Daytona Dilemma

[derklink]

Happy Easter!

I've basically given up on getting a SS Daytona from an AD for a milestone birthday next year. The two ADs in town were pretty clear that Daytonas are "rewards" for their VIP customers, to which I don't belong. Nor do I want to buy six figures worth of PM pieces I don't really want and beg to be on the Daytona list with no guarantee of ever getting one.

I don't really see the Daytona prices drop anytime soon, rather the opposite. My preference would be 500C white dial, followed by 500C black dial, and 519LN whitegold on OF. I'm just not sure if I can bring myself to pay 10k over msrp for a SS Daytona. In comparison to a PM Daytona on OF, it seems like a "worse" deal, let alone the PM 5-digit models. I would be grateful to own any Daytona (except for two-tone ) but I also want to be "smart" about it.

It's a pickle. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this 1st world problem. Any words of wisdom?

Cheers!

[LooseCann0n]

If you can sleep at night, buy it (the one you want).




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[derklink]

Originally Posted by LooseCann0n

If you can sleep at night, buy it (the one you want).




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[RolyMoly]

Originally Posted by LooseCann0n

If you can sleep at night, buy it (the one you want).




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Agreed.


It depends on your viewpoint. If you’re a guy who’s going to flip watches every two years, it’s not worth buying over MSRP. But if you’re going to buy it and keep it for life? Who cares? It’s not really a money thing if you’re buying it because you love it and you’re gonna wear it for your whole life.

[johnjm]

Have you ever bought a Rolex from a specific AD? If so then place an order from them? That’s how I got mine.


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[derklink]

Originally Posted by johnjm

Have you ever bought a Rolex from a specific AD? If so then place an order from them? That’s how I got mine.


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Yes, but unfortunately not in the U.S.

[johnjm]

Originally Posted by derklink

Yes, but unfortunately not in the U.S.

They are all reluctant to order a watch that is in demand for someone who has not bought one from them before.

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[greentimgreen]

I must admit that I’m in the “just buy the one you want” camp, but that’s not always the right thing to do. I’d consider a 116520 SS which is a beautiful watch and arguably better value.


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[derklink]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

I must admit that I’m in the “just buy the one you want” camp, but that’s not always the right thing to do. I’d consider a 116520 SS which is a beautiful watch and arguably better value.


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I almost pulled the trigger on a black one Davidsw had for 17,8k but I wanted to sleep on it and next morning it was gone

[yOyOYoo]

I'm struggling with this Daytona dilemma myself and it's not an easy decision to make! I still can't decide between the 116500 white dial versus the 116519 White Gold on OF. I don't even consider what the MSRP of each watch is; the market has already decided what the value of each watch is.

My advice for you is to buy the watch that you want, if you can afford it. My problem is that I can't decide exactly which watch I want, may end up shooting for both! Good luck.

[derklink]

Originally Posted by yOyOYoo

I'm struggling with this Daytona dilemma myself and it's not an easy decision to make! I still can't decide between the 116500 white dial versus the 116519 White Gold on OF. I don't even consider what the MSRP of each watch is; the market has already decided what the value of each watch is.

My advice for you is to buy the watch that you want, if you can afford it. My problem is that I can't decide exactly which watch I want, may end up shooting for both! Good luck.

Tough one. Two quite different watches in my opinion. Both gorgeous pieces. If money matters, I'd go white dial first cause I think will only go up in value I believe.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by yOyOYoo

I'm struggling with this Daytona dilemma myself and it's not an easy decision to make! I still can't decide between the 116500 white dial versus the 116519 White Gold on OF. I don't even consider what the MSRP of each watch is; the market has already decided what the value of each watch is.

My advice for you is to buy the watch that you want, if you can afford it. My problem is that I can't decide exactly which watch I want, may end up shooting for both! Good luck.

This.

P.s. have owned both, only have the 519 OF now.


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[doboy007]

Originally Posted by derklink

Happy Easter!

I've basically given up on getting a SS Daytona from an AD for a milestone birthday next year. The two ADs in town were pretty clear that Daytonas are "rewards" for their VIP customers, to which I don't belong. Nor do I want to buy six figures worth of PM pieces I don't really want and beg to be on the Daytona list with no guarantee of ever getting one.

I don't really see the Daytona prices drop anytime soon, rather the opposite. My preference would be 500C white dial, followed by 500C black dial, and 519LN whitegold on OF. I'm just not sure if I can bring myself to pay 10k over msrp for a SS Daytona. In comparison to a PM Daytona on OF, it seems like a "worse" deal, let alone the PM 5-digit models. I would be grateful to own any Daytona (except for two-tone ) but I also want to be "smart" about it.

