Newbie question on Daytona configuration

[kbedsted]

Hello all,

I’m in the business of buying a Rolex and so went to the great Internets to learn about the pitfalls. That is where I came upon this great site, full of important knowledge.

I have homed in on the particular model and have decided for the Daytona 116509 white gold with a slate/grey dial.

According to Rolex and a couple of AD’s, Rolex only makes this particular model with a bracelet with white or black dial. You can get the grey/slate dial if you get the strap model.

Question: I’ve seen plenty of these from grey market dealers. How is that possible?
Question: Can you not custom order it from an AD with the grey dial?

Not saying I want to go AD, I’m more looking for education.

Thanks,
Kenneth

[77T]

Welcome to the forum Kenneth. You have settled on a great watch. But the AD is right about ordering from Rolex.

You will see some with bracelets because the owner switched out the116519's strap (expensive).

Or they took a 116509 and changed the dial (cheaper option).

Here's a catalog pic of the reference/dial combo's you discussed.

[kbedsted]

Thanks, that make sense.

So for instance:

http://philippeswatches.com/index.ph...al-116509.html

Is not factory configured, but the seller modified the configuration to this particular look. Interesting that it is selling at same price as normal factory configured watches.

[LittlePud]

Originally Posted by 77T

You will see some with bracelets because the owner switched out the116519's strap (expensive).

I was always under the impression that a bracelet wouldn't fit on a "strap" Daytona because the spring bars, end links, and lugs were different?

[PerioBear]

The good news is that the SF Tourneau Rolex store has the watch you seek. I just saw it this past Sunday. A WG Daytona on bracelet with slate dial. This is a brand new but obviously old stock reference. The bad news is that Tourneau no longer discounts.