Perhaps the question should be changed to “Can you even ...”, but this is a good summary of the Daytona, nay Cosmograph and worth a look. It poses some interesting thoughts.
https://youtu.be/ACuaGhOCon4
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Perhaps the question should be changed to “Can you even ...”, but this is a good summary of the Daytona, nay Cosmograph and worth a look. It poses some interesting thoughts.
https://youtu.be/ACuaGhOCon4
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Originally Posted by CatalystGuy
What was the conclusion? Ended up not watching as it as (a) Watchfinder and (b) 13 minutes long!
Presume they would like you to buy one so they can keep making ludicrous mark ups on them!
It's a beautiful watch, IMHO, but the ceramic bezel has ruined the steel models for me. Also, unless you have very good eyesight, it's difficult to see the time.
The answer to this question will always be yes, even if you pay over the odds due to the shortage of stock, prices will always catch up, not that I feel a watch like this should be flipped
Yes. I've had 4 and would love to have any of those back, but with the way prices have gone I think that's a pipe dream.
I had a TT mark 1 floating dial Zenith full set, a TT mark 1 floating dial Zenith with the porcelain dial, a SS white dial Zenith and a Ceramic white dial.
Selling each one seemed sensible at the time. If only I had listened to Mick
The simple answer for me is a resounding yes!
It’s the watch I’ve always dreamt of, the watch that even as a teenager was something I aspired to and the watch that has kept me interested in the horological world, throughout that time. I’ve never owned one though. I chose a Speedy as my first ‘proper’ watch and became less obsessed as life became more about work and family. Now that I have more time and let’s be honest, more available cash to enjoy this hobby, I’ve missed the boat and fully expect my place on ‘the list’ to take me through to my dotage.There’s more chance of a precious metal one taking that slot in my ultimate collection. A first world problem, if ever there was one!
As for the Watchfinder video, well I enjoyed it. No real hard sell but a short and relatively sweet overview of the whole Daytona thing. Thanks for posting it.
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I wouldnt because I dont like them.
I had one and found it profoundly disappointing so flipped it within a week
They are kinda small and, as said, not the easiest dials to read on a glance; I bought one to tick the box but unlikely will have another.
Like you I had to try one, hardly wore it in two years, flogged it to a mate who did exactly the same thing.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
There are no watches that one SHOULD buy.
If you like the watch, the price and can afford it, you MAY buy it.
Personally, I like it ( with and without ceramic bezel)and contrary to the oft repeated complaints, unless one is challenged sight wise, it is easy to tell the time.
I am not sure what the video is about as don’t want to spend 13 min over it.
Yes if you are Rolex sports watch fan, if only to try, feels silky and refined vs the divers etc
Thanks for posting the video. I found a spare 13 minutes and watched it and enjoyed it.
Some interesting info included in there.
I’m not a Daytona expert but I had one of the pre-ceramic ones (bought off SC for less than RRP when such things were possible) back in ??2014 ish I think... and it felt like a girls watch; lasted a week and it went back (it was faulty anyway, so was going back for that reason, but I still thought it was a dainty, sparkly little trinket more suited to a ladies watch).
So, no, you don’t have to buy a Daytona!
That said, I do think the new ceramic one looks much more masculine and I’d like to see if it felt that way in the hand.
Had one, flipped it and wouldn’t go back. For me it joins the Aquanaut at the top of my list of most overrated watches.
Buy one if you like it but just don’t take it for certain that it will blow you away just because of the hype surrounding them.
Yes..
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Like any watch - if you like them, yes, else, no.
As others have said they are not to everyones taste - maybe appearing on the small size. Money wise: you probably won't lose money in the long run, most likely make some, if that is your reason for buying.
It’s Daytona week on utube another Vid posted this week.
Must be struggling to sell them.
https://youtu.be/pT4ebBVUitg
I would like a Zenith example.
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Interesting opinions on this thread. I guess if most were offered one at retail they would buy it.
I once tried on a ceramic daytona and loved it. It felt very different to the Rolex divers and in a good way. Felt comfortable and just sat really well on the wrist.
I would love to one day add one to the collection.
Think if buying a Daytona just now would look at buying a preowned gold on bracelet version , they appear much better value compared to the steel . And some of the dials are nicer
Couldn’t agree more; they just feel and look better ( as they should). A gold Daytona just feels nicer on the wrist. And often doesn’t cost much more than a steel ceramic. They’re presumably made to the same standard, but they somehow feel better built.
And with white gold you’l have a real ‘stealth’ version. Nothing too flashy.
Bought two , white dial bought in 2003 iirc, black dial bought a bit later , paid list which then was £3670 .
No sticker removal or guarantee withholding back in those days either.
I wear the white dial regularly, the black dial has never been worn.
Agree with they a hard to read dial but it’s a nice piece overall.
Yes, especially the Zenith.
