50th Anniversary Daytona 116506; Two Year Review

[HogwldFLTR]

It's almost two years to the day from when I traded an 18 watch collection for this piece. For the skeptics who only see this piece as comically pretentious it is clear they've no knowledge of watch collecting.

This is a great, durable, and under the radar watch. Clearly it's not a disposable low cost watch like most wear. Some of the attributes of Platinum as opposed to gold or stainelss steel are weight and durability through polishing. Platinum is amazingly dense and the feel on the wrist is like nothing else. It is heavier than almost any other watch made but wearing it, the weight surprisingly vanishes on the wrist in minutes.

After two years of wearing it in rotation with other watches in my collection, it has received its share of small scratches and light wear on the bracelet. The watch head itself has remained untouched to the naked eye. I had the bracelet touched up by the Authorized Dealer I obtained the watch from recently. I must say that there is no observable wear on the bracelet anymore. This is the nature of Platinum unlike other watch materials. The watch looks brand new. They are fully outhorized by Rolex to perform watch repairs and provide Rolex Authorized service cards.

Wearing the watch as a daily actually caused me some concern with respect to security. This concern was asuaged through insurance. At the time I took it out I chose to only insure it for what replacement cost in the secondary market was (coincidentally what I paid new for it). Since the secondary market pricing has increase, this year I will try to get it insured for 10K more or what the MSRP for the watch is.

Do I have any desire to trade the watch for other precious metal watches? The thought has crossed my mind and I actually investigated this due to the increasing value of the watch. The pricing on the secondary market has risen steeply in the last two years. It now sells for $20,000 more than for what I purchased mine. There is speculation about the 116506 being discontinued in the future. If so the value of the watch should significantly increase beyond what it already has. This is one of the reason I couldn't go though with a trade. It's stunning and once gone it would likely never again be obtainable for me.

OK, this is as honest a review as I can write. For the watch collectors reading this you'll likely already know much of what I've said. For those who are new to watch collecting recognize that for me and many other collectors this is one of the Rolex holy grails of watch collecting. As a footnote to the review, I wrote much of this as a review for Amazon, hence some of the framing. I hope those who are very experienced will let that go as they read. I must also add that this has proven to be the most accurate mechanical watch in my collection.

[PepsiBezel]

You posted a review for a platona on Amazon?That is amazing!!

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

You posted a review for a platona on Amazon?That is amazing!!

I figured they could use a dose of reality instead of all the snarky comments they usually get for this watch. Ask me if I care what the readers there think of me.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I figured they could use a dose of reality instead of all the snarky comments they usually get for this watch. Ask me if I care what the readers there think of me.

After your post I ventured over there, and some of the reviews were pretty ridiculous.

[arcampado]

Very nice and honest write up Lee! I had the pleasure of trying one of these on at my AD and it surely is a special watch in the metal. It sounds like you sacrificed quite a lot to get it, so I surely hope it stays with you for the long haul. Continue to wear it in good health!

[brandrea]

Glad to see you’re enjoying it

[Vipes]

Always find it interesting to hear collectors’ views on watches and watch collecting. I love platinum and agree with your assessment. It’s a very special watch.

[JSolution]

Definitely is a great watch and you’re right if discontinued it’s going to be stupidly expensive.

So did you actually trade 18 watches for 1 in one deal?

[Gerry62]

Awesome ....

seeing and admiring your Daytona, that ! Daytona is a pleasure, a joy.
Stunning the color of the dial, the harmony of shapes and proportions, it exudes prestige quality charm/glamor....
I share and thank you for your words and your feeling as an owner.
I would like to see many more photos, I would spend hours taking them,
thank you Lee for sharing your beautiful Daytona with us fans... passionate collectors

[kwingy]

Nice writeup - would be great if you could share the 18 watches you traded but all good if you don't.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

It's almost two years to the day from when I traded an 18 watch collection for this piece. For the skeptics who only see this piece as comically pretentious it is clear they've no knowledge of watch collecting.