It's a pickle. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this 1st world problem. Any words of wisdom?

Cheers!

Just forget about the Daytona :)

[subprimero]

Buy the non-ceramic reference of your choice unless your collection is all ceramic. The 116520 was the best fit for my collection but I seriously considered PM.

[davidrcpo]

I also want the Daytona ss white dial and have been on the list for a long time. I refuse to pay more than msrp. Last year my ad offered to sell me the ss white dial if I also agreed to buy the platona. Since I had already purchased several pm pieces from my ad, I was surprised when they asked me to bundle the purchase. Unhappy, I did not speak to the ad for 8 months. Last week, I reconnected with the ad. We cleared the air and they sold me the 116518ln (Daytona oysterflex pm yellow gold with black sub dials) at a very generous price. The watch is on order and they said it would arrive in 4-6 weeks. They also agreed to give me priority for the next ss white dial that comes into the store. The ad owner restored our relationship. I hope they will follow through with the ss white dial if/when received. Good luck in your decision making.

[037]

If you're forced to spend more than MSRP on a stainless then get the 519 silver dial. Negotiate with cash or check and get 5-10% off. Enjoy it a while, then ask that same AD for a stainless Daytona. Rinse and repeat. If the stainless takes a while then you still have a great watch to enjoy, if not better.

[davidsuffolk]

For what its worth the AD in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk has a half gold and SS Daytona in the window at £13K

[cascavel]

Buy the black dial 116520 in as close to new condition with B/P as you're willing to spend and you'll have a discontinued SS model that has some price upside. For some reason this model has fallen between the cracks. At some point in the future you can trade it for a 116500 if you're still unhappy.

[greentimgreen]

Originally Posted by cascavel

Buy the black dial 116520 in as close to new condition with B/P as you're willing to spend and you'll have a discontinued SS model that has some price upside. For some reason this model has fallen between the cracks. At some point in the future you can trade it for a 116500 if you're still unhappy.

Sage advice. There’s also some fun to be had in trying to find the perfect pre-owned example (or maybe that’s just me!)


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[ppalasthira]

Paid over retail.

But totally worth it.


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[AK797]

I would get the OF as it is the value play and a great watch, but if the D500 is truly your grail then don't settle.

Buy the watch, not the price.

[fett1972]

I was lucky to be offered the 116500 when purchasing the 116519.

Obtaining the White dial 3 weeks after purchasing the WGOF imo the 519 is the watch I would spend the money on.

Even my wife who is not a Rolex fan adores the 519, it’s really stunning.

Saying that so is the 500

[The Argonaut]

Originally Posted by AK797

Buy the watch, not the price.

Solid piece of advice this. I know it's difficult to avoid thinking about the price, but if you are planning on keeping the watch, then just buy it grey.

[1William]

Either get good with the Grey market prices or move on. I have never wanted a watch that is that much over retail but I would have a long thought about it and if I still wanted it, I would get my best deal and buy it. I think a lot of members here turn it into the hunt and the deal when for me those are fun but it is really about the watch. I think people get hung up on pricing and future value. It is a consideration but the other is the joy this watch could bring you and the years of wear and ownership you can have. I say stop searching or possibly settling and go buy the watch you want. Wear it and be thankful. Good luck.

[TimeToWatch]

As others have suggested, get the 519. It’s a better watch at a better price.

[brandrea]

In your case, I’d buy gray. Since you’re considering the 519 OF, you might as well just pony up and buy the white 500 if that’s what you really want. They’re basically a similar price.

I’d try to put the dollar value aside and focus on what you want.

[FirstF80InSpace]

Get the WG OF Daytona. It's available if you do a bit of searching. And it will get you on the SS Daytona list. Once you get the WG Daytona, you may not want the SS version anymore. That's what happened to me when I got my 116519LN.

[DoctorA]

To most people the actual Daytona price is $20K+. If you accept that and factor in the difference (~$8K or so) and divided it by the years you plan to keep it for then it would come down to a few dollars a year difference from the “MSRP”
If it means that much to you and will bring you the joy then go for it! Life is short!


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[peterpl]

Get the 116519LN. Heaps better looking than the 500c and a heck of a lot more worth the price than paying $23k for a SS piece.

I've said it before and I'll say it again have you ever worn one for an extended period of time? Trust me it doesnt feel like a $20k let alone a $23k watch. I for one would feel utterly ripped off and it would take the enjoyment out of it knowing I paid $23k for a 500c. No way in hell!!

[JayHantz]

If you are going to go grey to get the SS, I second getting the 519 instead. Being a PM, the “panda” style dial, oysterflex, and under the radar look of white gold really make this one an amazing reference.