Crazy idea?

[Largoshark]

Lately I’ve been thinking about selling my black 116500 Daytona, and using the funds to purchase a VC 1921 36mm…this is a watch that has been on my mind for quite a while now (couple of years at least). The obvious drawback is that the Daytona is a great daily: can dress up or down, durable, water resistant. Meanwhile the VC is more delicate.

The main draw of the VC is, first and foremost, I love the design, pure and simple. The finish is levels above Rolex, and obviously VC as a brand is a whole different ball game. I also live in a major city where muggings/theft in particular has been a major problem. This wasn’t always the case - I used to go everywhere and do everything with my Rolex(es) without a second thought. But unfortunately things have gotten much worse lately. The Daytona is insured, but I am still often super self-conscious walking around with it strapped to my wrist. With the 1921 being pretty innocuous and unrecognizable with its leather strap and subtle design, I don’t think I’d have that problem. Also the Rolex is a 14k watch valued at 2-3x the price. The VC is a 30k watch, and who knows? May even be able to swing a slight discount.

I realize that this is the Rolex discussion thread, so responses may be biased. But would like to gauge just how crazy I am for considering this heh…Thanks all!

[Hemdog]

Yeah why not, life is short

[S7gpt]

prefer the Daytona but what ever makes you happy..

[huncho]

two totally different watches that i don't think can be compared. i personally wouldn't do the trade because i just don't see myself wearing any dress watches and i just think rolex provides much more value in terms of wearability. obviously grey market dollar value is a different story and might make sense there

[Doood]

The VC is a really cool watch, but I would keep the Daytona for a number of reasons, and would add the VC.

SoCal is hot and short sleeve weather most of the year and leather tends to get soggy. If I lived somewhere else, my collection would look different for sure.

[Turbo Racer]

From a safety perspective, 100%. LA has changed. From a style perspective that is purely subjective. I won’t comment on that. From a quality or finish perspective maybe vc? Rolex is pretty robust and utilitarian. I think I’d ask myself whether I would be happy with the dress watch all the time?

I personally would miss my Daytona.

[jb335]

I wouldn’t. Market is down for the 500 and may rebound within a year.


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[jjnd08]

I would make sure you try on the VC 1921 36.5mm first; the strap isn't wide (18mm), so it might not wear how you think. I recently debated hard and for several months about adding one, but decided against it. If you do decide to go for it, watch the preowned market; I've seen the 36.5mm selling for a pretty big discount.

I would keep the Daytona though, I think you would miss it, and it isn't easy to replace.

[amanbra]

I wouldn’t but I’m not you. If you prefer the VC then go for it. Like others have said life is short.

[Malum]

I always buy, use and wear anything I like and don’t care what others think. Do whatever you want to do .

[thekman]

I love the 1921 and have done a similar trade with my pepsi for a Lange 1. I don't think you would be crazy for doing this trade just make sure to see the watch in person first and try it on.

[beshannon]

If you can move up the horological scale I say do it.

I already have and will continue to do so

[BNA/LION]

I wouldn't. It's one of my very favorite watches. If you have the itch be careful because you may regret it. On the other hand you might be happier if you let it go. I don't envy your situation...

[goldboy]

Hard no.

The Daytona would be sorely missed and very difficult to buy again. Keep it and save for your next grail.

[karleone]

The Daytona is much more versatile and easy to wear! I wouldn’t do that trade. Depends as well if you have another Daytona in your collection and your other watches.

[Moka-Tiger]

I love and have a VC American 1921, the one with the quirky, twisted dial. I can understand why you are smitten by its beauty. I was for years until I finally bought one.

You didn't mention if the VC is WG or YG? WG looks like SS to most people, so might not stand out in LA, etc. Also, 36mm is small, so less noticeable than the 40mm. One thing, have you tried it on? I was lucky enough to try on both the 36 and the 40mm at the same time, and hands down I went for the 40mm. I prefer bigger watches, but the 36mm was just too petit for me. However, in terms of size, you are going from a 40mm to a 36mm. Will that suit you right?

As far as trading, that's a hard decision to make. I did some work to buy the VC outright, without trading anything. So I kept all my watches.

FYI, I traded a 116500LN white dial for a 116519LN WG and never regretted it, but it was a Daytona for a Daytona. The VC is a spectacular watch, indeed. It would be great if you could have both. Good luck in your decision.

[rgwarden]

Some of you will know better than me about how easy or not it is to get the VC but the thing i always return to is that it takes a phonecall to sell a Rolex and ages (particularly if you don’t go grey) to get one. So if i sold a Daytona - and if it had sentimental value it’s even more pertinent - I’d have to be comfortable knowing I’d likely never get another…

[faimag]

Nothing is crazy if it makes sense to you! The VC 1921 is spectacular and quite unique with the offset dial. The 116500 is a great watch also. I would also try to have both. VC is, of course, at a different level of quality and finish, but sometimes you still need to strap on the good old oyster and not think about it twice.

[Agamemnon]

I prefer the Daytona and if I were to change for a VC then I'd get an Overseas Chrono.
That VC 1921 doesn't exactly match but tastes are tastes and must be respected.

[gwozhog]

Only watch I would trade your Daytona for is the white one

[1William]

I have a large collection and prefer robust watches. The VC is beautiful and I have considered one over the years but can not bring myself to purchase one. Values, while adjusting, are still somewhat over where I would want to be and buying VC preowned, even with a warranty, would be a concern based on service times and possible costs. Try to sell the VC and the market narrows and values will not be that of a Rolex. While I admire the VC I would keep the Daytona, add something else fun on a strap that is somewhat less obvious and move on. The watch robbing in big cities will also pass at some point. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

OP, it sounds like you are trying to convince yourself and are looking here for validation. Personally I wouldn’t make the trade, not yet anyway. If you have to ask here you’re not ready.

[garyk]

Nope. VC in general are very nice but apples and oranges comparison in many respects.

[alphadweller]

I'm not a huge fan of the tilted dial in the VC 1921 despite driving a lot, but if you love it then by all means, do it. Make the most of the Daytona resale value.

I own a VC myself (Patrimony 85180) and I love it. I remember selling a Speedmaster co-ax to help purchase the VC. The finish and attention to detail is on another level (Geneva seal).

[outdoors_guy]

If you like the VC and daytona is not / would not get wrist time, it makes sense to me. Is daytona to 1921 apples to oranges? Sure, unless you are trying to maintain a collection with certain types of watches in it (which admittedly many people do), who cares? If you are tired of eating apples and have decided you now like oranges, well…eat oranges

[HogwldFLTR]

I would not. Do what you like however.

[ap1]

You don’t sell a D5 for a non Rolex. Period. I do like that VC, sell other stuff for it

[Seddyspaghetti]

Not crazy. But no way in hell i’m doing that. Don’t care how “horological” that model is, it doesn't appeal to me over the 116500. 1921 is a beautiful piece but i’m not giving up a daytona for it.

[Jack T]

However a collection may turn over, I just don’t get rid of my Rolex’s.

[Largoshark]

Thanks for the input everyone! Some really excellent points which have definitely made me reflect. As beautiful as the the 1921 is, I do think I would miss the Daytona. It has served me very well over the past few years. I’m still going to give it more though, maybe try on the VC in person, but at this point I’m leaning heavily towards keeping the Rolex.