical clutch mechanism to its predecessor for the chronograph function.

However, the 4130 was the first Rolex caliber to introduce the brand’s “Parachrom Bleu” hairspring (that was unaffected by magnetic fields and was much more shock-resistant).

Rolex Zenith Daytona Watch Models

Rolex Zenith Daytona 16520

The 16520 is the stainless steel Zenith Daytona. Its material provides a sporty aesthetic over the other two models. It launched with either a black or a white dial option. Later on, a silver dial and an exotic “Daytona Paul Newman” dial also became available. The bezel on this specific watch is made out of stainless steel with an engraved tachymeter scale.

Rolex Zenith Daytona 16523

The 16520 is a combination of the stainless steel and the yellow-gold Zenith Daytona. The case and bracelet have a two-tone design, with the central links of the bracelet in gold. It featured the exact same dial options as the 16520 stainless steel model. The bezel on this specific watch is made out of 18k yellow gold, with a similar engraved tachymeter scale.

Rolex Zenith Daytona 16528

The 16520 is the 18k yellow gold Zenith Daytona. Its material gives it a luxurious and prestigious appearance. It featured the exact same dial options as the other two models. The bezel on this specific watch is also made of 18k yellow gold.

What’s Different About the Rolex Zenith Daytona Dial?

Both the Caliber 4030 and the Caliber 4130 Daytona models have a trio of subsidiary dials. Although these dials are positioned in a similar way, they line up in different order at the 3, 6, and 9-hour mark.

The Caliber 4130 models have the running seconds dial at 6 o’clock, while the 12-hour counter at the 9 o’clock position. The Zenith Daytona models have it switched, meaning the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and the running seconds dial at the 9 o’clock position.

Both watches have their 30-minute counter at the 6 o’clock position. These subsidiary dials sit closer to each other on the Zenith-powered model, leaning more to the center compared to later models.

The Zenith Daytona also has a thinner set of luminated markers, making it harder to read in low-light conditions. Finally, the ref. 16520 stainless-steel version of the Zenith-powered Daytona uses a different color for its subdial rings on both the black and the white dial version.

How Difficult Is It to Get Your Hands on a Rolex Zenith Daytona?

This watch model has developed a significant following among collectors, and as it ages, interest in it only continues to grow. The Daytona, in general, is often described as a brand within a brand, with its own dedicated group of collectors.

The Zenith-powered Daytona is no exception, and it has appreciated steeply in value over time, especially when new versions of the Rolex Daytona are released. Introduced as the first self-winding chronograph from Rolex, it marked a significant leap in the brand’s technical prowess.

This watch model also has a reputation for being hard to get a hold of from authorized dealers. Because of this, obtaining one has always been something of a “dark art.”

In addition, the Zenith-powered Daytona has various significant variations in the dial and bezels, which makes it even more appealing to collectors. People who dedicate their lives to obtaining the most iconic watches will always appreciate unique details on a timepiece, such as the different versions of the Zenith Daytona from MK1 to MK5.

To conclude, it’s very difficult to get your hands on a Zenith-powered Rolex Daytona. As its market price keeps growing over time, your competition will not only consist of Rolex enthusiasts but big-money investors as well.

Conclusion

While the Zenith Daytonas are no longer in production, their influence on the horological world remains unchanged. Their legacy extends further than the mechanical watch industry. These timepieces managed to form a worldwide community of racing watch enthusiasts within the Rolex brand. As the watch is likely to keep appreciating in the future, investors and motorsport fans will retain constant competition to get their hands on one.