This is a great, durable, and under the radar watch. Clearly it's not a disposable low cost watch like most wear. Some of the attributes of Platinum as opposed to gold or stainelss steel are weight and durability through polishing. Platinum is amazingly dense and the feel on the wrist is like nothing else. It is heavier than almost any other watch made but wearing it, the weight surprisingly vanishes on the wrist in minutes.

After two years of wearing it in rotation with other watches in my collection, it has received its share of small scratches and light wear on the bracelet. The watch head itself has remained untouched to the naked eye. I had the bracelet touched up by the Authorized Dealer I obtained the watch from recently. I must say that there is no observable wear on the bracelet anymore. This is the nature of Platinum unlike other watch materials. The watch looks brand new. They are fully outhorized by Rolex to perform watch repairs and provide Rolex Authorized service cards.

Wearing the watch as a daily actually caused me some concern with respect to security. This concern was asuaged through insurance. At the time I took it out I chose to only insure it for what replacement cost in the secondary market was (coincidentally what I paid new for it). Since the secondary market pricing has increase, this year I will try to get it insured for 10K more or what the MSRP for the watch is.

Do I have any desire to trade the watch for other precious metal watches? The thought has crossed my mind and I actually investigated this due to the increasing value of the watch. The pricing on the secondary market has risen steeply in the last two years. It now sells for $20,000 more than for what I purchased mine. There is speculation about the 116506 being discontinued in the future. If so the value of the watch should significantly increase beyond what it already has. This is one of the reason I couldn't go though with a trade. It's stunning and once gone it would likely never again be obtainable for me.

OK, this is as honest a review as I can write. For the watch collectors reading this you'll likely already know much of what I've said. For those who are new to watch collecting recognize that for me and many other collectors this is one of the Rolex holy grails of watch collecting. As a footnote to the review, I wrote much of this as a review for Amazon, hence some of the framing. I hope those who are very experienced will let that go as they read. I must also add that this has proven to be the most accurate mechanical watch in my collection.

Nice Lee! Now, where are the pictures of THE BEAST?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[rmlovett1]

Excellent write up Lee! I’d agree on all of it!

[Pw92676]

Enjoy it man.

I didn’t realize you traded 18 for this. Shows that quality over quantity can be very satisfying in the watch journey, something many of us struggle with at some point.

Out of curiosity, who did you buy this from on Amazon? If you don’t want to share, could you send a PM. Thanks.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Pw92676

Enjoy it man.

I didn’t realize you traded 18 for this. Shows that quality over quantity can be very satisfying in the watch journey, something many of us struggle with at some point.

Out of curiosity, who did you buy this from on Amazon? If you don’t want to share, could you send a PM. Thanks.

No I didn't buy it on Amazon. I bought it through my local AD with whom I did the trade. I was simply curious to see how they were priced on Amazon and took the opportunity to add a review.

Originally Posted by 1William

Interesting review and we each have our own outlook on what we like and how we like to wear it. I owned the Platinum Daytona with the Diamond Dial and while I felt it was nice, it was not as nice as I felt it should be for the money. I also did not like the brown bezel, if it had been black then it might have hung around a bit longer. I remember your other post where you asked about trading your Daytona for two other PM pieces and the responses where interesting. Each of us is different but I see the two PM as more wearable based on value. And while you may have a watch that is worth 20k more than when you paid for it, it's value is not actualized until you move it. We each go our own way and I am glad you are pleased with the watch.

It's never realized until it's sold; regardless I need to want what I'm getting more than what I'm letting go.

[1William]

Interesting review and we each have our own outlook on what we like and how we like to wear it. I owned the Platinum Daytona with the Diamond Dial and while I felt it was nice, it was not as nice as I felt it should be for the money. I also did not like the brown bezel, if it had been black then it might have hung around a bit longer. I remember your other post where you asked about trading your Daytona for two other PM pieces and the responses where interesting. Each of us is different but I see the two PM as more wearable based on value. And while you may have a watch that is worth 20k more than when you paid for it, it's value is not actualized until you move it. We each go our own way and I am glad you are pleased with the watch.

[Sim1]

Nice review.
It's one of my favorite Daytona too, together with the WG OF (that I wear more often).

(OT - I cannot link pics hosted on my FTP server anymore, anybody knows why?).