I agree on the dial variety, personally I love the blue dial white gold version. But at c. £30k 'better value' is subjective I guess.
Well, you mention a very limited version, made over a short period ; when I got one they were just another Daytona, but then got mentioned by John Meyer, , and prices went wild.
I sold mine for less than 20k. Now I can’t afford one. But you can get gold versions for a lot less than that.
For example, ‘Enoch’ on SC has been offering an almost new WG/silver dial version for around £27K, when some steel ones are fetching 22k. And earlier gold ones are quite a bit cheaper.
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Last edited by paskinner; 10th October 2020 at 12:15.
Yup this is a crackerWell, you mention a very limited version, made over a short period ; when I got one they were just another Daytona, but then got mentioned by John Meyer, , and prices went wild.
I sold mine for less than 20k. Now I can’t afford one. But you can get gold versions for a lot less than that.
For example, ‘Enoch’ on SC has been offering an almost new WG/silver dial version for around £27K, when some steel ones are fetching 22k. And earlier gold ones are quite a bit cheaper.
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Got offered one of these last week from the Glasgow boutique and it is a lovely dial.Well, you mention a very limited version, made over a short period ; when I got one they were just another Daytona, but then got mentioned by John Meyer, , and prices went wild.
I sold mine for less than 20k. Now I can’t afford one. But you can get gold versions for a lot less than that.
For example, ‘Enoch’ on SC has been offering an almost new WG/silver dial version for around £27K, when some steel ones are fetching 22k. And earlier gold ones are quite a bit cheaper.
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The John Meyer connection obviously didn't do for the blue dial what it did for the green dial.
Spot on, why you'd buy a Stainless model at the same price or more than a Gold model is beyond me, especially given as you say how much nicer some of the dials are, white gold if you want to keep it low key.
Where are all these gold models which are same price or less than the steel? As I don't see any anywhere! Example, cheapest steel daytona I can see on WF right now is a 116520 at £17.3k. Or you an get a 116500 for £22.5k. Cheapest gold is YG is a 23 year old 16528 with no box or papers for £27.5k. Cheapest WG is £27k on Oysterflex or £31.6k on gold bracelet.
Of course WF prices are high, only quoting as a comparison of Gold vs. Steel.
Fair point, you're right, it's been a while since I looked but last time I did I saw used Gold Daytonas for 21-22k, I'm guessing they've all been bought up given the ludicrous price of the stainless models now.
Here's a Stainless and Gold though at the same price of £24,995.00
Stainless
https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Rolex/...b635a1&rank=21
Gold
https://www.watches.co.uk/rolex-cosm...saAjBNEALw_wcB
Last edited by Vanguard; 13th October 2020 at 12:06.
Still showing as current on the site? I had thought the Meyer craze was the yellow gold with green dial.
https://www.rolex.com/watches/cosmog...6509-0071.html
Wow, that was a very quick change of heart.
The 116610LN and 114060 models will be classics one day, last of the 40mm etc. However, the 116500 already is.
Maybe the title should be 'has anyone recently bought a steel Daytona' (but not at list price). There are examples here of people who have had theirs for years and were lucky enough to have bought them before the price rises of recent times, but has anyone recently bought one of these £20k upwards examples.
Clearly anyone who gets the call would be there in minutes, but it would be interesting to see if anyone has actually taken the plunge on one of the many examples offered by the top Grey dealers.
There is certainly no shortage of examples out there, just check Chrono 24 or any of the dealer websites and there are plenty of 16520 and 116520 available in both Black and White with prices starting in the high teens and drifting up to six figure sums for a Steel Mark 1 Zenith.
I personally wonder if these watches actually sell.
The size is both a strength and weakness. Yes, it’s slim and graceful on the wrist. But the result is a too small and over-crowded dial, crammed with three sub dials and too much writing. The complaints about lack of ‘readability’ never go away.
Contrast with the legibility of a Speedy. It’s a dramatic improvement. That’s why, purely for me, the Speedy is the better design. Not better made, or as rugged, just better designed for the job .
Last edited by paskinner; 13th October 2020 at 10:42.
Gold models have gone up, like most Rolex models. Crazy market. But it’s still an interesting comparison. We could pay £22000 for a ceramic, white dial. But ‘Enoch’ of this Parish was offering a few months old white gold Daytona for £28,000. So £6k extra for a virtually new gold model. Now compare with retail. The 116500 is more than twice retail. The gold Daytona is less than retail (about 31k).
You still get more for your money. A lot more. As I said, interesting.
What are people’s thoughts on the two tone 116503 or 16523 (with zenith movement?)
These still seem to be trading at just below list, not very loved it seems but I actually thought they’re better ‘value’ than a SS one
Here's a question for the 165xx and 1165xx owners. Is a service replacement bezel an issue?