Here's the pic I was trying to post: CLICK!

[NYG1121]

It is the perfect watch to trade a collection towards. Robust, under the radar, platinum, and unique. Glad you are still enjoying it and hope you continue to do so for years to come!

[kans86]

Nice write up. I guessed not all of the 18 watches you traded for the Platona were Rolex. I always think platinum is the best material for watch and that alone makes a watch special, let alone a Daytona. I have a few Rolexes and don't wear my Platona often these days, but the heft and the iceblue dial always amaze me whenever I put it on.

[AJMarcus]

Sounds like you are enjoying your grail. Nice story and Nice write up. Pics?

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Nice Lee! Now, where are the pictures of THE BEAST?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Sounds like you are enjoying your grail. Nice story and Nice write up. Pics?

[MrMercedes]

Lee, I am so glad you kept your beautiful Platona!

[brucethemanlee]

That's awesome!!

[Robf52]

Awesome watch and very nice write-up. Continue to wear in good health.

[SS Oyster]

My absolute grail ... I had the chance recently to purchase new at Beverly Hills boutique, but alas I list my nerve and passed. It’s a LOT of money, but someday I will have one.

Below are really bad lighting pics of trying it on. Felt like $1M!






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[owl.]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

My absolute grail ... I had the chance recently to purchase new at Beverly Hills boutique, but alas I list my nerve and passed. It’s a LOT of money, but someday I will have one.

Below are really bad lighting pics of trying it on. Felt like $1M!






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I tried one on at an AD on Rodeo Drive or close it, a few years ago

Loved the colors, specially the brown

[Setarip]

Enjoyed reading your post Lee - thank you for taking the time to write it up and share here. And thanks for all of the great pics!

Especially interesting was your comment on the weight sort of disappearing on the wrist. This is how I felt with the DD40.

Hope you have many more years of enjoyment wearing this one.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by arcampado

Very nice and honest write up Lee! I had the pleasure of trying one of these on at my AD and it surely is a special watch in the metal. It sounds like you sacrificed quite a lot to get it, so I surely hope it stays with you for the long haul. Continue to wear it in good health!

I was to the point that having so many watches (I still own 20 with one added since I sold the collection) that it was driving me nuts. I needed a spreadsheet for them.

Originally Posted by brandrea

Glad to see you’re enjoying it

Originally Posted by Gerry62

Awesome ....

seeing and admiring your Daytona, that ! Daytona is a pleasure, a joy.
Stunning the color of the dial, the harmony of shapes and proportions, it exudes prestige quality charm/glamor....
I share and thank you for your words and your feeling as an owner.
I would like to see many more photos, I would spend hours taking them,
thank you Lee for sharing your beautiful Daytona with us fans... passionate collectors

Pictures posted!!!

Originally Posted by Vipes

Always find it interesting to hear collectors’ views on watches and watch collecting. I love platinum and agree with your assessment. It’s a very special watch.

Originally Posted by kwingy

Nice writeup - would be great if you could share the 18 watches you traded but all good if you don't.

There were Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and TAG. I don't have the spreadsheet currently as my main computer is out for repair. They ranged the gammit from 116500 and SkyD Blue to older Omegas. I also got a DateJust for my wife and a service for my Exp II 16570 out of the deal.

Originally Posted by JSolution

Definitely is a great watch and you’re right if discontinued it’s going to be stupidly expensive.

So did you actually trade 18 watches for 1 in one deal?

See above^^^

Originally Posted by Richris1

Excellent write up Lee! I’d agree on all of it!

Thanks, bud!!!

Originally Posted by Pw92676

Enjoy it man.

I didn’t realize you traded 18 for this. Shows that quality over quantity can be very satisfying in the watch journey, something many of us struggle with at some point.

Out of curiosity, who did you buy this from on Amazon? If you don’t want to share, could you send a PM. Thanks.

Trade and purchase was from Long's Jewelers in Burlington, MA. Easiest path for me.