I was reading an interesting article that suggested back in the day Rolex wouldn't polish the steel bezels on these watches for fear of removing the the black in the numbers, preferring to offer customers a brand new replacement bezel.
Now if we think Sub, SD, GMT, fat font, flat four, etc, etc, very few people would contemplate a service replacement insert, but is there any actual difference with these steel bezels between originals and service replacements? I will exclude the early 200 and 225 bezels on the Zenith Mark 1 and 2 from this as they are clearly different beasts.
Here's a second question, if the black in the numbers was worn, is there an easy way to put it back. A sort of DIY method for amateurs.
I have a 1655 Explorer11 and there is absolutely no trace of black in the numbers on the bezel at all. I wanted the bezel replaced with a nice new shiny one or to have a "paint job" on the bezel. The AD talked me out of it and his sidekick also waded in. A new bezel on a 40 year watch would devalue it, collectors and even normal owners prize originality over a new look. Secondly, there is no real durable way of filling in the black, it never looks right and the AD refused point blank to even attempt it.
Therefore today, my 1655 looks it's age and it does annoy me a bit but rightly or wrongly, if you own a vintage Rolex, you are sort of being blackmailed not to tart it up.
Strangely enough, a worn out looking 1655 Explorer sort of looks the part but a Daytona , I think, looks better all shiny and new.
Thanks Mick and I agree with everything you say. I suppose trying to replace the black would be a dark art and best left to experts who relume tritium hands and plots on dials and as you say once done would devalue the watch.
I would also agree that originality over a new look is important with many collectors preferring a worn or slightly faded insert over a new service replacement and in the case of the Daytona and the 1655 that includes rubbing or loss of the black (enamel I understand?) on the steel bezel.
Given Rolex love of changing things, I was just curious if anyone had had it done or were offered it and politely declined and back to the original question I suppose, are those bezels any different to the originals in fat font, thin font, serif kind of way.
To answer the original question... I think it depends how Rolex-centric your collection is. I think any Rolex collection needs a Daytona but there are many ( dare I say ) better watches for half the price of a steel/unobtanuim Daytona.
I'm old so was lucky to buy my white at list when they were £3650
( Ok so I bought a black dial for £11k too but that now seems like a bargain ) It's nuts really.
To answer the original question... I think it depends how Rolex-centric your collection is. I think any Rolex collection needs a Daytona but there are many ( dare I say ) better watches for half the price of a steel/unobtanuim Daytona.
I'm old so was lucky to buy my white at list when they were £3650
( Ok so I bought a black dial for £11k too but that now seems like a bargain ) It's nuts really.
Got my white faced at £3670 , my black dial cost ...£3670.
Both rrp at the time.
It’s a watch I want to like very much... but in any configuration, for whatever reason, I’m just not drawn to it. I could be tempted to buy to try but the premiums, to me, really hurt the value proposition, no matter how easily recovered. I just don’t think it’s worth the grey market price.
Then getting hold of one from an AD... it’s hard enough to keep liking submariners while that game goes on.
I’m happy to admire them on other people but I don’t think I’ll ever take the plunge.
Around 2005 I was buying them quite often from the ADs and selling them same day for 1k more I think I did this 6 times and no matter how much I wanted too have one it just wasn’t manly enough for me.... I still have a pre ceramic black the ex wife has a pre ceramic white and the new chick is wearing my rrp ceramic black..... I’m happy with my SD43 though.
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With Rolex it's always about the price, the return on investment, yadda yadda yadda. I'd get a Zenith De Luca. Cooler watch by far.
I was always underwhelmed by the steel Daytona - however I love my yellow gold/green dial Daytona.
Photos don’t do it justice- in the correct sunlight everything about it looks fantastic.
The way prices are going I think even paying over odds at a grey dealers wouldn’t be a decision you’d regret
down the line
screen capture open source
It isn’t in every case though , I’ve been offered a few in demand pieces over the years from my AD and turned them down as I didn’t like the watch.
I have never owned a Daytona, but my brother-in-law has a white dial example and I’ve tried it on several times. They are not for me. I found it too small and dainty, the dial seemed crowded and like a few others have mentioned, I did not find it all that easy to read.
Underwhelming.
Simon
The Daytona is a fine, nicely proportioned watch, with typical Rolex build quality and an excellent movement.
However, I have little desire to own one and no truck with the hype - whether the modern incarnation or over-priced vintage models.
As a chronograph, I prefer the Speedmaster Moonwatch (which I own) or the 38mm Zenith El Primero Chronomaster (which I probably will own).
Previous gen Daytona a modern classic and my choice, I prefer over any current lineup Rolex
The previous one to that (Zenith 16520 Daytona) looks even better.
Totally agree Mick, especially the white dial version.
Another advantage of the 16520 is that if you are patient and picky enough, you can have a choice between a brushed bracelet or one with PCLs. The main advantage is that the Zenith sub dials are spaced out better and are easier to read.
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