Originally Posted by 1William

Interesting review and we each have our own outlook on what we like and how we like to wear it. I owned the Platinum Daytona with the Diamond Dial and while I felt it was nice, it was not as nice as I felt it should be for the money. I also did not like the brown bezel, if it had been black then it might have hung around a bit longer. I remember your other post where you asked about trading your Daytona for two other PM pieces and the responses where interesting. Each of us is different but I see the two PM as more wearable based on value. And while you may have a watch that is worth 20k more than when you paid for it, it's value is not actualized until you move it. We each go our own way and I am glad you are pleased with the watch.

Originally Posted by NYG1121

It is the perfect watch to trade a collection towards. Robust, under the radar, platinum, and unique. Glad you are still enjoying it and hope you continue to do so for years to come!

Originally Posted by kans86

Nice write up. I guessed not all of the 18 watches you traded for the Platona were Rolex. I always think platinum is the best material for watch and that alone makes a watch special, let alone a Daytona. I have a few Rolexes and don't wear my Platona often these days, but the heft and the iceblue dial always amaze me whenever I put it on.

See above as I at least listed the different brands involved.

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Sounds like you are enjoying your grail. Nice story and Nice write up. Pics?

Pics posted!!!!

Originally Posted by MrMercedes

Lee, I am so glad you kept your beautiful Platona!

Me too, at least for the moment!!

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

That's awesome!!

Originally Posted by Robf52

Awesome watch and very nice write-up. Continue to wear in good health.

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

My absolute grail ... I had the chance recently to purchase new at Beverly Hills boutique, but alas I list my nerve and passed. It’s a LOT of money, but someday I will have one.

Below are really bad lighting pics of trying it on. Felt like $1M!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

More like $75K.

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Fantastic watch Lee. A keeper for life. Glad you are enjoying the heck out of it. Thanks for the pics

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

After your post I ventured over there, and some of the reviews were pretty ridiculous.

Pretty pathetic, imho.

Originally Posted by kiddodoc

Great write up. Want to add this watch when I decide to consolidate.

It was time for me!!!

Originally Posted by sxdcfv

I have this, it's an amazing piece. I thought it would be a 'special occasion piece' and would mostly enjoy looking at it. But, it has. become my daily watch Mon-Fri. The weight is well balanced and feels solid. Love this piece.

Now I've got some more watches that I really like to wear so it's not so dominant as it was. Love wearing the Milgauss, Yacht-Master, and Slatetona in rotation as well as my GSs and Balls!!!

Originally Posted by subtona

Well done Lee.

Most impressive is the fact that you are enjoying regularly.

Thanks, bud!!!

Originally Posted by Deepseadog

I'd love to give one a go, even if only momentarily, just to get a sense of what nearly 300 grams of PT feels like on the wrist.

It's worth it; if you can get one at MSRP it might pay off as well!!

Originally Posted by rfs

Great watch and nice writeup, Lee!

Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by El Patron

I’m glad to hear it’s held up that well, I was worried how it would hold up over time. My gold watches have not aged that well, mostly because they are a softer I know, I wear mine about 2 days week in my current rotation, still looks like NIB, and yes, once it’s discontinued, I think it’s going to be a difficult to get anywhere near retail price. Get it while you can..nice write up Lee..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I do like the Pt material!!! The purchase was really simply gut based!!!

Originally Posted by maxwolf

Congrats!!!

Originally Posted by owl.

I tried one on at an AD on Rodeo Drive or close it, a few years ago

Loved the colors, specially the brown

The colors aren't for everyone. I love them too!!!

Originally Posted by Setarip

Enjoyed reading your post Lee - thank you for taking the time to write it up and share here. And thanks for all of the great pics!

Especially interesting was your comment on the weight sort of disappearing on the wrist. This is how I felt with the DD40.

Hope you have many more years of enjoyment wearing this one.

Much thanks!!! (And much thanks to all who read!!!)

[AJMarcus]

Fantastic watch Lee. A keeper for life. Glad you are enjoying the heck out of it. Thanks for the pics

[Kiddodoc]

Great write up. Want to add this watch when I decide to consolidate.

[sxdcfv]

I have this, it's an amazing piece. I thought it would be a 'special occasion piece' and would mostly enjoy looking at it. But, it has. become my daily watch Mon-Fri. The weight is well balanced and feels solid. Love this piece.